About UNISON
Anyone can face problems at work sometimes but if you are a member of UNISON, you don't have to face them alone. We can provide advice or representation on things like pay, rotas, leave and sickness procedures. We are also there to help you make sure your workplace is healthy and safe, support you in case of disciplinary action, dismissals or redundancy. We are also there to support you throughout any grievance or sickness absence procedures.
Branches
Every member of UNISON belongs to a local branch which is made up of people working for the same employer or sometimes working for the company which is used by the main employer.
People like you
Your branch brings you together with other employees who face common issues in the workplace. Branches enable you to get support from the union, work with your colleagues and make your views felt in UNISON.
Workplace stewards and health and safety representatives are the core of the branch. Without them there would be no union to support you at work and negotiate for a better deal.
Branch life
Each branch is run by a committee which consists of members elected to take on different roles. It's people like your local UNISON equal pay rep and branch treasurer who build the union and work to win everyone a better deal.
Branches hold regular meetings, including an annual general meeting. This is how people get elected to the branch committee and other UNISON structures.
UNISON members are people working in the public services, for private contractors providing public services and the essential utilities. They include manual and white collar staff working full or part time in local authorities, the NHS, colleges and schools, the electricity, gas and water industries, transport and the voluntary sector.
Most people join a union because they want protection at work - help with pay and conditions of service, legal or health and safety advice or representation in case things go wrong at work. That's what we're here for. UNISON negotiates on pay and working conditions at every level - local, regional and national. But we also do a lot more. Being a UNISON member gives you a range of benefits and unbeatable deals.
Every member of UNISON belongs to a local branch which is made up of people working for the same employer. Local stewards are there to represent you at work and help find the answers to your problems. They are volunteers and play a vital role in recruiting new members and organising your branch. If you have a problem, talk to your local steward. If they can't handle the problem on their own, they can talk to other branch officers or full - time union experts on your behalf. Alternatively, contact us using our web form page.