What is a UNISON representative?

The UNISON workplace representative is the most important link between the union and its members. Workplace representatives play a number of roles.

They are organisers who talk to, recruit and organise members around workplace issues, hold meetings, undertake surveys and help run ballots.

They give members information about union issues by publicising UNISON campaigns, distributing leaflets and keeping members informed about and involved in local negotiations.

They are the workplace representative in UNISON – an essential part of a large and powerful national organisation.

UNISON has four types of workplace representative.

A UNISON Steward is an elected representative whose role includes organising, recruiting and representing members.

A Health and Safety Representative has the right to training and to raise issues which affect the health and safety of members.

A Union Learning Representative helps promote learning in the branch and in their workplace such as raising awareness of lifelong learning issues.

An Equality Representative helps to make workplaces fairer by promoting respect and dignity at work. Equality is at the heart of everything UNISON does.

If you would like to get more involved in the union but aren’t sure you want to take on a full role yet, become a Workplace contacts.

Thinking about it?

* If I join today can you represent me straight away?

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click here to download PDF

How can I join UNISON? I need to speak to somebody about a problem at work, but I work different shifts to my UNISON rep and I can’t get to a phone during office hours.

I want to join UNISON but I don’t have access to email.

What should I do? You can phone UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857 and they will send you an application form. Lines are open Monday-Friday 6am-midnight and Saturdays 9am-4pm.

I work in the public sector but my job has been outsourced to a private company. Can I still join UNISON? Yes. Just join in the usual way – or if you are already a member, but your employer has changed, let us know by email or by phoning UNISONdirect on Text tel: 0800 0 857 857.

I’m worried that my employer won’t like me joining UNISON and I don’t want to make trouble for myself. It’s your legal right to join a trade union and your employer cannot legally prevent you from joining. Talk to your colleagues who are already members of UNISON – there is strength in numbers.

I’ve just moved house. How can I change my details on your system? You can update your details online here. You will need to have your membership number to hand. Alternatively, phone UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857. Lines are open Monday-Friday 6am-midnight and Saturdays 9am-4pm. I’ve lost my application form to join UNISON. How can I get hold of another one? Ask your UNISON steward, or phone UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857. Lines are open Monday-Friday 6am-midnight and Saturdays 9am-4pm. There isn’t a UNISON branch where I work, but I still want to join UNISON. What should I do? You can join UNISON in the usual way – and why not start a branch yourself? UNISON will provide you with information and support, and then you can start recruiting your colleagues.