UNISON is a large organisation, with offices and staff all across the UK. But what makes us a union is our 1.3 million members – ordinary working people who have come together because together, we are stronger; together, we're better able to protect our interests; together, we can make a difference.
So what can we do?
Help recruit new members. The more of us there are in UNISON, the louder our voice is and the stronger we are.
Are all your colleagues at work members of UNISON? Have you asked them? The reason most people give for not being in a union is "nobody asked me" – and when it comes to asking, the best people are the people they work alongside: in other words, you and your fellow UNISON members.
Find out more about helping us grow.
Get organised
Got a problem or issue at work? Does it affect more than just you? UNISON is there to help and support, but often the best people to tackle problems are the people who are directly affected: talk it over with your colleagues to identify the problem and a likely solution.
Help spread the word
- Talk to your friends and colleagues about UNISON, what we are and what we do.
- If you're on the internet – Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, message boards etc – don't be shy to mention your union.
- Does your workplace have a notice board? Are there UNISON posters and notices on it? Perhaps you could volunteer – maybe with other colleagues – to make sure there are and keep them up to date.
- Help organise events at your workplace or in your wider community.
- Maybe you can help your branch or local steward with communications, distributing newsletters, leaflets or other publications to workmates.
- All of these – and many others – are good ways of spreading the word not just about UNISON in general but about specific campaigns, whether they're directly work related or wider UNISON campaigns about defending public services or general campaigns about citizenship issues.
Take part
But perhaps the best way you can help make sure we have a strong and active union is by taking part:
- attend branch and workplace meetings when you can;
- make sure you have your say in elections and ballots;
- make sure you branch is properly represented in the wider union – in your region, your service group and at conferences.