Branch Life

Become involved in UNISON. As a Branch we are always looking for members to become more involved in the running and organisation of the union. If you are interested there are three ways you can do this:

Become a Workplace Contact

This is an ideal role for somebody who is interested in becoming a steward or Health & Safety rep and wants to find out more about what is involved.
The main roles of a workplace contact are:

• To ensure members receive information about the union.
• Help groups of members to organise effectively.
• Supporting other activists such as stewards and Health & Safety reps.

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Become a Steward

A steward is an elected representative who helps organise, recruit and represent members in the workplace.
The main roles of a steward are:

• Talk to, recruit and organise members around workplace issues.
• Talk to members about workplace issues, advise them and keep them informed of latest developments.
• Represent members in sickness interviews, disciplinary cases and grievances.
• Be involved in the organisation and running of the branch.

You need to be elected to become a steward. First of all you must be nominated by two colleagues (who are members of UNISON).
This must be done in writing. Secondly, your nomination must then be ratified at the next Branch meeting. If you do become a steward then full training is provided by the T.U.C.

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Become a Health & Safety Rep.

Health & Safety reps help to make sure that your job and your workplace do not cause injury or ill health. The main roles of a Health & Safety rep are:

• Represent members over health & safety issues with managers, employers.
• Represent members in consultation with the Health & Safety Executive and other agencies.
• Carry out health & safety inspections in workplaces.
• Investigate any potential hazards, complaints by members and causes of accidents, dangerous occurrences and diseases.

To become a Health & Safety rep you need to be nominated by two colleagues (who are UNISON members). This nomination will then be ratified at he next Branch meeting.
Again full training is provided by the T.U.C.