Get involved

"UNISON South West speaks up for around 90,000 people who deliver services to the public across the South West.  Our members work hard and are committed to their jobs and the people they support in their communities.  Despite a hostile media, we know that pay and conditions across the sectors we cover are not generous and in these times of pay freezes, coupled with rising inflation, times are tough for our members.  The South West is one of the most beautiful parts of the country, but behind the holiday destinations there is a story of unaffordable housing – around 50% higher than the national average – poverty wages, and a lack of infrastructure such as public transport or local accessible services.

 

We aim to give a voice to the concerns of our members, to defend their jobs and fight for better working conditions but also to speak out on the social issues affecting them and their families.  UNISON prides itself on listening to members, their hopes and ambitions, as well as their concerns and fears, and making sure their views come first in everything we do.

  

To all our members – thank you for putting your faith in us, and remember that the more each member takes part in their union, the stronger we are, whether voting in elections, reading our newsletters or attending workplace meetings.  And to all of our stewards, representatives and branch officers – a very special thanks for the work that you do.  You make our union what it is today."

 

Joanne Kaye

 

Regional Secretary

Want to get involved?

Branch roles

As a UNISON member you're always part of your local UNISON branch. It's your main source of advice and support and the most important link between the union and members like yourself.

Workplace contacts

This is an ideal role for someone who is interested in becoming a steward or safety rep and wants to find out more about what's involved. Click here to find out more.

Stewards

A UNISON steward is an elected rep who helps organise, recruit and represent members in their workplace. Click here to find out more about this role.

Health and Safety reps

A UNISON health and safety rep helps to make sure that people's jobs and their workplaces do not cause injury or ill-health.

Voting

UNISON members elect their representatives at all levels of the union. It's essential that young members vote in these elections to make sure their voice is heard. Young members also have a seat on the NEC from 2005.

Want to meet new people, learn new skills and go places?

Be active in UNISON and you'll get a lot more out of your union. Getting involved means: Helping make a difference Getting together with work friends and colleagues and meeting new people Doing things you usually couldn't or wouldn't do alone New opportunities for education, training and personal development Helping yourself and improving your life at work, home and the wider world Having fun and doing something you enjoy

Different ways to get involved

Different people participate in different ways. Try getting involved in: A local, national or international campaign - go to Campaigns The work of the UNISON job group connected with your employment - go to At Work

Having an equal say

Different groups of members meet together under the UNISON umbrella. These groups: Ensure the union reflects particular experiences Enable members with common interests to come together on an equal basis to work on key issues affecting them.

Go to: Young members | Retired members | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender | Disabled Members | Women | Black Members