Building the union
UNISON Eastern Region is proud of its organising capabilities, at a local and Regional level, in order to build up UNISON capacity and influence. Many of the issues that we organise are around workplace and/or community issues which can be either at a very local Branch, County or Regional level.
Organising initiatives are usually developed as a result of concerns being raised by our members and/or the local Branches. These range from organising around workplace bargaining, pay, terms and conditions, Health and Safety, Working Time Directive, equality, community concerns.......whatever the issue, if it's a legitimate concern for our members, then it's a legitimate concern for us!
Organising around members issues gives the opportunity to build the union, in order to maximise our strength and our ability to improve the working lives and the communities for our members.
These organising initiatives don't have to be complex or that complicated [though they can be if they need to be!] and range from;
- setting up a workplace meeting to discuss or find out members concerns and what they want to do about it
- developing communication materials such as posters, fliers, newsletters to get a message across about an issue[s]
- attending and getting actively involved in community campaigning on issues that affect our members
- lobbying MP's
- writing to the local press about an issue
- setting up an issue specific blog or social network site.........
.......these are just a few examples, all of which helps to build YOUR union. Of course one of the main advantages of organising is that more people come on board with the union and existing members stay with the union because they feel part of something that is worthwhile, not just for themselves, but for others too
The following pages will give you some idea of initiatives developed by members, local Branches and the Region in order to build YOUR union. UNISON's Code of Good Branch Practice 2008 lives up to its title and is a rich source of ideas for any member, or branch. It is being revised to take account of decisions at this year's Annual National Delegate Conference and will be available in January 2010.
Have you or your colleagues got a good organising initiative that you think we can organise around? Then contact your local Branch with your thoughts and see if something can be done to bring your intiative to life! There are many things you can also do to help build UNISON's effectiveness.
Contact us on unisoneastern@unison.co.uk
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Related Documents
- UNISON Code of Good Branch Practice (PDF, 525Kb)