Organising collective action

Nothing is more important than winning new members and getting our members involved. It is a vital part of being a democratic and campaigning organisation.

Are you new to being a rep?


We know our reps and activists need support and information, help and advice - even more so if you're new to the role.

More on being a UNISON rep

  • Active members

     

    UNISON is only as strong as its membership: so getting members active within the union should be a priority.

    It's not just about 'signing up' members, but making sure the members we sign up take an active part in their union - organising as well as recruiting.

    Remember: recruiting a member is not the first and last face-to-face encounter, but the beginning of a developing relationship.

  • As strong as our members

     

    Organised workplaces with a high density of union membership mean that UNISON has much greater influence with local management and with employers.

    Organised workplaces give members a stronger sense of confidence and ability to change things, together with much higher chances of winning recognition in non-recognised workplaces.

    "Nobody asked me!" is the single biggest reason people give for not having joined a trade union.

  • Small group on demo. Credit: Chryssa Panoussiadou


UNISON guidance

  • Getting members active

    UNISON is only as strong as its membership: getting members active within the union should be a priority.

  • Campaigning on an issue

    Many branch activists are experienced in running campaigns on both local and national issues, but it's always useful to review our approach, so here are a few basic tips.

  • Organising events

    There's nothing worse than taking the time to organise an event, only to find that hardly anyone turns up. So here are a few things to consider that should help you.

  • Industrial action

    Taking industrial action is a big step for any union. And with a raft of legislation surrounding any form of industrial action, from ballots to picketing, great care is essential when taking action.

  • Recruitment

    One of the most vital jobs of a steward is to recruit new members. Organised workplaces with a high density of union membership mean that UNISON has much greater influence with local management and with employers.

  • Tools and guides

    There are a number of guides to help and inspire you with organising and recruiting around collective action.

Support for Swindon

UNISON members lobbied Swindon council as part of a campaign to defend facility time.

Read the full story

Defending careers in Birmingham

Birmingham members saw off the threat of redundancy to more than 100 Connexions staff in the city.

Read the full story

Young members on the street

More than 100 young members took to the streets of Leeds to campaign about the way young people are being hit by the government's austerity measures.

Read the full story