By UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea
Ballot papers for the service group executive (SGE) elections should have arrived in your email inboxes. You’ll also receive a postal ballot paper to your home address very soon.
Now is the time to use your vote and choose who represents you on your service group executive committee.
The SGEs are made up of UNISON members who decide what campaigns to run on your pay, terms, conditions, and funding for public services. They can also take decisions on pay consultations, strike ballots, days of action and are responsible for protecting your interests at work. It’s not paid staff at UNISON headquarters who make these decisions, it’s members just like you.
For some SGEs, like health, the people you elect could be around the negotiating table with employers and government ministers, hammering out a pay deal. Their role is to work in partnership with activists and staff, to improve your working life.
It’s members doing similar jobs to you in your region, or working for similar sorts of employers, that are asking for your vote in this election. So, it’s important you consider it carefully and choose your rep to get the best from your union.
Check to see if your local UNISON branch has made a nomination. But it’s your decision, so don’t miss out on your chance to choose your voice in UNISON.
You can either vote using the ‘click here to vote’ link in the email from Civica Election Services or by returning your completed ballot paper that you’ll receive in the post soon.
Voting will remain open until 5pm on 17 May 2024.
But it’s best to vote early – it only takes a few minutes.
And remember: Who wins? You decide.
