How to Join
If you are interested in joining UNISON:
- Print out the application form (pdf) and complete it to join UNISON and pay subscriptions directly from your salary.
- Return it to 'UNISON Branch Secretary, Elizabeth Boulton, Library, University of Huddersfield.'
Why not get in touch and find out more? In the first instance, please speak to one of our workplace contacts or email unison@hud.ac.uk. You can also call 0845 355 0845, Textphone 0800 0967 968, for more information. Phones answered Mon. to Fri. 6am - midnight and Sat. 9am - 4pm. At other times, callers can leave a message and UNISONdirect will call back.
Downloads:
Information about the work of Stewards and Branch Officers (doc) can be downloaded here. If you or a colleague are interested in becoming more involved in UNISON, why not download a nomination form (pdf). This form is for nominating a steward, a branch officer or to volunteer as a workplace contact.
Why Join?
Most people join a union because they want protection at work - help with pay and conditions of service, legal or health and safety advice or representation in case things go wrong at work. That's what we're here for. UNISON negotiates on pay and working conditions at every level - local, regional and national. Read more about services that UNISON members have benefited from at the University - and have a look at the various discounts for members on offer.
UNISON membership also means:
- You earn more. Year on year, UNISON wins pay rises for its members. Average earnings are around 8 per cent higher in unionised workplaces.
- You're more likely to get equal pay. UNISON is campaigning to bring women's pay into line with men's. Workplaces with union recognition are 20 per cent more likely to have an equal opportunities policy.
- You get more holiday. UNISON has won increased leave for many of its members wherever they work.
- You get more and better training. UNISON provides courses to help you learn new skills, improve existing ones and develop your career. Since 1994 UNISON has won agreements with employers to pay for courses and provide time off for employees to attend them.
- You get more maternity leave or parental leave. If you belong to UNISON, your employer is more likely to have parental leave policies which are more generous than the statutory minimum.
- You're less likely to be injured at work. UNISON health and safety stewards are trained to minimise the risk of workplace injuries and ensure that employers meet their legal obligations.
- If you do get injured at work, you'll get better compensation. UNISON wins millions in legal compensation for people who are injured or become ill at work. Trade unions won £321 million for people who were injured or became ill at work in 2000.
- You're less likely to be discriminated against. UNISON campaigns for tougher laws to make it illegal to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, disability or sexual orientation. Black and Asian trade unionists earn 32 per cent more than non-unionised colleagues.
- You can help keep our public services public. UNISON campaigns against all forms of privatisation, including PFI and Foundation Hospitals. Where our members have been transferred to the private sector we have won them pay and employment protections.
- You're less likely to be sacked. Trade union members are only half as likely to be sacked as non members.
