Reps are the backbone of UNITE
It's through their hard work that we protect employees rights at work, campaign for better working practices and support those in need of help.
They're the bridge between employers and employees in workplaces and negotiate on important matters to make sure that everyone's voice is heard.
Members seeking election as accountable representatives of workers must have made at least thirteen weeks financial contributions and not be more than thirteen weeks in arrears (Rule 6).
If you think you have what it takes, contact the branch secretary by completing the form opposite
UNITE workplace reps are entitled to time off from their full-time positions to undertake their work and will receive lots of support and training from the Union.
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Understand the roles and rights of a workplace rep, and the basics of employment law.
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Understand the structures of Unite and how you can use this for support in the workplace.
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You will also understand how you and your members can best both implement and change union policy.
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Work with the Unite team to get your workplace organised and understand why this is the best way to get changes in the workplace.
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Run grievance or disciplinary cases on behalf of unite members.
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Run a local campaign around an issue important to you and other members in your workplace.
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Network with other Unite activists in your sector and region.
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Take an integral part in running national, political and global campaigns in your workplace.
THE RULE BOOK
RULE 18. WORKPLACE REPRESENTATION
18.1 At each workplace, the members employed at that workplace, shall elect from amongst themselves, at least every 3 years, 1 or more of the following representatives:
18.1.1 Shop stewards/workplace representatives
18.1.2 Safety representatives
18.1.3 Learning representatives
18.1.4 Equality representatives
18.1.5 Environment representatives
The election shall take place at a meeting held between 1st January and 31st March in each third year, and the elected candidates shall take office for three years.
Such workplace representatives as listed above shall be entitled to attend the triennial Regional Industrial Sector Conference.
18.2 The election of workplace representatives shall, where practicable, have a gender and ethnic balance at least reflecting the proportion of Black and Asian ethnic minority and women members which they represent.
Election to one representative role shall not preclude election to another such role within the same workplace.
18.3 The method of election shall be by such means as authorised by relevant guidance which shall be issued by the Executive Council from time to time.
18.4 On being elected for the first time in a particular role, each representative should within twelve months attend an appropriate union training course.
On re-election, representatives are expected to continue to attend appropriate training courses as provided by the union to ensure they can best represent members.
18.5 The Executive Council may group workplaces together for the purposes of representation where the number of members at each workplace is so small that representation and bargaining for the individual workplaces is not, in the opinion of the Executive Council, practicable.
18.6 The constituency of a workplace representative shall be the workplace from which they were elected, or such grouping of workplaces as was defined by the Executive Council under clause 5 of this rule.
18.7 Following election of a workplace representative the appropriate Regional Officer shall be informed of the election by the elected representative without delay.
The Regional Officer shall ensure that the Regional Industrial Sector Committee and the Union’s membership department are informed of the date of the election and the identity, constituency and contact details of the elected workplace representative.
18.8 The Executive Council may issue guidance on the powers and procedures of the Regional Industrial Sector Committee in relation to ratification of such election. .
The Regional Industrial Sector Committee shall ensure compliance with such procedures.
18.9 Shop stewards/workplace representatives shall receive the fullest support and protection from the union, which includes the provision of a Shop Stewards Handbook/Health and Safety Handbook/Branch Officers Handbook.
Officers should be able and willing to fully support shop stewards/workplace representatives facing victimisation/bullying/disciplinary action.
Officers should consistently support all shop stewards/workplace representatives and where appropriate be able to provide support in legal referrals to the Union’s solicitors.
Officers should ensure shop stewards/workplace representatives are updated within a reasonable time.
An immediate inquiry shall be undertaken by the appropriate regional industrial sector or regional committee into every case of dismissal of a shop steward with a view to preventing victimisation, either open or concealed.
If it is deemed necessary, a ballot for industrial action will be convened.
What does the role of a rep involve?
The role of a Unite Representative is an interesting and challenging one. You will learn more about how your organisation works at every level. Unite will provide you with the confidence, skills and knowledge to enable you to:
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Recruit new members into the Union, mapping your workplace
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Answer members’ queries
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Negotiate and consult with management at all levels
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Represent members in disciplinary situations
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Represent members in grievance situations
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Disseminate relevant information
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Give you and your colleagues a voice in the union and your Organisation’s decision-making processes
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Attend meetings to discuss workplace issues relevant to you and your colleagues
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Become involved in other areas such as health and safety, equalities and life long learning
Have I got the time to become a rep?
Where the Union has a recognition agreement, Unite reps receive paid time off to perform union activities and for training.
Will becoming a rep affect my career?
The simple and only answer is no. It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a trade union representative. Many local reps have gone on to use the skills they have gained as a rep to achieve promotions, become senior reps or gain employment within the trade union movement.
I wouldn’t know where to start....
Unite provides a comprehensive range of free training courses for reps and members.
You can also apply for a union bursary to help with your education and explore pathways to union linked further and higher education programmes.
The education department is committed to providing the very best service to reps and members based on the Unite three pillar strategy of: Organising, International Solidarity and Politics.
The roles and a brief outline of duties are set out below
There are a number of different representative roles within Unite, with the most common being the workplace rep. This rep may find themselves undertaking any of the tasks and duties of specialist reps, as well as the general duties of a regular workplace rep.
Convener
Provides leadership within a team of reps at the same workplace, often takes the chair or secretary position on a negotiating team for the joint unions within an organisation.
These roles are often taken by more experienced reps who can support other team members.
They will also take the lead in negotiations on local, regional or national terms and conditions.
Workplace Representative
This is the most rounded role, with the rep taking the lead on collective organising within the workplace and undertaking individual representation on a whole range of issues.
Health and Safety Representative
Trained on Health, Safety and Welfare legislation and regulations, and able to challenge the organisation where there are health and safety issues for staff.
They may also hold a position on a joint union and management health and safety committee for their organisation
Learning Representative
Support members with individual learning needs, and signpost them to learning opportunities – for their personal development within their work role or outside work.
These reps may take a position on a steering group around professional skills and knowledge, apprenticeships, or other learning and development, within the organisation, or work with the training department on partnership projects around learning in the workplace
Equality Representative
Takes the lead on promoting equality and diversity throughout the union and the workplace with the intention of eliminating unlawful discrimination in the recruitment of staff and their treatment as workers.