Our aims and objectives

We are proud to be a member-led union. UNISON is answerable to all its members and every member has an equal voice. Our aims and objectives are based around the interests of all our members. 

UNISON key aims

• To be the biggest, boldest union.
• To be progressive, relevant and at pace with the world.
• To have a positive impact in our workplaces, in public services and in society.

Our activists are the lifeblood of our union. Without them, UNISON wouldn’t be able to function.

We uphold our values and objectives through the UNISON rulebook and our governance.  

UNISON objectives

The UNISON rulebook outlines the union’s aims and objectives, including:

• organising and representing people employed in providing services to the public whether in the public, private or voluntary sectors,
  improving pay and conditions;
• protecting the rights of members and ensuring they are treated with equality;
• promoting trade unionism; and
• promoting and protecting public services.

A new edition of the UNISON rulebook, with updates and rule changes, is produced after every national delegate conference. 

Detailed objectives are also updated and published regularly. The governing body, the national executive council, is responsible for overseeing the delivery of these objectives. 

UNISON democracy

Our democratic principles ensure that the interests of all our members are represented, whatever their type of work, pay levels, working hours, skills, age, race, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity. UNISON is a democratic union where everyone has an equal voice:

Equality – we all deserve to be treated with respect and fairness.

Solidarity – we support each other at work and in society.

Democracy – members each have a right to make the decisions that shape their union.

Participation – we share our skills, commitment and creativity to build a stronger union.