Grow the union movement

There is strength in numbers

UNISON’s ability to win improvements in pay and conditions and defend public services, comes from high levels of membership, participation and activity. Simply put, the more members we have, the more powerful they are, and the more change we can win.

UNISON is the UK’s largest union with 1.3 million members. That’s a lot. But it could be a lot more. In recent years, UNISON has grown in membership through a strong ‘essential cover’ message with improved digital communications and through effective ‘organising’.

Organising is a method to shift the balance of power in workplaces by building member confidence, participation, activism and leadership through campaign activity to win improvements.

Every member can support UNISON’s organising activity and help build a stronger UNISON, even without a formal UNISON role.

The first and most obvious way to strengthen UNISON is to ask a colleague to join. Most people who aren’t in a union give one simple reason: ‘Because no-one asked’. So let’s ask them.

There’s a saying in union circles that ‘like recruits like’ – in other words, members are more likely to be recruited by colleagues they know and trust.

So talk with your colleagues about the union. Explain why you are a UNISON member. Outline all the support, benefits and protection UNISON membership provides. Ask what they would like to see change at work and then talk through how that could be achieved if everyone joined UNISON and got involved in a plan to win change.

Have a response ready, if they don’t know what a union is. Something like:

UNISON is a group of colleagues here at ..... who join together to support each other, and to protect our interests like better pay, good working conditions, and a safe workplace. 

We are part of UNISON which is the biggest union in the country – with over 1.3 million public service workers all standing together. Membership costs.... a month but once you’re a member you’re protected. 

You will never face a problem at work alone and by joining you’ve strengthened our campaigns on pay, job security, protecting public services and achieving equality at work.

Recruiting new members

For recruiting a new member there and then it often helps to mention all the benefits of membership including: 

• Support from UNISON workplace rep and branch;
• Professional legal support on workplace issues if required;
• Access to UNISON college free education and training;
• Personal injury cover;
• Professional legal services for you at work and your family at home (eg surveying, will and testament);
• Financial assistance and debt advice in times of need;
• Helpline open until midnight;
• Member discounts (see our member benefits for more);

Sometimes you’ll find that colleagues want to think about it before signing up. That’s OK. You don’t want to be pushy. But don’t let them forget either. Remember, you’re doing them a favour by encouraging them to join UNISON. So if they don’t join straight away, make sure you follow up in a few days to answer any questions and give another friendly nudge to join.

And finally, be ready to respond to the reasons people give for not joining a union.

Getting involved

Plenty of support, training and guidance is available for members who want to help build a stronger UNISON. The best starting point is to sign up as an ‘active member’ and then start to recruit your colleagues.