Support for learning reps

Understanding your role

Workplace stewards are the heart of our trade union and their role is typically more active than a rep. 

As an elected representative, your role is to stand up for the interests of members in your work group or workplace in any grievance, dispute or negotiations. You will help to organise colleagues into an effective, strong and welcoming membership, as well as participating in local negotiations and campaigns. This role is often in addition to a role as a rep within your organisation.  

And you are required to complete specific training on the Employment Relations Act (ERA).

What you can do in your role

As a workplace steward, you:  

• are the first point of contact for members in a workplace;  
• talk to members about the union;  
• talk to staff about their issues;  
• offer advice on issues at work;  
• represent members in cases (including at disciplinary and grievance hearings);  
• campaign for better working conditions;  
• recruit and organise new members;  
• encourage more members to get active in UNISON;  
• raise members’ issues with the branch.

Training for your role  

Where the union has a recognition agreement, some workplace reps have a legal right to ‘reasonable’ time off for union duties. Good recognition agreements may also allow some time off for union activities, depending on the particular agreement and employer.

Training courses for reps are run by each region, and support is available for UNISON reps from their branch and region, as well as from more experienced colleagues.