Unite union reps at work
Want be be an Unite union
rep at work?
What does it involve?
The role of an Unite union representative is
an interesting and challenging one. You will learn more about how
your company works at every level. Unite will provide you with the
confidence, skills and knowledge to enable you to:
Encourage new members to
join Unite
Answer members'
queries
Negotiate and consult
with management at all levels
Represent members in
disciplinary situations
Represent members in
grievance situations
Distribute Unite
literature
Give you and your
colleagues a voice in the union and company decision-making
processes
Attend meetings to
discuss workplace issues relevant to you and your colleagues
Become involved
in other areas such as health and safety and life long
learning
Unite union reps
Local representatives may be responsible for
either a section of the workforce or a specific department or site,
depending on where they work.
Union representatives deal with major issues
that effect different areas of the business, and Unite Officials
provide back up to union representatives. Representatives will meet
up on a regular basis to discuss the union's policy on issues such
as pensions, jobs, pay, parental leave, equal pay and life long
learning.
Have I got the time?
In recognised companies Unite representatives
receive paid time off to perform union activities and for
training.
Will this affect my career
prospects?
The simple and only answer is no. It is
unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a trade union
representative. It is far more commonplace for Unite
representatives to be promoted as a result of their involvement,
due to their high profile. Many union reps have used the experience
gained in this role to further their careers.
