Communications

The Labour Link review addressed how we improve communications internally within UNISON and externally. A number of initiatives have been developed to advance communications both internally and externally to ensure the Labour Link is effective in promoting UNISON policies within the union and to the Labour Party.

The Labour Link Scotland Bulletin

UNISON Scotland Labour Link produces a regular bulletin which is emailed to activists and organisers approximately nine times a year. The bulletin keeps Labour Link members up to date with events and activities and informs other UNISON members and activists of Labour Link work.

Please contact Dave Watson d.watson@unison.co.uk tel 0870 7777006 to receive a copy.

The Labour Link Scotland Newsletter

The Labour Link Scotland newsletter is produced to highlight key campaigns and events. The newsletter can be accessed on the UNISON Scotland website: http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/labourlink/apfnews.html and is mailed directly to UNISON activists.

Both the bulletin and newsletter are produced solely through Affiliated Political Fund money. When distributed to non APF levy paying members this is to simply inform the wider union of the activities of the Labour Link and to demonstrate accountability and show how the Labour Link is working towards UNISON aims and values.

Labour Link Websites

Information on the Scottish Labour Link can be found on the UNISON Scotland site: http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/labourlink/index.html

This also has links to UNISON's UK wide Labour Link: http://www.unison.org.uk/labourlink/index.asp

Branch Newsletters / Websites

It is important that the Labour Link is visible at a local level too, and Labour Link Branches are encouraged to use the existing channels of branch communication to inform members of their local activities and campaigns. For example the Branch Labour Link can provide articles and information for the Branch Newsletter or website. Items for the newsletter or website could include activities or campaigns of the Branch Labour Link, notices of events or meetings, and contact details of the Branch Labour Link Officer. Articles could be reproduced from Scottish Labour Link materials, or local MPs/MSPs newsletters, ensuring that the source of the article is identified when it is published.

Developing Labour Link Branch Communications

Improving communications between Labour Link Branch members, and between the Labour Link members and other branch members is an ongoing process for the Labour Link and as a part of Branch Development Planning. Labour Link Branches need to find appropriate and effective ways of communicating internally with their members, whether by email, direct mail, workplace / branch notices or a local Branch Labour Link newsletter. Decisions of the Labour Link Branch, as well as the Labour Link Branch activities, campaigns and initiatives have to be reported accurately and clearly to the rest of the Branch, and integrated into the Branch Development Plan.

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