Members

UNISON members work in all areas of public services in Local Government, Health Services, Further and Higher Education, utilities like Gas, Electricity and Water, Transport, Police Civilians and in the voluntary and related sectors.

Members vote directly by postal ballot for the General Secretary and National Executive. In the rare event that industrial action is called for, that also requires a postal ballot. They elect stewards and branch officers locally at meetings or by ballot.

UNISON members also qualify for a range of legal and financial benefits.

Branches

Every member is allocated to a branch. Through the branch structures, they elect stewards and branch officers and delegates to, eg Scottish Council.

Branches are usually based on employers or groups of employers, eg City of Edinburgh Branch which covers those employed by City of Edinburgh Council but also over one hundred other related and voluntary sector employers.

Members are advised of the name of their branch secretary on joining UNISON.

UNISON Scottish Council

Comprises delegates from all Scottish branches and meets three times a year to elect officers, committees, delegations etc and set policies on general matters. Oversees the work of Scottish Committees. Pay and conditions issues specific to any particular service are dealt with by the Service Groups.

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UNISON Scottish Committee

Comprises elected members from Scottish Council, Service Group delegates and Self Organised Group delegates. Has the key policy and strategy role between Scottish Council meetings.