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Why and how to join UNISON

Most people join a union because they want protection at work - help with pay and conditions of service, legal or health and safety advice or representation in case things go wrong at work. That's what we're here for. UNISON negotiates on pay and working conditions at every level - local, regional and national.

Devon County Council is a good employer but it's a large organisation, mistakes can be made and stresses and strains are not always recognised or dealt with early enough. Not that this Branch only represents County Council workers - 20% of our branch members have other employers.

If you don't join UNISON you won't have a voice and won't be able to influence what happens to your conditions of service. If you do join, you have people who will represent and protect you, as an individual and as a group.

Here are just three examples of ways the union can help:

• UNISON Health and Safety representatives carry out inspections and have been successful in getting more space allocated in an overcrowded office.
  
• UNISON supported and advised a member to decide whether or not to 'blow the whistle' on a corrupt colleague. The union then supported the member through the investigation that resulted.
  
• UNISON made sure that a part time worker was treated equally to a full time worker.

Joining UNISON is a bit like taking out an insurance policy you might never need it, but if you do then it's good to know that if something is worrying you at work you have someone to talk to and the backing of the biggest union in the UK.

Being a member of UNISON also offers you access to:

• Excellent legal services at work and in the home.
  

• Education and training advice and courses leading to vocational and professional qualifications.
  

• Career help and advice
  

• A colour magazine sent to your home four times a year; a fortnightly newspaper for our stewards and activists and a full range of publicity.
  

• Pensions advice and welfare services as well as certain benefits guaranteed by our rulebook.
  

• discounts on holidays, mortgages and insurance.

Why not get in touch and find out more? Contact your local steward or contact the branch office for more information, or fill in the form now.