FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions that people have about UNISON

Q. Why should I join Essex County Branch of UNISON?

A. Hopefully for most of your working life you will not need any assistance from us, but redundancy, injustice, injury or some other problem could arise when you least expect it. Every day Essex County Branch Office staff take dozens of calls from members who are seeking assistance on a range of issues – from serious problems such as suspension from their job, being the victim of bullying and harassment to queries about their workplace environment, pay, leave, inequality to name but a few.

Legal issues are taken up by UNISON’S Legal department and so far this year compensation payments of over £255,000 have been made to members in Essex County Branch in respect of personal injury settlements (You must have been a member for thirteen weeks before you can use this service.

Another good reason why you should join Essex County Branch of UNISON is that professional officers negotiate improvements to your salary and your conditions of service.

Q. Who do I contact when I need assistance?

A. When you first join Essex County Branch, we will inform the Steward in your workplace and they should make contact with you. They then become your first point of contact if you need help. Details will be sent to you with your welcoming letter. Unfortunately we do not have Stewards in all workplaces and if this is the case, you should ring Branch Office. We also have elected Health and Safety Reps based in workplaces and if you have any health and safety issues, this is who you should talk to in the first instance. If there is no Health and Safety Rep you should contact Essex County Branch Office and we will put you in touch with our Health and Safety Officer.

Q. Apart from help with service conditions issues, what other benefits are there from UNISON membership?

A. There are many benefits available to UNISON members. For example, there is a "Free Will" service, a holiday club, favourable mortgage rates, competitive rates for car, house and travel insurance, and many more. You will receive details of all these services with your membership pack.

There is also a Welfare Fund which in certain circumstances can offer assistance to members in times of hardship.

Q. What are the differences in the political funds mentioned on the back of the application form?

A. The first option is for those members who would like a small proportion (22p) of their subscription to go directly to the Labour Party. The second option is for members who would prefer this amount to go to UNISON’S non party political general fund, which is used for campaigning purposes.

Q. OK I’m convinced. How do I join?

A. You can join on line by clicking onto UNISON’S National web site http://www.unison.org.uk , but if you download an application form in this way, please send it to us at Essex County Branch UNISON Branch Office, Freepost as this will avoid delays.

You can also contact us via email unison.essexcounty@virgin.net or unison@essexcc.gov.uk or on the County Council global email address list UNISON CS. We will send you a membership pack which will give you all the information you need, together with an application form. Alternatively print off the request form found under Join The Branch.