How we work

With more than 1.3 million members, UNISON is one of the UK’s largest trade unions and Europe’s largest public service union.

Our objectives 2020

UNISON, the largest union in the UK and one that is also growing, will seek to represent all our members wherever they work and whatever they do and campaign for the services they provide.  We will call for additional funding across all public services to address social need.

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Our members

Our 1.3 million members work in local authorities; the NHS; police and justice; education; the electricity, gas and water industries, transport, the voluntary sector and private companies.

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Our activists

UNISON employs around 1,200 people across the UK and has more than 1.3 million members. We rely on volunteer activists for much of the support we offer. Without them UNISON would not be able to function.

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Our structure – branches, regions, groups and councils

UNISON’s organisation is designed so that all members can be heard and involved. We try to make this as simple and as democratic as possible.

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Democracy and elections

UNISON is proud to be a member-led union. Democracy is central to our structure and our achievements have been reached as a representative, democratic union where everyone has an equal voice.

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Political affiliations and support

UNISON regularly lobbies Parliament as part of our campaign work and to pursue our objectives and priorities. Lobbying is how we get our message directly to the politicians who make the decisions that affect our rights, our quality of life and the quality of our public services.

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The UNISON rule book

UNISON’s rules govern the way the union runs and how various parts of the union, including branches, regions, service groups and membership groups work. They also outline the rights and responsibilities of members.

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