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Why is UNISON involved in international activity?

It is vital, therefore, that UNISON works with sister trade unions in other countries and through key international organisations to promote and protect its members interests and concerns.

You probably take for granted the right to access this website, to meet and discuss work problems or politics. But trade unionists in many other countries risk intimidation and even death for active membership in a union. Solidarity - joining together with others who share a common interest - is the very basis of trade unionism, and it shouldn't stop at national borders.

International policy making

UNISON's international policy is determined by national delegate conference which meets annually and considers resolutions from branches regions and the national executive committee.

The NEC's international committee is responsible for international policy between conferences and, as well as overseeing the work of the international unit, it is also responsible, after wide consultation, for determining the international work priorities of the union. The committee is currently chaired by Roger Laxton.

The Role of UNISON's international unit

Contact with unions abroad - UNISON has links with sister unions throughout the world, and puts UNISON branches and regions in touch with their counterparts in Europe and further afield. Learning from other trade unionists is a vital way of strengthening our own movement.

Solidarity work - Solidarity means speaking out when fellow trade unionists are under threat - in Colombia, Burma or Zimbabwe, for instance. Solidarity also means helping sister trade unions to build their organisations on their own terms. Recent projects have included working with unions in Serbia, Palestine and Iraq to develop their organisations and working with unions in Southern Africa in their struggle against HIV/AIDs.

Working with international organisations - UNISON is affiliated to several international trade union organisations, including Public Services International (PSI), with over 16 million members worldwide, Union Network International (UNI) and the European Public Service Union (EPSU). The international unit co-ordinates UNISON's work to promote the policies and interests of its members through these organisations and other international bodies.

Sharing experiences - many unions in different parts of the world face similar challenges to our own - privatisation, equality, the fight against racism. A key role of the international unit is to keep UNISON informed about international developments on these kinds of issues so that we can better look after members interests. And the Unit also handles request from sister unions who want to learn about UK experiences.

Branch international officer

The role of branch international officer is to encourage among branch members an awareness of national policy on international matters and an understanding of the importance of international issues to everyone. Electing an international officer would help a branch focus its international activities on issues most relevant to its members. The international unit runs a seminar for Branch International Officers every year.

Individual grants for projects or voluntary work abroad

A limited number of grants are available to individual UNISON members undertaking a project, taking part in a study tour, carrying out voluntary work or attending a conference abroad. £500 maximum may be donated to a member. Applications will only be accepted on the recommendations of the member's branch and following approval from the regional committee.