‘Organising to Win’ (OtW) stands as a comprehensive national strategy for UNISON, designed to adeptly meet the evolving demands while outlining a robust vision for a stronger union. Unanimously endorsed at the 2023 NDC, the initial six months of its implementation have marked significant strides forward.
Thirty active Pay Fair for Patient Care campaigns are now underway, yielding substantial organising outcomes. Already, these efforts have secured over £50 million in victories benefiting Health Care Assistants across multiple regions. Additionally, visits aimed at organising have commenced across 607 schools within the first 21 target English Multi Academy Trusts (MATs). Furthermore, focused efforts are underway within targeted social care providers in the devolved nations, aiming to establish a successful UNISON approach to organising in the social care sector. These projects are not only generating notable organising outputs but also capturing pivotal lessons to fortify UNISON’s organising approach and foster a more resilient union.
Progress achieved within the initial six months includes:
- Restructured organising framework, awaiting a comprehensive review in 2024.
- Development of the UNISON 5-phase plan to win, offering a template and guiding principles.
- A modularised and accessible steward accreditation course tailored for activists without paid release.
- Guidance facilitating organising and bargaining in organisations spanning regional boundaries.
- Introduction of a new migrant worker member network.
- ‘Organising to Win’ skills webinars, spotlighting and disseminating UNISON’s exemplary practices in skills and techniques such as 1-1 conversations, workplace rep identification, and mapping. The upcoming webinar on 4 December will emphasise executing local ballots and achieving successful dispute resolutions. Registration details will be included in the e-activist email.
The organising progress in 2023 has been remarkably promising. Presently, we’re on track to achieve the second consecutive year of net member growth, significantly surpassing our goals with a 10% increase in new activist recruitment and training.
2024
Looking ahead to 2024, the OtW implementation project aims to fortify these accomplishments by further amplifying priority organising within Pay Fair for Patient Care campaigns, English MATs, and social care initiatives in the devolved nations. This will involve enhancing UNISON’s best practices in organising through new tools, guides, templates, and training opportunities for both activists and staff.
For the latest updates on new tools, guides, and webinars, the UNISON Organising Space serves as the go-to resource. Recently revamped to encompass all new OtW materials, members can access the Organising Space using their My UNISON login at www.organisingspace.unison.org.uk.