UNISON has a proud history of promoting equality and tackling discrimination.
Our union rejects fascism and racism and has campaigned against the BNP, the English, Scottish and Welsh Defence Leagues and the National Front, amongst others.
Rule changes passed at national delegate conference in 2012 make it clear that support for far-right organisations or parties is incompatible with UNISON membership.
The specific rules are:
Rule C5.2
A member of a political party or organisation, whose constitution, aims or objectives is/are expressly or impliedly contrary to the equality objectives of UNISON set out in Rules A.3 and/or B1.2 and/or B1.3 of the UNISON Rule Book, shall not be eligible for membership of the Union.
This specifically includes the British National Party, the National Front and similar parties or organisations as decided from time to time by the National Executive Council.
Rule I.3
The National Executive Council shall have the power to exclude or expel, as the case may be, from membership of UNISON any individual who gives encouragement to, or participates in the activities of, or is a member of, a political party or organisation whose constitution, aims or objectives is/are expressly or impliedly contrary to the equality objectives of UNISON set out in Rules A3 and/or B1.2 and/or B1.3 of the UNISON Rule Book.
This specifically includes the British National Party, the National Front and similar parties or organisations as decided from time to time by the National Executive Council.
It is important that branches follow appropriate steps when faced with members or potential members who they feel may be caught by either of these rules.
Branches must take no action without speaking to their region first, in particular before Rule C5.5 is enacted.
Rule C5.5
Where the branch has reason to believe an applicant may be ineligible for membership, the applicant shall be given notice in writing by the branch secretary of the proposal to exclude or expel him/her and the reasons for that proposal; the individual will be given a fair opportunity to make representations in respect of that proposal, and those representations will be considered fairly.
Where necessary, regions will seek constitutional advice from the centre to ensure consistency of approach and advice on next steps under the UNISON Rule Book.
For further information on these rules contact Liane Venner, l.venner@unison.co.uk
For further information on UNISON’s campaigning work against the far right please contact Narmada Thiranagama at n.thiranagama@unison.co.uk