Over the past three weeks I have been contacted by three members of staff (who are not Unison members) seeking help from UNISON because they have found themselves under investigation from the Trust, and will very possibly, be facing disciplinary or capability action. Although this has happened in the past it is becoming more and more frequent and, therefore, the branch needs to make our position clear.

UNISON rules are clear – although we are always welcoming new members we are unable to act for them on issues that are current at the time of application. We have no option but to refer them to their own union, or in some cases refer them to independent advice.

Obviously this is distressing for both the individual and the UNISON representative who has had to say no. It’s not what we have taken up our roles to do, but we have no option for two reasons:-

Firstly, it is unfair on other members who have been paying their subscriptions.

Secondly, we hold our representatives responsible for the advice that they give and we will support them. As you can imagine, UNISON is only able to support its reps when they are representing members.

UNISON at its last annual conference made changes to its rules in an attempt to encourage staff to become members, they now only need to be in membership for four weeks prior to the member knowing that s/he had need of legal assistance and seeks legal assistance from the Union. The branch has always mirrored these national requirements, therefore the same time frame is used for representing members in local disciplinary and capability issues where the members may need advice and support from UNISON regionally or nationally.

 We feel this now makes our responsibilities very clear and we believe that the present membership are supportive of these changes; they give us the opportunity to support new staff much more quickly when they find themselves in need – as they sometimes do.

 I hope this makes UNISON’s position clear and will encourage staff to become members before they need us.

- Ian Hopkins, Branch Secretary

WE WANT TO HELP!!