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Unison

UNISON - Britain's biggest and brightest union

Who We Are

UNISON is Britain’s biggest trade union with over 1.3 million members. Our members are people working in the public services, for private contractors providing public services and the essential utilities. They include frontline staff and managers working full or part time in local authorities, the NHS, the police service, colleges and schools, the electricity, gas and water industries, transport and the voluntary sector.

We have more workplace reps than any other union in the country – backed up by experienced full-time regional and national officers. Being a UNISON member gives you a huge range of benefits, including:

  • Unrivalled protection and representation at work.
  • Help with pay and conditions of service.
  • Health & safety guidance and support.
  • Confidential welfare services for you and your dependents in difficult times.
  • Excellent legal services including free help with work problems and legal support for members and their families.
  • Pensions advice.
  • A special hotline, UNISONdirect, for help and advice on workplace issues.
  • Online employment and workplace advice.
  • Education and training advice and courses, leading to vocational and professional qualifications.
  • Cash benefits for accidents and injuries at work.
  • A colour magazine sent to your home four times a year, a fortnightly newspaper for our stewards and activists and a full range of publicity.
  • Special deals on everything from tax returns, holidays, mortgages, car breakdown services, insurance and credit cards.
  • Our own holiday centre for members and families at the Devon seaside.

The Durham County Branch of UNISON

UNISON is organised on a national, regional and branch level, however the most important point of contact for members is at a branch level. Every member of UNISON belongs to a local branch, which is made up of people working for the same employer or sometimes working for a company which is used by the main employer. For the Durham County Branch of UNISON this means mainly people working for Durham County Council, however we also have members in the various Further Education Colleges in the County as well as certain private and voluntary sector employers.

The Branch brings members together who face common issues in the workplace, it also enables you to get support from the union, work with your colleagues and make your views felt in UNISON. Branch Officers, workplace stewards and health and safety representatives are the core of the Branch, they support you at work and negotiate on local issues for a better deal. The Durham County Branch of UNISON has over 6600 members and over 90 stewards to provide service those members.

If you would like more information on joining UNISON, how the Branch is organised or how to get in touch with your local UNISON representative or a Branch Officer please visit the Durham County UNISON Branch Website at www.durham.gov.uk/unison or contact the UNISON Office on 0191 383 4617.