About

About UNISON

UNISON is one of the largest trade unions in the UK representing over 1.3 million members in the public services.

UNISON members work in public services, for private contractors providing public services and the essential utilities. They include manual and 'white collar' staff working full or part time in local authorities, the NHS, universities, colleges and schools, the electricity, gas and water industries, transport and the voluntary sector.

Most people join a union because they want protection at work - help with pay and conditions of service, legal or health and safety advice or representation in case things go wrong at work. That's what we're here for. UNISON negotiates on pay and working conditions at every level - local, regional and national. But we also do a lot more. Being a UNISON member gives you a range of benefits and unbeatable deals.

Every member of UNISON belongs to a local branch which is made up of people working for the same employer.

Local stewards are there to represent you at work and help find the answers to your problems. They are volunteers and play a vital role in recruiting new members and organising your branch. If you have a problem, talk to your local steward. If they can't handle the problem on their own, they can talk to other branch officers or full-time union experts on your behalf.

Anyone can face problems at work sometimes, but if you are a member of UNISON, you don't have to face them alone. We can provide advice or representation on things like pay, rotas, leave and sickness procedures. We are also there to help you make sure your workplace is healthy and safe, support you in case of disciplinary action, dismissals or redundancy.

Oxford Brookes University UNISON Branch

Unison has a strong and significant presence at Oxford Brookes, and we represent our members’ best interests by negotiating with senior management, providing legal advice and representing members with problems and disputes. We put forward members’ views and concerns when there are changes such as restructuring or new policies at Brookes. Unison also campaigns locally and nationally to improve working conditions, safety and pay and to protect public services.

Trade union membership is for everyone regardless of level of pay, hours worked, length of contract, age, political views, future career plans or anything else. Members benefit from the strength and security that comes from people working together to tackle problems. 

Statistics show that workplaces, where most staff belong to a trade union, are better places to work because pay, conditions, safety, job security and training are considerably improved.


To join Unison, fill out this Membership Application Form and return to the person specified at the bottom of the form. For difficulties with the form, please contact us via email on unison@brookes.ac.uk, ext 3196.