UNISON is the UK’s largest union, serving more than 1.3 million members. We represent full-time and part-time staff who provide public services, although they may be employed in both the public and private sectors. We represent members, negotiate and bargain on their behalf, campaign for better working conditions and pay and for public services. And more besides. 

A trade union is a group of employees who join together to maintain and improve their conditions of employment. Trade unions bargain for better pay and conditions and provide assistance and services to their members. 

Representing our members is a key part of UNISON’s work. Our reps form the vital links between members and the union as a whole and are volunteers, trained by UNISON to support members at work. 

Campaigning is a vital part of our work. It is one method we use to raise awareness of issues, fight for employment rights and gather support for local, national and international issues. One of UNISON’s main aims is to help workers fight for fairness and equality in the workplace and beyond. Challenging discrimination and winning equality is at the heart of everything UNISON does. 

UNISON fights discrimination and prejudice in the workplace on behalf of its LGBT+ members. We work together in local and national groups of LGBT+ members to campaign and provide support for our members. We do this by building local and national groups of LGBT+ members, negotiating with employers an offering individual support to anyone experiencing discrimination.  

The South East region has a very active LGBT+ committee; we meet throughout the year to discuss campaigns and issues affecting our members. The committee are great supporters of many local pride events across the region and are delighted to be sponsoring Medway and Gravesham for the first (but hopefully not last) time!