UNISON is Britain and Europe's biggest public sector union with more than 1.3 million members.

Our members are people working in the public services, for private contractors providing public services and in 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. Last year UNISON recruited 137,000 new members - 375 per day.

No matter if you're new to UNISON or a seasoned activist, the UNISON website provides you with a wealth of interesting information, including how the union is structured and where we direct our energies.

Every member of UNISON belongs to a local branch which is made up of people working for the same employer or sometimes working for the company which is used by the main employer.......People like you......your local branch is UNISON Gwent.

Your branch brings you together with other employees who face common issues in the workplace. Branches enable you to get support from the union, work with your colleagues and make your views felt in UNISON.

Workplace stewards and health and safety representatives are the core of the branch. Without them there would be no union to support you at work and negotiate for a better deal. Become a steward or rep.

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Branch life

Each branch is run by a committee which consists of members elected to take on different roles. It's people like your local UNISON equal pay rep and branch treasurer who build the union and work to win everyone a better deal.

Branches hold regular meetings, including an annual general meeting. This is how people get elected to the branch committee and other UNISON structures.

Your branch produces a newsletter and runs this website to keep the members informed.

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Your right to join a union

The right to join a union is protected by UK law.

All workers have the right to:

• choose to join, or not to join, a trade union;
• decide to leave, or remain a member of, a trade union;
• belong to a trade union of their choice, even if it is different from the one recognised by their employer;
• belong to more than one trade union.

An employer cannot discriminate against you for joining a trade union. You cannot be refused employment, treated unfairly at work or dismissed for joining a trade union.

If your employer does discriminate against you, you may be able to make a complaint to an employment tribunal.

Download the UNISON rulebook for full details of membership eligibility and benefits.

People like you: typical UNISON members

• Refuse collectors
• Social workers
• Librarians
• School meal workers
• Cleaners

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Why join UNISON?

Membership costs start at just £1.30 a month.

It’s simple to join UNISON and get essential cover wherever you work.
If you want to pay by Direct Debit there are three options for you.
1. Join online at https://join.unison.org.uk
2. Call 0800 171 2193 and join instantly.
3. Download an application form and when you fill it in select the "pay by Direct Debit" option.
If you want to pay for your UNISON membership by having the cost deducted directly from your salary, you can download an application form and select the "deduct from salary" option.

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Advantages of membership

If you’re looking for the support of UNISON in uncertain times join us today. Every one of our 1.3 million members has their own reason for joining, but every single one receives all the benefits, help and support we can offer.

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Support at home

UNISON’s primary concern is helping and supporting you at work, but we understand that personal problems at home can have a major impact on your work life and may even affect your ability to carry out your job.

UNISON provides services to help members deal with problems beyond the workplace.

Support at work Supporting and protecting our members in the workplace is a key UNISON priority. We can help with:

• legal advice; training; pay disputes; compensation
• Essential cover wherever you work

We're the UK's largest public service union, with more than 1.3 million members. Join today and you'll receive our support with membership costing less than you might think. If you're worried about your job in today's uncertain times, make sure you get our essential cover before you get to work.

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Essential cover at work

Membership of UNISON gives you advice, support and assistance in the workplace. Our local teams of advisers, legal experts and experienced negotiators will provide you with help at work when you need it most.

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Essential cover outside work

Our support doesn't stop when you leave work. We offer a range of benefits for members and their families outside the workplace too.

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Training and new skills

UNISON runs a range of education and training courses that are open to all members. Some of the courses help members improve their general skills, for example when using computers, others help you get back into learning, or to play a more active role in the union. So, whether you want to progress your career or learn for fun, UNISON offers you the chance.