NEC elections 2023 – Union Newswire

Three steps to NEC heaven

The future of our union is in your hands. It’s time to decide who will represent you on UNISON’s national executive council (NEC).

But time is running out. Voting closes on 19 May.

Members of UNISON have a direct say on who will work with UNISON’s general secretary to steer our union through these difficult times.

Your vote is essential in ensuring we have the right leaders making crucial decisions for all of us. And from the very close results of previous elections, we do know that every vote matters.

NEC members are ordinary UNISON members. By voting for candidates who share your priorities, you help elect leaders committed to enhancing your experience as a member.

That’s why it is so important that as many members vote as possible, ensuring that a small, vocal minority will not represent the views of the vast majority of members.

So, please, if you haven’t already voted, here are our three steps to NEC heaven:

Find your election pack. If you can’t find it, you can order another one by ringing the ballot helpline from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, on 0800 0 857 857. The last date you can request a new pack is 15 May.
Read the information from the candidates and make sure you’re voting for a member whose views you share and agree with, and who you think will work in your best interests.
Send your vote in the Freepost envelope provided. It must arrive by 19 May.

In addition to NEC members, your election pack will allow you to vote for your regional representatives and service group representatives. You’ll also have the opportunity to vote for those standing for the national Black member seats and national disabled member seats.

But the most important thing to remember is to vote.

Don’t leave it to everyone else. Take a few minutes and help your union be the best it can be.

Want more? Everything you need to know about the elections

The article Three steps to NEC heaven first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: Don’t give away your power

Every week is a busy week for UNISON. And although it’s only Wednesday, we’ve already achieved so much this week.

We’ve pushed the government one step closer to getting more money into the pockets of NHS workers, we’ve supported our CQC members taking strike action in their dispute over pay, and today, our legal team entered the Royal Courts of Justice to challenge the government on their strike-breaking laws.

UNISON members, activists and staff all play their part in making these things happen. A whole team working in partnership to make a huge difference for our members, for public services and society.

But it also relies on the right decisions being taken, on where we put our efforts and resources.

As the leader of UNISON, I work with our National Executive Council (NEC) to make those crucial decisions.

I’m committed to working in partnership with the 68 members that will take up their positions next month. And you have until 19 May to have your say on who should be on the new NEC.

It’s the foundation of our union and the principle on which our rules were built – that by working in partnership we are stronger and can achieve more.

It’s down to you, and all your fellow UNISON members, to put the right people into positions of responsibility in our union. Don’t give away your power by missing your opportunity to vote.

Have your say, make your voice heard.

The article Blog: Don’t give away your power first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: This is democracy in action

There is something important happening inside our union right now, and every UNISON member has the chance to take part in it. It’s our National Executive Council (NEC) elections, and this week, the ballot opened.

Whoever you elect to the NEC, will work with me to steer our union over the next two years. As the leader of our great union, I’ve always been clear that we want to increase participation in important votes like these, so that as many members as possible have their say.

The seats on the NEC are important leadership positions. They come with big responsibilities and have an impact on how our union operates, and on members’ working lives.

The NEC is tasked with making decisions on your behalf and, working collectively, they must put UNISON members’ interests first and focus on the issues that matter to you, no matter which region, service group and self-organised group you’re part of. That’s why it’s crucial that you have your say.

If your ballot paper hasn’t already arrived at your home, then it will arrive in the next few days. It’s so important that you look out for this, take a few minutes to read the information, use all your votes, and send it back in the pre-paid envelope.

Remember, this is your chance to vote for who you want to represent your region and service group, and everyone gets a vote for the national Black members and national disabled members seats.

So make sure your voice is heard, and encourage your UNISON friends to vote too. Ballot papers must be returned by 19 May and results will be announced on 8 June. If you haven’t received your ballot paper by 25 April, please contact our ballot helpline 0800 0 857 857 from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

The article Blog: This is democracy in action first appeared on the UNISON National site.