How long do I need to wait to get representation or support?
To ensure that we can provide appropriate support, Birkbeck Unison follows a policy of only providing support and representation to members who have been part of the union for a minimum of four weeks. This is for two main reasons:
- Like insurance, unions only work if you become a member in advance of any problems you may have. You wouldn't be able to claim insurance for a car crash if you weren't already insured; the same goes for Unison. We can only determine the amount of resources we need by knowing how many members we have, which means you need to join before problems arise.
- Our representatives are volunteers. The Unison reps who represent our members are volunteers, who have to balance the demands of the union with the demands of their jobs. Although Unison has negotiated time off during working hours for members who are engaged in union work, often, the people who represent you do so using their own time, in order to ensure they provide the best possible support. Our members will get support from the branch committee, but they get it because the branch committee knows they are committed to the union and support their work - and will stick with the union, even if they don't have particular problems.
If you haven't yet joined the union and you are experiencing problems at work, we advise you to contact HR in the first instance.
If you need help or support and you meet the criteria outlined above, please contact the branch secretary, who will assess your case and either deal with the case himself or ask another member of the branch committee to help you.
If you would like to join the union, please contact us.