How to handle: Recruiting new members

The major problem with recruitment is overcoming the fear of asking people to join the union. Most non members when asked why they are not a member of a trades union usually reply, they have never been asked to join.
How to handle Recruiting New Members is part of the on-line help for all union reps.

Things to know first
Why do we need more members
Why does UNISON need income
Why do workers need to join a union
How do I ask for time off
What should I say
What if they say no

Things you need to know first. It's a sad fact but people need our help more than ever but representatives be aware. Neither you, the Branch or UNISON can give advice to non members. This is because you will not be covered under indemnity and simply put, you will be personally liable should somebody make a complaint against you. So, always make sure you are dealing with a member. If in doubt about somebody's membership status, first check with either the Branch or UNISON's RMS dept in Chelmsford. Tel: 08708 890373

NB: UNISON has a 90 day rule which means new members do not have the right to apply for legal support during that time. The 90 day rule effectively prevents those joining solely to resolve legal problems before withdrawing membership once the issue is resolved.

Why do we need more members? UNISON is the largest trades Union in the United Kingdom with around 1.4 million members. UNISON is a public service union and is divided into several main categories: Our members are people working in the public services, for private contractors providing public services and 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 148,755 new members - 407 per day.
Like most things, income has to be generated to survive and revenue is generated through the membership overall. Each Branch generates it's own income through the amount of members held on the books which are calculated annually and a proportion of that income is paid to each branch monthly, providing it has been satisfied through the annual returns and audit. Failure to comply or satisfy the requirements will freeze future income until the problem is resolved. Each outstanding month will result in income lost and large branches could stand to lose several thousand pounds every month.

Why does UNISON need income? Without income UNISON would not be able to operate nationally and help change legislation or participate in Health & Safety and eventually would go bankrupt. On a branch level, we have considerable overhead expenses. We pay for training, education, office equipment, staff salaries, representative expenses, members education and courses, catering bills for meetings, hotel expenses, travel expenses, private medicals and so on. The list is endless.

Why do workers need to join a union? Protection support and Insurance are the three main reasons. Protection from bullying, harassment, undue work related stress, recognition with employers, contractual disputes, health and safety issues, job losses, les gay rights, black members rights, employment rights. Regarding insurance, this is divided into two main categories. Indemnity cover of £1,000,000 which may rise to £3,000,000 and the safety in numbers aspect. UNISON once ran the slogan with ants and bears to typify this. Historically, if trades unions never evolved, we would all still be working very long hours for poor pay and no regard to personal safety at work.

How do I ask for time off? Recruiting new members is part of every representative's duty. It should be carried out during normal working time with full pay. You must ask you boss for time off to allow you do your duty but be aware as most managers will simply say no or they are too busy to release you. It is advisable to book this time in advance and instead of asking for the time, tell your manager you will be out of the work area on union business for recruitment and servicing your members. It is your lawful right to do so.

Lets look at the objections and weasel words:

No - A parrot can say no as it's just a repetitive or habitual word. Maybe you haven't explained yourself correctly, but basically instead of asking, "do you think I could have some time off to do some union stuff", tell him/her, - " Next Monday*, I plan to service my members and I also hope to recruit new ones. By the way, your not a member of UNISON and I believe you should join because of job security, protection, professional indemnity insurance and I may also be able to save you money with the many discounts UNISON has to offer". Managers can be your friends and allies if they know your serious about being a representative. After all, they may need your help one day and it's always good practice to set up regular meetings with him/her to discuss workplace problems and practices.

Too busy to let you go - Providing enough notice has been given, it's your managers failings for not providing the area with adequate staffing. They are paid to manage and if they can't do this then maybe somebody else should do their job. This situation may also highlight understaffing problems which have failed to be resolved.

Time off for union duties - All representatives of Suffolk HealthCare Branch are entitled to carry out normal union duties to service members including recruitment. In addition, representatives should be given sufficient time to prepare cases of industrial dispute, representation and negotiation. Union duties are backed by employment regulations and local facilities agreements for reasonable time off.

What should I say? Simple, ask people at work if they are a member of UNISON. Should they reply yes, then ask if there is anything they would like to discuss with you. If they reply no, tell them why they should seriously consider joining (see here) before giving them an application form and tell them you will help fill it out.
Remember - If you don't ask, you don't get.

What if they say no? People usually say no either because they have a deep seeded hatred of trades unions or they simply don't understand what you're talking about. In essence, people only want to know 3 things:

What is it

How much is it

What do I get out of it

The answers to these 3 sudo objections can be found on our about joining UNISON page but basically UNISON is the UK's largest public service trades union with 1.4 million members. Monthly fee's are determined by the amount earned and once a member, we can offer employment protection including indemnity insurance and legal support should things go wrong. In addition to that, all members are entitled to representation, negotiation, health and safety, protection and so on. The last objection you could encounter may be, "I can't afford it". Anybody who says they can't afford it, simply can't afford not to be a member. UNISON subscriptions can pay back several times over the annual fee's not just because of the protection, but if used wisely, members will have access to the frilly bits too which offer cheaper holidays at home and abroad, competitive insurance, cheaper mortgages, higher savings rates, low credit card rates, road side breakdown assistance and much more. See our page on UNISONplus for great deals available to all members.

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