Recruitment

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"Without recruitment this union does not exist. Recruitment is the activity that makes everything else possible. Without bringing in new members and organising workplace campaigns, we would not be able to make the country different."
Former president Dave Anderson, speaking at conference

Why is recruiting so important?

One of a steward's most vital jobs is recruitment. Organised workplaces with a high density of membership give UNISON greater influence with local management and employers.

Members will have more confidence in their ability to change things, including much higher chances of winning recognition where it doesn't already exist.

Organised workplaces will also give UNISON greater clout with other trade unions in the same environment.

They will have more stewards, safety reps and workplace contacts who run the union locally and ensure the branch is representative.

All this means the union will have greater influence locally and nationally, which helps UNISON campaign to improve public services, to stop discrimination, for equality of opportunity and for better pay and conditions of service.

The union will also have greater stability.

The more members we have locally, the more income the branch will have for supporting stewards and members.

Remember that it is particularly important to recruit young members if UNISON is to grow and be strong in the future.

'Nobody asked me!' That's the single biggest reason people give for not having joined a trade union.

And the best people to recruit new members are the UNISON members who work alongside them.

Successful recruiters can influence non-members to join when the union is seen to be active, has credibility, organises in a workplace and actively contacts potential members on a regular basis.

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Winning the organised workplace. (WOW) Winning the organised workplace. (WOW)

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"Nobody asked me!"
The single biggest reason people give for not having joined a trade union

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