Joint Unions Liaison Committee Iain Ferguson UCU Membership and Recruitment Secretary

Why Join a Union? Paul Nowak (national organiser at the TUC): “make sure changes are negotiated rather than imposed” People in unionised workplaces are paid more! Advice, support and representation for members if they are having a problem with their employer Fellowship Spin-off benefits Nowak: “The more people are members and active, the more likely we are to get a positive response.”

3 Recognised Campus Unions UCU (University & College Union) All academics, and staff at grade 6 and above, including ‘academic-related’ staff (e.g. administrators, computer staff & librarians) 120,000 Unison Staff on clerical, manual, and administrative grades (excluding academics, e.g. secretary, cleaner) 1.3 million Unite All members of technical staff, including scientific, craftsperson (e.g. senior concierge, technician, plumber) 2 million

Which Union should you join? Working together All three unions participate in a new (2009) Joint Union Liaison Committee and support one another in negotiations. Overlaps Some posts could fit in either union, so we recommend that you consult colleagues in your section and then decide which would be best for you (though in most cases it will be obvious which union to join) Persisting Some sections are more active and pro-union than others, but do not be put off – just join the union of your choice and rely on the JULC to work to improve relations.

Some Responses from Members “Personal support and advice, both from colleagues at Stirling and the CUSN.”CUSN “Legal representation for individuals who find themselves in professional difficulties for whatever reason” “Belonging to an organisation that is working to defend higher education is particularly crucial when higher education is so under attack – in terms of funding, creeping privatisation and academic freedom” “Protection at work in relation to a series of issues: pay, promotion, dismissal, bullying and harassment and conditions of service more generally.” “The union is highly experienced and can, therefore, offer support and knowledge that you, as an individual, would otherwise not have access to. Being part of a collective body offers strength in terms of negotiating power, and also solidarity and allegiance in times of trouble.” “Altruistic and political / moral reasons aside – it’s an insurance policy” “Belonging to an organisation that works to protect our pay and conditions” “Union membership offers valuable benefits such as networking, access to information on workplace developments and professional support” “You never know when you will need help & support but then it is too late to join !”

Links & Contacts Membership application forms: UCU: Unison: Unite: People to contact/notify at Stirling: UCU: Iain Ferguson (Membership Secretary, Colin Bell Building)Iain Ferguson Pam McGibbon (UCU Administrator, Cottrell Building) Pam McGibbon ( Unison: Janette MacConnachie (Secretary, John Fortys Court)Janette MacConnachie Unite: Jim Fleming (Rep, Senior Concierge in Residential Services)Jim Fleming