1. UNITED NATIONS STAFF UNION
BE INFORMED, GET INVOLVED!

2. Who we are
Legal basis
The establishment of the Staff Union dates back to 1952 when the GA, in its resolution 590(VI) established a Staff Council, elected by the staff for the purpose of ensuring continuous contact between the staff and the Secretary General. The Council was “entitled to make proposals to the Secretary-General for improvements in the situation of staff members, both as regards their conditions of work and their general conditions of life”.

3. GA resolution 128 (II) – Trade Union Rights (Freedom of association)
Resolution was adopted on 17 November 1947
Considers that the inalienable right of trade union freedom of association is, as well as other social safeguards, essential to the improvement of the standard of living of workers and to their economic well-being.
Endorses the principles mentioned in the Constitution of the International Labour Organisation and in the Declaration of Philadelphia.

4. Membership
All Staff members assigned to the UN Secretariat in New York are members of the Union.
Locally recruited staff members of secretariat field missions are associate members, together with staff members of UN Information Centers throughout the world.

5. Composition of the UNSU
Leadership
Executive Board
Staff Council (39 Units)
Staff-at Large (6000+)
We are federated with CCISUA

6. Elected by the Staff Council
Leadership
President
Patricia Nemeth (Ms.)
Room L-0303 Ex
First Vice-President
Aitor Arauz Chapman (Mr.)
Room L-0304 Ex
Second Vice-President
Francisco Brito (Mr.)
Room L-0305 Ex
Staff Council
Chairperson Camille Mckenzie (Ms.)
Deputy Chairperson Ramona Kohrs (Ms.)
&
39 units
Elected by staff in units
One representative One alternate representative
Executive Board
President (Principal Executive Officer)
1st Vice-President (Second Principal Officer)
2nd Vice-President (Third Principal Officer)
Elected by universal ballot
Secretary (First Officer)
& Assistant Secretary
Treasurer (Second Officer)
& Assistant Treasurer
Rapporteur (Third Officer)
& Assistant Rapporteur
Elected by the Staff Council
Staff-at-large

7. Unit Chairpersons
Each electoral Unit shall elect a Chairperson and such other officers as it may deem necessary whose term in office shall coincide with members of the Council.
They can call for units meetings on behalf of the Staff Representatives for their units.
Responsible for Election of Polling Officers
UNSU Statute

8. Polling Officers UNSU Statute
Polling Officers conduct all elections and by-elections of the Staff Union according to the Statutes.
There shall be a maximum of twelve Polling Officers. If the number of Polling Officers falls below eight, the Unit Chairpersons shall be convened by the Chairperson of the Council for the purpose of filling vacancies.
UNSU Statute

9. Arbitration Committee
In order to increase accountability of elected Union officials, the Arbitration Committee is established to review alleged violations of the Statute of the Staff Union and decide on sanctions where warranted.
Rulings of the Arbitration Committee shall be binding on all bodies of the Staff Union.
The Arbitration Committee shall be composed of five members elected by the Union membership in an election conducted by the Polling Officers.

10. CCISUA
Coordinating Committee of International Staff Unions and Associations of the United Nations System (ccisua.org)
Only through Federations we attend UN common system bodies, such as ICSC (International Civil Service Commission)
Mainly composed by UN Secretariat Unions
Currently presided by President of UNOG Staff Coordinating Council (Geneva)
Membership of General Federation of Trade Unions allows us to provide training to staff reps

11. What we do
We participate in policy formulation regarding human resources issues
Represent staff adversely affected by administrative decisions
Ensure the fair application and enforcement of staff rules and regulations
Keep staff informed of any new development affecting their conditions of work

12. Whom do we interact with
The administration – Staff Union via the Joint Negotiations Committee (JNC) for NY issues, and via the newly created Staff Management Committee (SMC) for system-wide issues
When invited, with the General Assembly and its Committees (Fifth, ACABQ and the Sixth) – Staff Union as member of CCISUA
Other bodies and staff representative bodies (ICSC, Human Resources Network, Pension Board) – sometimes Staff Union individually, and sometimes via CCISUA

13. Funding
All our activities are self funded, this is why we need your contribution.
You can receive the contribution form by or download it from our website.
If you decide to contribute, we ask you to respect the suggested minimum donations which are printed on the form.

14. Contributing financially allows for access to the special services we offer - such as access to our legal advisor for specific cases, or membership to the Hyatt Legal Plan - you will be required to be a dues paying member
To hold office in the Staff Union (staff reps and all elected officials, including staff nominated to various boards) are required to be dues-paying members

15. Where to go if you have a problem
First talk with your representative, who will either be able to solve the issue, or bring it up with the leadership if necessary.
If you don’t know your staff representative, call our office or go to website for the list.
If you don’t have a representative, you can contact our office directly.

16. Where we are Office of the United Nations Staff Union UNHQ Secretariat
Library Building 3rd Floor L-0300

17. Your responsibilities
Find out who your staff representative is.
If there is none, become one.
Represent yourself and your co-workers first and foremost.
Read the staff regulations and rules from cover to cover.

18. Staff Council Meetings
Are open to all Staff.
Normally every Thursday from (except when in recess during summer)
You can contact our office or your representative to find out the venue of meetings.

19. UNITED NATIONS STAFF UNION
BE INFORMED, GET INVOLVED!
MAKE A DIFFERENCE