Joining a Union

You have never needed your Union more than now

In the current economic situation it is more important than ever that you join a union. Unions are working together to protect jobs and defend education across the sector. Every member of staff who joins makes us stronger and better able to look after those employed in our colleges and universities.

You will not be alone

If you have problems at work you can contact your branch officers for advice, representation and legal help. Experienced local officers are supported by full-time regional and national officials. Your union will tackle a range of issues – redundancy, reorganisation, fixed-term contracts, workload and inequalities are just some of the challenges we face on behalf of our members every day. As a member you have a say in how to improve your workplace. Your local branch is consulted over a wide range of issues and policies. Get in touch and let them know your views.

As a Union member your voice is heard

Unions give their members a voice. We represent you when speaking with ministers, MPs, professional bodies and other organisations. We raise issues that are important to members such as the need for proper education funding and for equal treatment of part-time and fixed-term employees.

You're better off in a Union

Research has shown that union members are likely to get higher pay, more annual leave, better sickness and pension benefits, have safer workplaces and are more likely to be able to take advantage of flexible working. Join a union today. The more that join us the more we can achieve.

The University and College Union (UCU) represents more than 120,000 academics, lecturers, trainers, instructors, researchers, managers, administrators, computer staff, librarians and postgraduates in universities, colleges, prisons, adult education and training organisations across the UK.

Join UCU or visit the University of Exeter UCU branch webpage for more details.

Unite is the union for the 21st century, meeting the greatest challenges facing working people today. It is a democratic and campaigning union, which fights back for employees in the workplace and protects workers' rights. Unite at the University represents the interests of both Technical and Professional Services staff.

Join Unite or email for more details. Visit the Unite branch page for more information.

UNISON is the UK's largest public service union and represents more than 1.3 million people providing vital services to the public of which 50,000 members are in HE. We represent employees of the University, The Students' Guild and UPP. Details of how to join can be found by clicking here to go to UNISON's website or by contacting Glynis Harding the membership secretary. Our committee members will be more than happy to help answer any questions you may have, the contact details can be found on the key contacts webpage.

As a member you can expect to receive regular updates on local, regional and national issues. A termly newsletter is sent to members giving a brief summary of updates on negotiations, consultations and matters arising. We offer all our members the opportunity to have a discount card. The card gives the holders a discount at various local and national stores, and members can request a shop added to the list. As a member of UNISON we ballot and consult with our members often to ensure your voice is heard.

Join Unison, contact our branch via email, or for further information visit our Unison branch page.

^{This page is provided by the University of Exeter for its employees on behalf of recognised Trade Unions. The information contained on this page has been provided by the Trade Unions and not by the University of Exeter. The University is not responsible for the accuracy or the content of the information or the view contained on this page.}