This autumn, members will pick a new leader for UNISON. Here you can find out everything you need to know about our general secretary election 2020 and how to make your vote count.
What’s it all about?
The general secretary election is your chance to vote to elect the most senior person in the union. Being a member, or retired member, of UNISON entitles you to a vote if you were a member on 28 July 2020.
Who is the general secretary?
The general secretary represents you and the other 1.3 million members of UNISON in meetings with politicians across the UK, in discussions with employers and when working with other trade unions. They speak up for you and are the public face of your union, in the press, on TV and on social media
Dave Prentis, the union’s current general secretary retires at the end of 2020 after 20 years in the job. The law – and UNISON’s rule book – says we have to elect our general secretary every five years.
Why should I vote?
This is your chance to have a say in who leads the union and who represents all our members. The election only comes around every five years so use your vote and make sure your voice is heard.
How do I vote?
The ballot opens on 28 October so please look out for your ballot paper, which will be sent by post to your home address.
The ballot is being run on our behalf by an independent organisation called Civica Election Services (CES).
Make sure you post your completed ballot in plenty of time to CES by 5pm on November 27. It will be freepost, so don’t worry about a stamp.
Your election pack will include the ballot paper, and the pre-paid return envelope. There will also be information about the candidates who are standing to be general secretary.
If anything is missing from your election pack, or you lose your ballot paper please call our ballot helpline free on 0800 0 857 857 or on textphone 0800 0 967 968. The helpline opens on 10 November and closes on 20 November.