FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we’ve answered some common questions we receive about our branch and strike action. Select the arrows to expand the answers.
Useful acronyms
Union jargon can be confusing, so we’ve summarised some common acronyms:
Acronyms
JTUs = Joint Trade Unions (at UoB this is UNISON, Unite & UCU).
SMT = Senior Management Team (may also be known as SLT (Senior Leadership Team), see organisation chart here) – responsible for local negotiations that affect our university.
HE = Higher Education.
UCEA = Universities and Colleges Employers Association – responsible for national decisions around HE.
HESGE = Higher Education Service Group Executive. This is our sector service group for UNISON, and they help resolve problems related to unfair conditions and pay by using collective bargaining and negotiation.
JNCHES = Joint Negotiating Committee for Higher Education Staff. Part of UCEA, JNCHES is the central committee for multi-employer negotiations and dialogue on pay and pay-related issues.
ACAS = Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Service. They work with millions of employers and employees every year to improve workplace relationships. They are present during things like negotiations and employment tribunals.
NEC = Unison National Executive Council (or Committee) – candidates that represent their region and their service group. There are also additional seats for Black members, young members and disabled members. They are elected by all members of UNISON via a postal vote. More info here.
SOG = Self Organised Group – groups in trade unions that work together to support a specific group e.g., Black members, LGBT+ members, Women’s members. You must identify as part of the SOG to join. We currently do not have any branch specific SOGs, see our wider UNISON South West SOGs here.
BATNA = Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement – the most advantageous alternative that a negotiating party can take if negotiations fail and an agreement cannot be made.
Receiving branch updates
How can I receive branch updates?
You should primarily receive updates to the email that you have registered with UNISON. This can be your work or personal email.
How can I find my workplace contact?
Our workplace contacts help the branch to disseminate key information. They will be a friendly face in your office, and are your first port of call for any workplace issues that may be escalated to the branch.
The full list is available here:
How can I join the branch WhatsApp groups?
We have two WhatsApp groups:
The ‘Conversation’ group is for informal chatting for the whole branch.
The ‘Announcement’ group is for announcements, and only admins can send messages.
The codes to join these groups periodically expire. If you would like to join a group, please contact a member of the branch exec to ask for a code.
The exec are present in the Conversation group, and may choose to answer questions posed there, but please keep in mind that the exec are volunteers that give their time to branch activity. If you have an official query or something that is confidential, always contact the branch email address instead (unison-office@bristol.ac.uk).
How can I add the branch Outlook calendar to my own?
Our ‘UNISON social calendar’ has key dates like branch meetings, office hours and socials.
To add the calendar to your own, open Outlook calendar (either desktop or online) > select ‘add calendar’ > select ‘from address book’ (desktop) or ‘add from directory’ (online) > search for unison-social@bristol.ac.uk
Strike and industrial action FAQs
What is a strike/industrial action ballot?
When your trade union and your employer disagree on an issue (usually pay), then your union can announce a formal dispute and ask their members to vote on whether to strike.
There are laws governing what must happen for a strike to be able to take place. Our ballot is disaggregated, meaning that in order to have a strike mandate, 50% of UoB Unison members must take part in the vote, and a majority of those who vote must vote in favour of strike action. Once a strike mandate has been achieved, the branch may strike any dates within that 6 month strike window. If the branch is still in dispute, they will need to go through another strike ballot.
Why are UNISON members being balloted on strike action?
Pay rises in higher education have been below inflation for the last 13 years, effectively amounting to a year on year pay cut.
Most recently, UCEA’s offer was rejected by the HESGE, yet UoB are still implementing it, framing it as a positive pay uplift. In reality….