Who We Are
UWE UNISON is the recognised trade union for Professional Services and Technical staff at UWE Bristol, as well as staff employed by The Students’ Union at UWE.
Our branch is led by an elected Executive Committee, chosen by members to represent their interests, promote safe and inclusive workplaces, and improve working conditions across the University.
Our members work across a wide range of professional, technical and support services, including finance, IT, libraries, marketing, student administration, project delivery, laboratories, studios, accommodation services and many other specialist areas.
As part of UNISON, the UK’s largest trade union, we work locally and nationally to protect pay, terms and conditions, challenge outsourcing, improve workplace wellbeing, and ensure staff have a strong voice in decision-making.
What We Do
UNISON represents more than 1.3 million members across the UK and is the largest trade union in higher education.
At UWE Bristol, we have a formal recognition agreement that enables us to negotiate and represent Administrative, Professional, Technical and Clerical (APT&C) staff on a wide range of workplace issues, including:
- Pay, grading and reward
- Annual leave and pensions
- Equality, diversity and inclusion
- Disability support and reasonable adjustments
- Health and safety
- Car parking and travel
- Organisational change and restructuring
- Workplace wellbeing
Our trained workplace representatives and stewards are volunteers who work across the University. Because they are UWE employees themselves, they understand the challenges staff face and can provide practical advice, support and representation when it matters most.
UNISON also campaigns for:
- Fair pay across Higher Education, including a real living wage
- Closing gender, race and disability pay gaps
- Secure employment and an end to exploitative working practices
- High-quality public services and education
- Safe, healthy and inclusive workplaces
Why Join Us
In a large organisation, it can sometimes feel difficult for individual voices to be heard. By joining UNISON, you become part of a collective voice that helps shape decisions and improve working life for everyone.
Membership provides access to:
- Workplace support and representation
- Advice on employment issues
- Health and safety guidance
- Legal assistance and protection
- Negotiated improvements to pay and conditions
- Learning and development opportunities
- Exclusive member benefits and discounts
At the heart of UNISON is a simple belief: working together achieves more than acting alone. Through our democratic structure, members help shape the campaigns, policies and priorities that guide the union’s work locally and nationally.
Whether you are new to UWE Bristol or have worked here for many years, UWE UNISON is here to support you throughout your career.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we make a difference.
