City of Stoke On Trent Branch  - Rule Book 

 

TITLE

1. The name of the branch shall be called City of Stoke-on-Trent Unison hereafter called "the branch".

ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP

4. Those eligible for membership are defined in National Rule C2.3, C2.4, C2.5, C2.6 and C2.7.

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ACCEPTANCE OF CONSTITUTION

2(a) The branch accepts the constitution and rules of Unison (hereafter called "the National Rules") and of the West Midlands Regional Council (hereafter called the "Regional Council"), together with any subsequent alterations or addition thereto, to ensure that the constitution and rules of the branch shall always be consistent with those of UNISON nationally and the Regional Council.

2(b) Any member may have a copy of UNISON's rules and any regulation made by the National Executive Council if she/he requests.

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OBJECTIVES

3 The objectives of the branch shall be:

(a) To organise, within the branch, all the eligible staff employed directly or indirectly by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, or of employers who otherwise provide services to the residents of Stoke-on-Trent, and to engage in bona fida trade union activities on their behalf.

In this rule, eligible means within the definition of national rules C2.3, C2.4, C2.5, C2.6 and C2.7.

(b) To form such substructures of the branch as may be considered necessary in the interests of the members of the branch.

(c) To seek to ensure equality of treatment and fair representation for all members and to work for the elimination of discrimination on grounds of race, gender, sexuality, disability, age or creed.

(d) To seek to protect the right of all members to be treated with dignity and respect, irrespective of race, gender, sexuality, disability, age or creed.

(e) To improve the pay and conditions of members and to promote their interests.

(f) To establish effective joint negotiating machinery between members and their employees to secure the settlement of disputes arising from members employment.

(g) To promote health and safety at work.

(h) To make representations to the Regional Local Government Committee and the Regional Council having general application to pay and conditions of service and on any other matters relevant to the objectives of UNISON.

(i) To submit motions through the medium of the Regional Council or otherwise, for the consideration of the National Executive Council, appropriate Service Groups and national bargaining bodies, or a conference of UNISON.

(j) To promote greater employee involvement and representation in the delivery of public services, irrespective of race, gender, sexuality, disability, age or creed.

(k) To work with all other interested parties, individuals and organisations to maintain and improve the quality of services to the public.

(l) To promote and establish a member-led union and to carry out and fulfill decisions made by members in the spirit of unity and accountability.

(m) To promote fair representation in all the union structures for women members of all grades, black members, members with disabilities, lesbians and gay men.

(n) To encourage solidarity and an effective working partnership between members, activists, representatives, officers and all staff in the service of UNISON and its policies.

(o) To promote and campaign on policies agreed at branch level, Regional Council or by UNISON Conferences.

(p) To maintain political funds within the terms of the National Rules.

(q) To assist and support other unions, organisations, charities, or individuals as deemed appropriate locally.

(r) To participate in, and promote international trade union activities and to foster appropriate international links.

(s) To encourage members to participate in education facilities provided and maintained by UNISON.

(t) To promote, maintain and contribute to schemes and/of funds determined locally for the financial, physical and social welfare of members and their dependants.

(u) To submit nominations of candidates to the National Executive Council, the Trades Union Congress and other such bodies as may be appropriate.

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BECOMING A MEMBER

5.1 Every person wishing to become a member shall complete and sign an application form for membership, using her/his full name and giving her/his address and shall return it to the branch secretary. Applications via other channels must be processed through the branch secretary.

5.2 A person applying for membership shall only be deemed a member if approved by the vote of the majority of members present and voting at either a meeting of the branch executive committee or a general meeting of the branch and shall have the right of personal representation at that meeting if objections are raised.

5.3 Any person whose application for membership is declined shall have the right of appeal to a regional appeals committee against the decision of the branch as set out in National Rule C5.6.

5.4 Any person wishing to join the branch shall sign the undertaking on the application for membership and shall accept the constitution of UNISON and of the branch and will comply with the rules.

5.5 The member shall then be enrolled in the branch register and the National UNISON membership system.

5.6 Members are not allowed representation from the union on any issue which pre-dates their application for membership.

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OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERSHIP

6.1 The rights, privileges and liabilities of each member shall be person to her/him, and shall not, in any circumstances, be transferable or transmissible.

6.2 A member shall comply with the constitution and rules of UNISON and shall not in in a way detrimental or prejudicial to the interests of the union or its members.

6.3 Every member who changes her/his address shall notify the branch secretary of the change in the prescribed way.

6.4  It is the obligation of each member to ensure that her/his subscription is paid to UNISON on the date on which it is due and by the method most helpful to the branch.

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CEASING TO BE A MEMBER

7. The Branch will terminate the membership of any person who ceases to be eligible for membership with National Rule  C1 and who does not fall within the classes of membership set out in National Rule C2, unless she/he intends to be absent from the employment defined in National Rule C1 for a temporary period only, in which case she/he may be allowed, by decision of the branch, to retain membership.

ARREARS OF SUBSCRIPTIONS

8. Any person owing more than 3 months subscriptions shall cease to be a member of the union (unless the National Executive Council decides otherwise) and shall forfeit all that she/he has paid to the union. Any such person shall remain liable to pay arrears of subscription or other payment due at the date on which her/his membership terminated, at the discretion of the branch.

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RESIGNATION

9. Any member may at any time resign her/his membership by submitting a written resignation to the branch secretary. Upon resigning, that member will forfeit any rights to receive or continue to receive benefits or privileges of membership and shall forfeit all that she/he has paid to the union.

RESUMPTION OF MEMBERSHIP

10. Any person whose membership is terminated by the branch or who terminates her/his membership in accordance with these rules, may be allowed to resume membership at the discretion of the branch on payment of such sums as are determined by the branch.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL YEAR

11. The administrative and financial year of the branch shall be the period commencing on the first day of January and ending on 31 December of the same year. 

 

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ELECTION OF OFFICERS

12. In accordance with National Rule G.4.1.1 the branch shall at the annual meeting elect the following officers, whose positions may be job shared:
  • Chairperson
  • Vice Chairperson
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Equality Officer
  • Health & Safety Officer
  • Women's Officer
  • Membership & Recruitment Secretary
  • Education Secretary
  • Sports & Social Secretary
  • Communications Officer
  • Welfare Secretary
  • Youth Officer
  • International Relations Officer
  • Labour Link Contact
  • Branch Auditors
  • Disabled Members Officer
  • Black members Officer
  • Lesbian & Gay Members Officer
  • Information Technology Officer
  • Best Value Officer
The Branch may also elect other officers as it considers appropriate. The branch chairperson or the secretary shall not be the branch treasurer. In addition, the AGM will endorse the appointment of convenors for each of the service groups, who will be elected beforehand by the members of said groups, and a retired members' secretary who will be elected by the retired members group.

13. The branch officers shall be elected from the membership of the branch with the exception of the Labour Link Contact who shall be elected from the membership paying into the APF. A student, unemployed member of not more than two years unemployment or retired member shall not be eligible to hold office either elective or ex-officio, except that the latter may hold office as retired members' secretary.

14. The branch committee or any 2 members shall be entitled to nominate candidates for each of the above offices (with the exception of the Labour Link Contact who shall be nominated by Labour Link members  only). Nominations must be invited in writing by the branch secretary two months before the annual meeting and shall be received in writing by the branch secretary at least 2 weeks before voting takes place. The branch secretary shall notify in writing to each nominee the fact of her/his nomination and of her/his right to withdraw her/his candidature by notifying the fact in writing to the secretary not later than seven days before the vote takes place. If there is more than one candidate for any office, a ballot shall be taken at the AGM, each member being entitled to one vote in respect of each office to be filled. Votes must be recorded on the official ballot paper supplied.

15. The branch secretary shall invite nominations and arrange elections for convenors within each Service Group, any elections to be held at a meeting of that group one month before the AGM. Nominations must be invited in writing by the branch secretary, two months before the AGM and nominations shall be received by the branch secretary at least two weeks before the vote takes place. The branch secretary shall notify in writing to each nominee the fact of her/his nomination and of her/his right to withdraw by notifying the fact in writing to the secretary not later than seven days before the vote takes place.

16. The branch may give honoraria to officers, stewards and others annually, according to the service that they have rendered to the branch in that year, at the annual general meeting. 

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ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

17 The Branch Executive Committee shall consist of the following:

(1) The officers mentioned in rule 12 above (with the exception of the branch auditors)
(2) Workgroup stewards (see rule 18 below)
(3)Two representatives of each self organised group recognised by the branch
(4) Any member of the branch elected to the National Executive Council, service group executive or sector committee.

18 Each department shall be divided into appropriate constituencies each with their own stewards. Each service group shall, at least 14 days prior to the annual meeting, forward to the branch secretary the names of the convenor and stewards elected. In the event of any service group failing to make any such appointment, stewards for that group may be elected at the annual meeting.  Any vacancy in representation arising during the year shall be filled from the department/service group where the vacancy occurs or, in default, by the branch executive committee. 

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BRANCH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FUNCTIONS

19 The function of the branch executive committee shall be:

(a) To co-ordinate local negotiations conducted by stewards in the branch
(b) To accredit workplace stewards and establish effective representation of members' interests by stewards in each workgroup
(c) To maintain a record of membership showing the service group in which each member is employed
(d) To ensure that the branch officers are properly exercising their functions
(e) To meet not less than ten times each year
(f)  To consider and deal with all matters affecting the interests of members of the branch, whether raised by members or arising from communications from Headquarters or Regional Office or Regional Council of UNISON or reports from service groups
(g) To deal with matters of emergency
(h) To appoint a finance sub-committee and other sub-committees with power to co-opt members of the branch who may not be members of the branch executive committee
(i) To submit a report on its activities to the annual meeting of the branch
(j) To fill casual vacancies not otherwise provided for by these rules
(k) To co-ordinate the activities of the branch in health and safety including the endorsement of the appointment of health and safety representatives
(l)  To give consideration to donations and/or affiliation to other organisations in the wider labour and trade union movement 
(m) To approve the arrangements of constituencies in each department/service group and the constitution of each department/service group
(n) To encourage the development of self organised groups
(o) A quorum shall consist of 20% of branch committee members, subject to review by the AGM.

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STEWARD

42. A Steward shall:

(a) Be the first line of general service to members.
(b) Recruit and maintain membership, and ensure that membership records are kept up to date.
(c) Investigate and act upon, any complaint or difficulty and represent members in discussions and negotiations with managers, where appropriate.
(d) Refer any difficult problems to, or seek advice from, the convenor.
(e) Observe all agreements to which the union is party, and take reasonable steps to ensure that members are aware of agreements and observe them.
(f) Keep members informed of all relevant industrial relations and trade union issues.
(g) Liaise with other stewards and health and safety representatives in the service group.
(h) Attend appropriate training courses organised by UNISON.
(i) Represent members at service group and branch committee meetings.
(j) Also hold the post of health and safety representative, unless this duty is declined in writing to the branch secretary.

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BRANCH GENERAL MEETINGS

43. The Branch shall meet at least once a year for the annual meeting and shall hold other meetings as determined by the branch committee or convened under rule 43b below.

(a) The annual meeting shall be held as soon as possible after the end of the relevant financial year.
(b) A minimum of 7 days notice of the annual or any general meeting, including a special general meeting called under rule 44 below shall be given to each member.
(c) The annual meeting agenda shall include:

- approval of branch accounts and budgets for the forthcoming year
- confirmation of election of stewards and convenors
- motions from members, service groups or branch executive committee
- approval of officers expense rates and honoraria as proposed by the finance
   sub-committee

(d) The annual meeting shall approve the procedures and practices, and subsequent revisions, adopted by each service group for its effective working.   

(e) Motions for the Annual Meeting must be received by the branch office 28 days prior to the date of the Annual meeting unless the motion is an Emergency. (An emergency motion will be described by the Standing Orders for Unison Conference).

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SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS

44. A Special general meeting of the branch shall be called:

(a) By special resolution of the branch executive committee.
(b) At any time within 14 days of the receipt by the branch secretary of a requisition in writing signed by at least 20 members of the branch, stating the reasons for such a meeting and the issues for consideration at such a meeting.
(c) By the mutual consent of the chairperson, vice-chair and secretary to conduct urgent business. 

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QUORUM

45. The quorum of the branch shall be 30 members.

PRESS COMMUNICATIONS

50.  Communications to the press on behalf of the branch shall be made only by those officers duly authorised by the branch committee.

AFFILIATION TO CONSTITUENCY LABOUR PARTIES

51. The Branch Labour Link membership may affiliate to relevant constituency labour parties.

 

AFFILIATION TO TRADES COUNCILS

52. The branch may affiliate to appropriate trades councils.

 

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BRANCH REPRESENTATION AT REGIONAL AND NATIONAL LEVEL.

Branch Representation at Regional Council, Regional Local Government Service Group, National Delegate Conference and National Local Government Service Group Conference of Unison.

46. The branch committee shall, at its first meeting of the year, elect its representatives to the above and in all instances will reflect proportionality and fair representation from respective service groups. The branch committee shall agree arrangements for substitutes in the event that an elected representative is unable to attend. Retired members are eligible to represent the branch only at conferences for retired members. 

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EXPENSES OF REPRESENTATIVES

47. Traveling and other expenses properly incurred by members when attending meetings on behalf of the branch in a representative capacity shall be paid out of branch funds, always provided that the representation and rate of reimbursement have been approved by the branch or branch executive committee.

ALTERATION OF RULES

56. These rules shall only be altered or rescinded, with the consent of at least two-thirds of the members present and voting at the Annual General Meeting, or at a Special Meeting convened under rule 35 above and the notice convening the meeting shall state the terms of the proposed alteration.

ANNUAL REPORT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS

48. The annual report and audited statements of account shall be submitted to the annual general meeting and a copy of each shall be submitted to the Regional Council and to the National Office.

49. The branch's bankers shall be Unity Trust Bank PLC unless otherwise determined by the branch. 

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DISSOLUTION

53. The branch may be dissolved by resolution passed at an annual or any general meeting provided that:

(a) At least 28 days notice in writing of the proposal to dissolve has been given by the secretary to each member of the branch, and
(b) At least three-quarters of the members present and voting, vote in favour of the proposal.

54. It shall not be competent for the branch to dissolve and reform if such action would enable the branch to escape any penalty or disqualification provided for by UNISON's rules.

55. Where the branch is dissolved otherwise than by action taken by the National Executive Council, all net assets of the branch shall be dealt with as the National Executive Council may decide in consultation with the Regional Council Officers and members of the branch.

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DATE RULES FORMULATED

The foregoing rules were made at a meeting of the Stoke-on-Trent branch of UNISON on the 6th day of March 2003.