Unite unveils its priorities for the future of the union

The Unite general union has agreed rules for the new union, created by the merger of the T&G and Amicus general unions last November.

They include 10 union Objects, the first of which confirms the union’s promise to make union organising a high priority, being “to organise, recruit and represent workers”.

The rules set out clear requirements for workplace organisation, including the election of one or more of each of the following representatives: shop steward/workplace representative, safety representative, learning representative and, for the first time, equality representative.

They say branches should be based on the workplace wherever possible, and that they will be allocated “a proportion of membership subscriptions”. The rules do not specify what proportion, however, stating that this will be determined by the executive council.

Support for Labour is unwavering, with Unite reaffirming that it will affiliate to the party and that no part of the union should give support to any other political party in Great Britain.

There is no new rule on excluding members of far-right organisations, but it is stated that a member may be subject to disciplinary action for “inciting, espousing or practising discrimination or intolerance amongst members on grounds or race, ethnic origin, religion, age, gender, disability or sexual orientation”.

The rules will be put to a ballot of members over the summer and if approved come into force in November.