unison.org.uk

Unison failed me.

As a long-time Unison member, I expected support in my time of need. Unfortunately, my experience has been deeply disappointing. When facing significant distress and workplace challenges, I turned to Unison for guidance and representation. Instead, I encountered delayed responses, vague advice, and an overall lack of meaningful support.Despite clearly expressing my desire for representation at my grievance meeting, I was advised it wasn't necessary. This left me vulnerable and without adequate advocacy. Furthermore, the guidance I received felt more like a defense of my employer's actions rather than the robust representation I expected from a union committed to protecting its members' rights.Unison's refusal to support my case at tribunal due to a perceived lack of "reasonable prospects of success" feels like a dismissal of my legitimate concerns. Instead of championing my cause and helping me navigate the complexities of employment law, I was left to fend for myself, without clear options or recourse.To add insult to injury, I was never warned that pursuing certain actions, like the ACAS/Tribunal route, could affect the level of service I'd receive. This lack of transparency further eroded my trust in the organisation.Unison's role is to support its members, particularly during difficult times. Regrettably, in my case, they have fallen short of this mission. For anyone seeking genuine advocacy and meaningful support in workplace matters, I would caution against placing too much trust in Unison’s ability to deliver when it truly counts.For those of us with Autism and ADHD, Unison’s inaction reveals an alarming lack of awareness, speaking volumes about their understanding of neurodiverse needs—something I hope disability associations and advocates would condemn.It's ironic, the only time Unison responded promptly with something they COULD actually do, was when I asked to terminate my membership.

Date of experience: Sep 18, 2024