NEC Elections

“It only takes a few minutes, so please vote.” That’s the message today from UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea, as the union approaches the start of balloting for this year’s elections to the national executive council (NEC).

The NEC is elected by the members to speak on their behalf – and sits at the heart of the decisions made on their behalf.

Despite the pandemic, the union is determined that its democratic life will continue.

Members elect candidates to represent their region and their service group, while there are also additional seats for Black members, young members and disabled members.

As with all other UNISON elections, the union’s principles of proportionality and fair representation mean that some seats are reserved for women and low-paid members, so that the make-up of the NEC fairly represents the wider union.

“Democracy is at the heart of everything we do at UNISON and despite all the difficulties of the current pandemic, these important NEC elections are going ahead,” said Ms McAnea.

“I’d encourage all members to take part in the elections. UNISON is your union and this is your opportunity to help shape the direction of the UK’s biggest union.

“It only takes a few minutes, so please vote in our NEC elections.”

This year’s key dates are:

4 May – voting begins as voting papers are sent to members;

13 May – the voting helpline for members opens;

20 May – the voting helpline closes;

27 May – voting ends.