Warwick UCU FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Which union should I join?
Here at Warwick, where are three recognised Unions who work together to ensure your rights are protected and you are treated fairly and with respect. However, each union has a nuanced role when it comes to different groups of staff as set out in the recognition agreements each union has with the University. These can be viewed at the bottom of this page. Trade Union representatives meet with the University regularly at a Joint Consultative Committee meeting where we bring your concerns to senior management.
UNISONLink opens in a new window: UNISON represents members of staff in grades 1-5.
UniteLink opens in a new window: Unite represent manual and technical services staff in all grades.
UCU: UCU represents Professional Services staff in grades 6-9, and academic members of staff.
If you are unsure of which union to join, we recommend first looking at each union's webpages to get a feel for the slightly different campaigns. If you are still unsure, you can also email Becks Andrew R dot Andrew dot 2 at warwick dot ac dot uk for impartial advice.
Do I have to tell anyone I've joined?
No - your UCU membership is private. While many of our members choose to get more actively involved, we welcome everyone regardless of whether they want to promote the union actively or not. We know it is sometimes difficult to be a union member in some departments and roles, but the important thing for yourself is that you are a member - gaining the benefits of coming together. You can use your personal email address for communications; just set you personal email to your preferred address on myUCU and we will only contact you there.
The more people we can say are members, the more power we have to bargain with the University so whether you want to be active or just there in the background, every membership counts.
Who is my department contact?
Your Department Contact is someone approved by members who works in your department and acts as a first point-of-contact between UCU members and the Committee. They forward issues raised to Committee or point people in the direction of what they may need. They pass on communications that are specific to departments or groups of departments and encourage a sense of community and engagement within their departments. A full list of Department Contacts can be found hereLink opens in a new window. If you're department does not have a contact, please email membership at warwickucu dot org dot uk and our Department Contacts Secretary will be happy to help. The role, for anyone interested, takes very little time and full support is provided.