DELEGATES' Responsibilities

Responsibility to members:

To work with members to build unity, strength and purpose, by

• maximising the number of members at the workplace, with 100% membership the ultimate goal.
• being approachable, available, informative and resourceful in order to retain and build membership in the union.
• acting at all times with integrity and in the best interests of members

To developing an informed and active membership, by

• encouraging a high level of employee activism in the workplace.
• explaining the benefits of union membership to new employees as part of their induction to the workplace.
• encouraging members to do as much as possible themselves.
• seeking out and encouraging pro-active members who are willing to accept and carry out leadership roles.
• sharing their workload with other members.
• having regular contact with other delegates, both formally and informally.
• being united behind the aims and objectives of members in the workplace.
• providing accurate, concise and up-to-date information to members about current issues.
• keeping union notice boards up to date.
• maintaining regular contact with the union organiser about workplace issues and levels of membership.

“A skilled delegate is a good delegate”

Delegates should:

• keep up-to-date with current training and share skills and information learned with other members at the workplace.
• put new skills into practice in the workplace and discuss these with the union organiser.

Represent members strongly and faithfully by:

• advocating the views of all members.
• gathering all relevant information for members.
• giving members appropriate guidance.
• maintaining confidentiality.
• keeping accurate written notes of all meetings.
• agreeing with members the outcomes sought before meeting with management.

And beyond the workplace by

• promoting awareness and understanding of the union’s aims, objectives and achievements wherever possible.
• keeping informed about campaigns in other workplaces or industries.
• maintaining regular contact with delegates from other workplaces, particularly those in the same industry.