Vote now in the 2025/26 HE Pay Ballot
Unison is balloting on strike action over the 2025/26 Higher Education pay offer. The pay offer of 1.4% for all HE staff is a 3.2% real terms pay cut. This follows 15 years of real terms pay cuts. This isn't fair and you deserve better.
The ballot is open from Friday 27 February to Friday 27 March. Find out more in the ballot Frequently Asked Questions.
Come along to our open meeting on Tuesday 3rd March, 9.30-10.30. (Chancellor's Building 4.16 and online) to get involved.
Join the Unison Action Group to help get the vote out and get fair pay for all.
Key Ballot Dates
Friday 27 February: Ballot opens
Tuesday 3rd March Hotline opens, number: 0800 0857 857
Friday 13th March: Last chance for new members to join and vote
Friday 20th March: Hotline closes
Friday 27th March Ballot closes
University of Bath Branch Events
Tues 3rd March – 9.30am-10.30am - Chancellor’s Building 4.16 or online - Open meeting for you to find out what the ballot is, why we are balloting and how you can help.
Tues 10th March – 10.15am-11.15am – Wessex House 1.26 – Open computer session, come and talk to us, ask any questions and get support checking your details online (open to members)
Tues 10th March – 12pm-2pm – Outside the Library – Open Stall, come and talk to us informally and ask any questions (open to all)
Thurs 19th March – 9am-12pm – 3WN 3.7 - UNISON Annual General Meeting (AGM) (open to members only)
Unison
UNISON is one of Britain’s biggest unions, representing more than 1.4 million members across the UK’s public services.
We negotiate on behalf of our members for better pay and conditions, help individuals in trouble and campaign for a safer, fairer society.
We are one of the three recognised trade unions at the University and our branch officers and committee members are all members of staff.
Joining UNISON
All members of staff at the University can join UNISON, regardless of their ‘job family’ or grade. Many of our members are staff in:
- Operational and Facilities Support roles in Campus Services, Security, Westwood Nursery and the Sports Training Village
- Management, Specialist and Administration roles across the University
- Students working for the University of Bath as an hourly paid worker
You can join UNISON by applying for membership on the UNISON website. If you do this, or you’re new to the University but are already a UNISON member, please email us your details to unison@bath.ac.uk so we can ensure your membership is logged.
If you would prefer a paper application form, please contact the branch Membership Officer by emailing unison@bath.ac.uk so we can send one out to you. The Membership Officer can also answer your questions about the benefits of membership, the fees and how to join.
UNISON members can access their accounts and update their details via the My UNISON website.
Supporting you
Our Branch Stewards can support you in dealing with:
- work-related disciplinary or grievance
- concerns relating to the dignity and respect policy
- HR related matters
- health or safety issues
- stress
If you are a UNISON member with a work-related query or problem you can get confidential support by:
- visiting the UNISON Knowledge Base website for up-to-date and legally checked information on employment rights
- visiting the UNISON member support and services information website
- contacting the Branch Stewards by email
You can view the UoB Branch Rules here
Additional UNISON member benefits
UNISON members have access to additional benefits such as:
- legal assistance and advice
- confidential advice and support from our 'There for You' charity
- learning and development opportunities
- offers on dental, health and life insurance plans
- financial advice and savings plan offers
- travel deals and discounts on stays at our Croyde Bay Resort in North Devon
Information on all the member benefits available and how to access the benefits can be found on the UNISON Member Benefits website.
Getting involved in UNISON
Our Branch is run by volunteers who are also members - view the current branch officers and committee members. We would love more members to join the committee. If you would like to help run a campaign or would like to focus on a particular issue then please get in touch.
If you volunteer as a UNISON Representative then our agreement with the University means you will receive paid time off work and free training so that you are able to help and support other members when they have problems in the workplace.