UNISON: Vote YES to keep our political fund and maintain our campaign voice

 

UNISON is required by law to ballot all members as to whether or not we should keep the political fund. This ballot is now underway, and all members are encouraged to participate!  So what is the political fund? The political fund is an optional extra that some members choose to pay into to support UNISON's political campaigns and advertising. There are two types;  The Campaigning Fund Also referred to as the General Political Fund (GPF) - this is not affiliated to any political party. The money paid into this gives a boost to the union's political campaigns. All sorts of national and local projects and campaigns benefit from this fund, such as anti-cuts campaigns, local campaigns against hospital closures, local equality events and the union's work combating racism and intolerance.  Labour Link Fund Also referred to as the Affiliated Political Fund (APF). This fund works to take UNISON's policies to the heart of the Labour Party. Over the years, the fund has helped secure gains including the national minimum wage, equalities legislation and increased investment into the NHS. Most recently, UNISON's input into the current government's New Deal for Working People would not have been possible without this fund.  We finally have a Labour government, and if want to ensure the voices of public service workers are represented and considered, we need to ensure this fund continues!  What can you do?  Remember to vote and encourage other members to do the same - it's a postal ballot only.  Ensure the leaflets (linked below) are circulated to members in your workplace - you can also have some copies on any stalls or walkarounds you are running in the ballot period Include in your branch newsletter There will be social media posts from both the regional and national UNISON accounts about this important ballot, share this with your followers!  Key dates for your diary  15 July | Voting starts - voting papers are posted to members 24 July | The voting helpline opens (UNISON Direct 0800 0 857 857) 09 August | The voting helpline closes at midday  16 August | Voting ends at 5pm 22 August | The results are published