Union representatives, commonly known as reps, are essential to the ongoing work of the union.
Reps are active at every level of the union, running chapels and branches, and supporting individual members in their workplaces. Reps work on health and safety, equality, learning as well as representing members at formal meetings related to grievances, disciplinaries or redundancies.
Guidance on the different reps roles in chapels, branches, elected positions and the delegate meeting is available in Union democracy.
Members look to reps for support and guidance. Whether they have an issue at work or just want some advice over a cup of tea or coffee, reps are the union's main channel of communication with the members.
Reps become known and respected in their workplace and work very hard to support other members. The union always needs more reps.
If you want to get more involved:
- In an organised workplace with a chapel, talk to the current chapel reps about how you can help.
- In an unorganised workplace with recruitment opportunities, talk to your branch, industrial council or a union official about getting support to recruit and organise your colleagues.
- Freelance members and isolated members who are the only journalists in their workplace can also help. Trained reps can represent members in other workplaces where there are no reps.
How to become a trained rep:
The NUJ runs regular training courses for reps, including the core four-stage reps training, as well as training for other reps, such as health and safety, and refresher courses for qualified reps on important topics such as trade union law.
Keep an eye on the training calendar for details.
