reps – Unite CEC Branch

Marking International Workers Memorial Day 2023

On Friday we marked International Workers Memorial Day 2023, when we commemorate those that died at work and renew our fight for health and safety in the workplace.

Trade unions, politicians and activists met in Princes Street Gardens at the Workers’ Memorial Tree. There were moving speeches, including the below speech given by a workplace rep from your branch, Euan Stewart:

This day is when we remember the workers who have lost their lives through their employment. We must also remember that it is not just Industrial Accident that causes death and injury at work. Stress and the pressures placed upon workers cause significant harm to workers and their families. There is often a very fine line between robust management and bullying.

Branch AGM and elections for 2022-2025

Elect your reps and branch officials for the next 3 year term

The Unite CEC Branch annual general meeting (AGM) will take place on 24 March 2022 at 4pm.

At this meeting, we will elect all representatives and officials for the next three year term (2022-2025). All members are welcome to nominate and to attend the meeting. This is an important event, as the elections can steer the direction of the branch for the coming three years.

New rep training dates

Unite Scotland have released the education programme for 2021/22 with dates for training for reps and those looking to become reps. Courses running in Edinburgh are below for quick reference.

Become a rep

If you are interested in becoming a rep, contact one of our branch officers to chat about what’s involved, the support available and the opportunities on offer.

Edinburgh courses for 2021/22

Training for reps 2021

Interested in becoming a rep? It’s an exciting time to become active in a trade union, as we work to create a fairer society that values the workers that have shown how essential they really are.

Unite have workplace reps 1 courses starting on

8 March
15 March
17 May
31 May

TUC have a workplace reps 1 course starting on 29 March.

Download the list of Unite rep courses for this year and apply for the course on the Unite website.

See all TUC rep courses.

Training for reps from the TUC 2021

The TUC dates for rep training are online, with the next course for new reps starting on Monday 12 January—and another starting Monday 19 January. The courses are listed for Edinburgh, Fife and Glasgow, but they are delivered online, so you can attend any.

To become a rep you need to attend union reps 1 and 2 training—this can be from Unite, ideally, or from the TUC. We’ll publish the Unite training dates as soon as we know them.

You are entitled to paid time off to attend under the facilities agreement.

Become a rep or develop your skills with Unite training in 2020

According to Unite the Union rules reps and branch officials are elected for a three year term. The current cycle ends March 2021 meaning that the branch must hold an election for all reps and branch officials.

The date has not yet been set but will likely be end February/early March 2021. Anyone (current and new) wishing to be a rep and/or a branch official must have 1 nomination and 1 seconder who are fully paid up members of Unite (CEC branch). Additionally, the person seeking the nomination cannot be in arrears of of their union dues.

Unite Scotland’s education team are running courses online on Zoom. This is a great opportunity to get involved in your union.

Our next election period is January to March 2021, when all positions in the branch—from workplace rep to branch official—are up for grabs. Now is the chance to start a new venture, learn important skills and make a real difference in your workplace.

Contact the branch officers with any questions or to discuss what it’s like to be Unite rep.

The nominations

Become a rep

Edinburgh courses for 2021/22