Become a workplace representative

Make your workplace better for everyone!

As a workplace representative, you are the link between members in the workplace, the employer and Unionen. This is an important trade union role in which you, together with your colleagues, have good opportunities to influence conditions at work.

Your role as a workplace representative involves

• Receiving important information from the employer in accordance with the Co-determination Act and representing the members when major changes take place in the workplace
• Talking to members and passing on their views to your employer
• Highlighting the issues that are important to members
• Holding members’ meetings and AGMs with members
• Providing information on membership, and spreading awareness of the benefit of Unionen in the workplace

If you have a negotiating mandate, you will also negotiate with the employer on certain issues.

Skills development too!

The role of a workplace representative isn’t just good for the workplace. It’s also good for you and your personal development. You gain access to free training programmes and seminars that you have the opportunity to attend during paid working hours. As the link between your employer and members, you’ll have an overview of your organisation and its decision-making pathways, and by virtue of your role, you’ll have a real chance to exert influence. Unionen’s trade union advisors and your regional office will support you, ensuring that you are comfortable and secure in your role. It is also a useful experience to have on your CV.

Who can be elected as a workplace representative?

Anyone who is a member of Unionen can be elected as a workplace representative by the members at the workplace. The election takes place at a members’ meeting. Are you and your colleagues interested in having a workplace representative at work?

Register your interest!

Get in touch with the member advisory service and we’ll tell you more about the role of workplace representatives and other ways to get more union involvement at work.