BAOT / UNISON
Being a BAOT member means you also belong to Unison and can access support and advice on workplace issues at any time .
Is 2021 the year that you become a BAOT union steward ?
Happy New Year . If you ’ ve made a New Year ’ s resolution to take on a new challenge , why not think about becoming an BAOT union steward ?
BAOT stewards come from a wide variety of backgrounds – from managers to support workers – and some job-share the role with a colleague . A BAOT steward is someone who is a trained and accredited Unison steward , and a member of BAOT . They play a vital role in providing BAOT staff with a voice in the workplace . They act as a link between the members and their union and provide colleagues with advice and support when they need it the most .
What do stewards do ?
Being a steward enables you to represent your own views and needs , and those of your BAOT colleagues , during the many changes that happen in the workplace . By being a steward , you can influence the way in which those changes take place , and in some cases whether they happen at all .
BAOT stewards distribute information , talk to members and get their views . They recruit new members , help members get advice on workplace problems and act as a spokesperson or representative for their work group .
With training , experience and support from your Unison branch , you will be able to represent members in grievance or disciplinary meetings and be involved in negotiations with your employer ; but you can do as much or as little as you want .
As a BAOT steward you will be able to contribute to meetings where unions and management come together to discuss and negotiate employment matters , including pay , terms and conditions , jobs , restructuring , service redesign and continuing professional development .
What support and guidance is out there for me ?
Don ’ t worry . In addition to the formal training , you will receive support , guidance and mentoring from experienced stewards and Unison branch officers to help you get to grips with the role .
You can also sign up for regular email updates and attend the annual BAOT stewards ’ training seminar , where you can meet other occupational therapist stewards to share experiences and learn new skills to help you in your role . You can also opt to jobshare the steward role with one of your colleagues . The skills and knowledge that you will develop in the role can really help with your personal and career development .
Remember , the more stewards we have in the workplace , the stronger our voice and the better we can represent our colleagues . So if you , or someone you know , is thinking about becoming a BAOT steward , please email us at baotstewards @ unison . co . uk for more information .
Not sure if you want to be a steward ?
If you are not sure if you want to be a steward , there are other ways to get involved .
Workplace contact : Becoming a workplace contact is an ideal role for members who aren ’ t ready to take on the full role of elected steward . Workplace contacts can get involved in a variety of ways : recruiting , supporting members , distributing information , and helping with branch organisation .
Union learning representative ( ULR ): As a learning rep you can encourage and support staff to take up new learning opportunities and work with the branch to promote learning initiatives in the workplace .
Unison health and safety representative : Every day , occupational therapy staff are affected by health and safety issues , from the use of equipment to lone working . As a health and safety rep , you can help to improve the health , safety , and wellbeing of members in the workplace .
Unison equality representative : Equality reps work with
Unison branches to make the workplace fairer by promoting respect and dignity at work .
For any of the above roles , you would receive the appropriate support and training via your Unison branch . Help BAOT members to have a voice in the workplace – think about getting more active in your union in 2021 and contact us for more advice about what you can do to make a difference at : baotstewards @ unison . co . uk .
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