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Norfolk County UNISON Branch
International & Donations
Why are we involved in international affairs?
In addition to the vital work performed within your workplace and hundreds of others like it around the country, UNISON is also involved with supporting projects and schemes both nationally and internationally to improve the quality of life for many underprivileged people.
Many trade unionists in many other countries risk intimidation and even death for active membership in a union. Solidarity - joining together with others who share a common interest - is the very basis of trade unionism, and it shouldn't stop at national borders.
Britain's economy and political system are interdependent with Europe and the rest of the world. It is vital, therefore, that UNISON works with sister trade unions in other countries and through key international organisations to promote and protect its members' interests and concerns.
Who do we support?
A number of organisations write to us on a regular basis for support. Some of those organisations and associated web page links can be found on the column on the right hand side of this page. In return for donations, affiliation or both, our branch often has the opportunity to attend annual general meetings and offer the organisations support and advice while positively influencing their policies. The branch also directly supports the Norwich-based charity, the El Viejo Link, who look for ways to directly support a community in Nicaragua.
How much branch money is spent on international matters?
A typical donation to an international organsiation would be in the region of £25 - £50, and the branch has an informal policy of donating to each charity once per calendar year (though in rare circumstances, both the amounts shown here and the donation intervals may be different.) Affiliation means that the branch is directly linked with the organisation in question and typically receives news, campaign materials and literature relating to their cause. Typical affiliation is renewed on an annual basis and costs no more than £50 per organisation.
The branch directly supports other UNISON strike hardship funds and may make donations to these in the region of £250 - £500. This may happen 2 - 3 times a year.
The branch supports on average 2 - 3 organisations a month. Donations/affiliations are recommended by the International Officer and scrutinised by the Branch Executive of stewards that meets monthly.
Who is the branch International Officer?
The branch International Officer is currently Kris Holt. He can be called directly on 01603 223021 or emailed on kris.holt@norfolk.gov.uk.
How can I get involved?
If you are aware of any worthy organisations (local, national or international) that you feel we should support, please notify me and include as many details as possible to allow me to investigate and contact the organisation in question. Please be aware that we are mainly concerned with organisations that are concerned with labour and working conditions and human rights (for example, The Dogs Trust, while being a very noble cause, is not really the kind of organisation we would seek to support.)
Similarly, if you have concerns about any of the organisations that we support, please contact me with details of your concerns. The more information that you can supply, the easier it will be for us to investigate and if necessary, contact the relevant organisation to register the concerns. At the current time, our branch is refusing to support Shelter due to their recent policy change forcing staff to increase their working hours for no extra pay.
If you wish to become a steward and be on the Branch Executive Committee, we'd be delighted to have you! Please click on the 'Contact Us' link on the left hand side and speak to the Branch Office. Alternatively, if you would like to read any of the literature sent to us by organsations, please contact me to arrange this.
Donations and affiliations 2010
Donations and affiliations 2009
Donations and affiliations 2008
Donations and affiliations 2007
Donations and affiliations 2006
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