By Sjaan Heemskerk, UNISON Essex, personal capacity
The UNISON National Executive Committee (NEC) elections in 2025 are more than a vote—they’re a critical moment to ensure that members’ voices continue to shape the union’s future. Over the past three and a half years, the Time for Real Change team has achieved historic progress, building a union that prioritises organisation, democracy, and collective action. This is a chance for UNISON members to sustain and build upon that momentum.
A Union Truly Led by Its Members
Time for Real Change is dedicated to making UNISON a union that puts members first. They believe that elected representatives—not unelected officials—should be in charge of the union’s direction. This approach ensures greater accountability and transparency, with decisions guided by the needs of members, not by bureaucracy or tradition. This commitment to a member-led union means fighting for structures and processes that give ordinary members a say in how the union operates. It means making sure the voices of those on the frontlines of our workplaces are heard and acted on.
Delivering Real Results for Members
In just 18 months, Time for Real Change has already made a tangible difference in the lives of members. Their achievements include:
- A record-breaking increase of 40,000 new members in 2024, the highest net growth in UNISON’s history.
- Increased strike pay to £50 per day, starting from Day 1 of action, so members are financially supported while taking a stand.
- Creation of a £1 million Energy Support Fund to help members manage the cost-of-living crisis.
- Additional resources allocated to branches, including better training and improved support systems for local organising.
These accomplishments show that Time for Real Change delivers on its promises and works tirelessly to make the union stronger, more effective, and more supportive of its members.
Ending Poverty Pay
Low pay and years of below-inflation wage increases have left many workers struggling to make ends meet. Time for Real Change is determined to put an end to this. By strengthening collective action and prioritising national pay negotiations, they are leading the fight to win fair and sustainable pay deals for all UNISON members.
A Union Committed to Equality
Equality is at the heart of Time for Real Change’s mission. Over the past few years, they have taken bold steps to make UNISON more inclusive:
- Establishing a Black Staff Network to promote equality and diversity across the union.
- Supporting LGBTQ+ rights by rolling out Trans Ally Training and implementing changes to make elections more inclusive for all members.
- Ensuring equality policies are not just written down but actively enforced and promoted across all areas of the union’s work.
This dedication to fairness and inclusion ensures that UNISON reflects the diverse communities it represents and fights for justice for all.
Accountability and Transparency
UNISON members deserve full transparency about how their union operates. Time for Real Change has prioritised financial accountability, reviewing UNISON’s spending to ensure resources are focused on organising, campaigning, and directly supporting members. By cutting unnecessary waste and improving oversight, they’ve made sure members’ money works for them.
A Bold Voice for Change
UNISON is one of the most influential unions in the country, and Time for Real Change knows how to use that influence effectively. They’ve pushed for policies that benefit all workers, including:
- Campaigning for the removal of anti-union laws.
- Advocating for public ownership of essential services.
- Supporting a green new deal to create unionised, well-paid jobs while addressing the climate emergency.
Time for Real Change ensures that UNISON remains a powerful force for justice in workplaces and beyond.
Time for Real Change has transformed UNISON into a union that truly works for its members. But this progress must continue. By voting for Time for Real Change candidates in the 2025 NEC elections, UNISON members can help build a stronger, more democratic union that fights for fair pay, equality, and justice for everyone.
Vote Time for Real Change—together, we can win!
Here is a full list of TfRC candidates
