Trade Union Time - Policies, strategies and open data

Trade Union Time

Gravesham Borough Council recognises three trade unions, UNISON; UNITE and the GMB. However, there are only internal representatives for UNISON.

The Council has had an agreement for time off and facilities in place for many years and recognises the importance of a positive working relationship with both local and regional trade union representatives in order to deliver the services it seeks to provide to the local community.

There are three employees who are Unison trade union representatives and all are full time officers. In addition, there are currently vacancies for a number of roles including Membership Secretary, Welfare Office and Treasurer for Unison.  None of these staff spend more than 50% of their working time on trade union duties.

The agreement allows the Branch Secretary, UNISON one day per week and other officers’ reasonable time on an ad hoc basis for their union duties (attending management meetings, communication with members, handling individual cases).  No time is given for trade union activities such as canvassing for additional membership

Estimated trade union spend per annum is equivalent to 52 days per annum £11,083 representing an estimated 0.0% of the total pay bill for 2026-27.  Please note this figure is subject to the annual pay award increase for 2026-27.