General Secretary Election 2025: who your branch is backing!
The general secretary is the most senior role in the union. They represent UNISON when talking to the media, other unions, employers and to Parliament. UNISON has to elect its general secretary every five years.
As the largest trade union in the UK, who runs UNISON matters. It matters in the country at large, and it matters in your workplace.
UNISON’s elected General Secretary runs our union, manages its 1,200 staff and ultimately determines the kind of union we are and can become. The General Secretary and their abilities and qualities is the single biggest factor in whether or not UNISON succeeds and wins for you at work and on pay.
There are two candidates in the 2025 election:
- Andrea Egan
- Christina McAnea.
Following a branch committee meeting, discussion and a vote, your branch has decided to nominate Andrea Egan for General Secretary.
Our Branch is backing Andrea Egan for General Secretary because Andrea:
- Has a clear plan for successful action on Pay, ending the stagnation of the last fifteen years.
- Will take the wage of a social worker, not the £181,000 package our current General Secretary receives. Andrea’s pay will go up when yours does.
- Opposes UNISON’s subservience to Starmer’s Labour. UNISON members will come first, not the Labour Party.
- Will free up and resource branches so we can better support you, giving you access to legal advice when needed.
Has successfully led campaigns to defend Schools and Council terms and conditions.
How the election works
Voting will be over a 4-week period from Tuesday 28 October to Tuesday 25 November. Ballots will be mailed out by the Post Office from Tuesday 28 October so are likely to arrive any time from a few days to a couple of weeks after this date.
1.5 million UNISON members – our in-work members plus our Retired members – get a vote in this election, so it is a big exercise, and ballot mailouts are staggered. By law, we cannot allow members to vote electronically, so lookout for your ballot paper which will be posted to your home address.
Inside will be a smaller addressed envelope, with the postage already paid. Vote by placing an X in the box beside your preferred candidate’s name, put the ballot in the envelope and put it in the post box. Simple!
Members are strongly encouraged to use their vote in this important election that comes only once every five years. Make your choice and have your voice heard!
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