EC Elections: Your questions answered What are these elections about? The Executive Council of Unite is the union’s supreme decision - making body. 62 members are elected to serve a three - year term and shape the industrial and political direction of the union. Members must be an ‘accountable representative’ of workers so they must hold a position as a branch officer or workplace rep. How much does an executive council member get paid? EC members do not receive payment for their role on the Executive Council. The role is voluntary and filled by lay members. Why should I vote for you? I’m standing alongside a group of candidates who want to continue the direction of travel the union is taking under the leadership of Sharon Graham - building a fightin g union that wins for members. As an activist, I helped turn our branch from a ‘moribund branch’ that existed only on paper into a vibrant and active branch with monthly meetings where we discuss and agree the direction of the branch. At work, I have bee n elected as a shop steward and helped to recruit to almost 70% density. I’ve also helped branch members in their drive to recruit at work. My vision for our union and our sector is one that encourages participation and makes sure our members know where t o turn when they have questions whether those are around problems at work or how best to organise in the workplace. Locally, I’ve helped to support our members in Hospitality set - up and promote successful meetings with the end goal of setting up a Greater Manchester Hospitality Branch. Who else is standing and who can I vote for? Members can vote for candidates in their sector, their region and any applicable equalities candidates. A member in our sector in the North West who is a woman could vote for the service sector, the North West regional and the women’s seats for example. In some cases, you can vote for more than one candidate. Our branch, NW/70209 has endorsed the following candidates: Chris Neville (Services), Gary Walker and Jacqueline Wilson (N orth West), Susan Matthews (BAEM), Jenny Douglas (LGBT), Jane Stewart (Women), Martyn Gwyther (Disabled Members), Jamie Sims (Young Members). How do I vote? Ballot papers will be arriving through your letterbox soon if not already. Just mark an X in the relevant box an d post them back in the envelope provided. The deadline for receiving the ballots is noon on April 25 so don’t delay! Please do get in touch using the email address below if you have any further questions. In solidarity, Chris Neville c hrisneville.unite@gmail.com