Unite the Union

Unite the Union was formed on 1 May 2007 by the merger of Amicus, a general private-sector union, and the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU).{{Cite news|last=Curtis|first=Polly|date=2010-10-24|title=Voting begins in crucial battle for Unite union leadership|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/oct/24/voting-begins-unite-union-leadership|access-date=2020-07-27|issn=0261-3077}} The general secretaries of the previous unions, Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley respectively, served as joint general secretaries of the new union. The executive councils of the predecessor unions became a joint executive council which served until elections could be held for an executive council of Unite. The new council took office on 1 May 2008. They put a new rulebook for the union to a postal ballot of members during July 2008, which was accepted.

In 2008, there was a rooftop hunger strike at Unite's Transport House building in Belfast. The participants were formerly shop stewards of the Transport and General Workers Union, now a section of Unite.{{Cite news|title=Hunger strikers in bad shape|work=libcom.org|publisher=libcom collective of libertarian communists|url=http://libcom.org/news/unite-hunger-striker-gordon-mcneill-bad-shape-19052008}} The dispute was over legal fees and compensation for an unfair dismissal action against the workers' employer, arising from a 2002 strike at Belfast International Airport, and the related actions of a full-time union official employee.{{cite web|date=11 September 2001|title=Belfast airport workers: Union leaders' broken promises|url=http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/articles/4127|access-date=17 December 2009|publisher=Socialist Party{{cite web|author=Gordon McNeill|date=18 June 2008|title=Press release: Sacked airport shop steward rejects union compensation "offer"|url=http://belfastairportworkers.wordpress.com/2008/06/18/sacked-airport-shop-steward-rejects-union-compensation-%E2%80%9Coffer%E2%80%9D/|access-date=25 June 2008}}{{cite web|date=20 June 2008|title=Belfast Airport Shop Stewards – The Truth and Nothing but the Truth|url=http://www.tgwu.org.uk/Templates/System/Other.asp?NodeID=94372|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915103555/http://www.tgwu.org.uk/Templates/System/Other.asp?NodeID=94372|archive-date=15 September 2008|access-date=25 June 2008|publisher=Transport and General Workers' Union}}

In October 2009, British Airways announced that it would cut 1,700 cabin crew jobs. Unite, which represented 12,000 of the company's cabin crew, said that it had been in talks with British Airways about the company's plans to reduce costs, but that the announcement had not been shared with them in advance.{{Cite web|date=2009-10-06|title=British Airways cuts 1,700 Heathrow jobs|url=http://www.theguardian.com/business/2009/oct/06/ba-cuts-jobs-heathrow-airport-industrial-action|access-date=2020-07-27|website=The Guardian|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2010-02-12|title=BA suspends cabin staff in Facebook row over list of strike-breaking pilots|url=http://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/feb/12/bae-facebook-strike-action|access-date=2020-07-27|website=The Guardian|language=en}} British Airways suspended staff for sharing lists of pilots who had agreed to break a potential strike. Unite's assistant general secretary, Len McCluskey, said that some members had been suspended for being friends on Facebook with other attendants being investigated.{{Cite news|last=Davies|first=Caroline|date=2010-02-12|title=BA suspends cabin staff in Facebook row over list of strike-breaking pilots|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/feb/12/bae-facebook-strike-action|access-date=2020-07-27|issn=0261-3077}} In a strike ballot, more than 80% of cabin crew members of Unite voted to strike.{{Cite news|last1=Milmo|first1=Dan|last2=Lewis|first2=Paul|date=2010-03-19|title=BA strike: The people behind the action — and those who would break it|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/mar/19/unite-union-professional-cabin-crew-council|access-date=2020-07-27|issn=0261-3077}} The High Court of Justice granted an injunction against the strike on the basis that Unite had not informed its members about the number of spoilt ballots in a previous dispute.{{Cite news|last1=blog|first1=Adam Wagner on the UK Human Rights|last2=Network|first2=part of the Guardian Legal|date=2010-05-18|title=The British Airways strike and the human right to free assembly|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/law/2010/may/18/british-airways-strike-right-assembly|access-date=2020-07-27|issn=0261-3077}} In total, there were twenty-two days of strike during the dispute.{{Cite web|date=2011-07-18|title=Former Unite leader paid £500,000, sparking 'golden goodbye' row|url=http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2011/jul/18/unite-leader-golden-goodbye-row|access-date=2020-07-27|website=The Guardian|language=en}}

In November 2009, Kraft Foods Inc. bid to purchase the confectionary company Cadbury. Unite represented its staff, and sought assurance about the status of jobs in the event of the purchase.{{Cite news|last1=Clark|first1=Andrew|last2=Wood|first2=Zoe|date=2009-11-18|title=Chocolate wars: now the ambassador's favourite and a US giant eye Cadbury|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2009/nov/18/cadbury-hershey-ferrero|access-date=2020-07-27|issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news|last1=Inman|first1=Phillip|last2=Moya|first2=Elena|date=2009-11-14|title=Unions and MPs blast RBS for backing foreign takeover bid for Cadbury|language=en-GB|work=The Observer|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2009/nov/14/rbs-loan-kraft-cadbury-deal|access-date=2020-07-27|issn=0029-7712}} Kraft went on to purchase Cadbury.{{Cite web|date=2010-01-19|title=Cadbury management criticised for caving in to Kraft takeover|url=http://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/jan/19/cadbury-management-criticised-kraft-takeover|access-date=2020-07-27|website=The Guardian|language=en}} In a Parliamentary committee, Unite representatives including deputy general secretary Jack Dromey and national food and drink officer Jennie Formby gave evidence to an inquiry about the takeover, saying that Kraft had delayed meeting union representatives.{{Cite news|last=Wearden|first=Graeme|date=2010-03-16|title=MPs quiz Kraft over Cadbury takeover - as it happened|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/mar/16/kraft-cadbury-takeover-mps|access-date=2020-07-27|issn=0261-3077}} Formby later criticised the company for its compensation of £40 million to its outgoing chief executive Todd Stitzer.{{Cite web|date=2010-04-16|title=Todd Stitzer departs with £40m after selling off Cadbury to Kraft|url=http://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/apr/16/cadbury-kraft-merger-bonuses-executive-pay|access-date=2020-07-27|website=The Guardian|language=en}} The Labour Party later announced an election proposal to raise the shareholder majority required to approve a takeover to two-thirds, which Unite had lobbied for.{{Cite news|last=Webb|first=Tim|date=2010-04-12|title=Labour's 'Cadbury law' would require two-thirds vote for takeovers|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/apr/12/labour-cadbury-law-protectionism-cbi|access-date=2020-07-27|issn=0261-3077}}{{cite web|last=Stratton|first=Allegra |date=2010-04-09|title=Labour manifesto to include 'Cadbury law' protecting British businesses|url=http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/apr/10/labour-manifesto-cadbury-law|access-date=2020-07-27|website=The Guardian}}

During the 2010 United Kingdom general election, Unite were the largest donor to the Labour Party, giving them £1 million.{{Cite news|last=Rogers|first=Simon|date=2010-05-21|title=General election 2010: party donations, week by week - UPDATED|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2010/apr/27/general-election-2010-electoral-commission-party-funding-data|access-date=2020-07-27|issn=0261-3077}}

The first election for a single general secretary of the union was held in 2010, with McCluskey, an assistant general secretary considered on the left-wing of the union, being elected.{{Cite web|date=2011-09-03|title=Inside the minds of our union bosses|url=http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2011/sep/04/inside-the-minds-of-union-leaders|access-date=2020-07-27|website=The Guardian|language=en}} Former joint general secretary Derek Simpson received a payment of over £500,000.{{cite news|date=19 July 2011|title=Union boss Derek Simpson received £500,000 golden goodbye|newspaper=Daily Telegraph|location=London|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/8646587/Union-boss-Derek-Simpson-received-500000-golden-goodbye.html}} Due to the controversy this caused within the union, members voted in favour of new measures designed to limit future payments on departure in a policy conference in 2012.{{cite web| url=http://www.unitetheunion.org/uploaded/documents/PolicyConf2012Decisions11-6662.pdf | title=Winning Together - Decisions of the June 2012 UNITE Policy Conference | access-date=2024-01-29}}

The union began offering lower price membership to students, the unemployed and single parents in 2011.{{Cite web|date=2011-07-17|title=Unite launches cut price membership for students and the unemployed|url=http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2011/jul/17/unite-start-reduced-membership|access-date=2020-07-27|website=The Guardian|language=en}} In the same year, the dispute with British Airways was resolved.{{Cite web|date=2011-05-12|title=BA and Unite reach deal to end cabin crew strikes|url=http://www.theguardian.com/business/2011/may/12/british-airways-crew-strike-deal|access-date=2020-07-27|website=The Guardian|language=en}} In the wake of cuts to public spending made by the Cameron–Clegg coalition, McCluskey threatened strike action to disrupt the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.{{Cite news|last1=Sparrow|first1=Andrew|last2=Milmo|first2=Dan|date=2012-02-28|title=Union leader threatens public sector strikes to disrupt London Olympics|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/feb/28/olympics-london-union-strike-threat|access-date=2020-07-27|issn=0261-3077}} Also in protest against cuts, Unite supported a successful motion at the Trades Union Congress in 2012 to consider holding a general strike.{{Cite news|last1=Milmo|first1=Dan|date=2012-09-11|title=TUC to consider general strike|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/sep/11/tuc-to-consider-general-strike|access-date=2020-07-27|issn=0261-3077}}

In 2013, leaked documents alleged that Unite was running a covert campaign to ensure its candidates were selected to represent the Labour Party in the 2015 general election. Steve Hart, the union's political director, stated that Unite was supporting 41 candidates.{{cite news|last=Wintour|first=Patrick|date=3 July 2013|title=Ed Miliband urged to confront Unite over general election candidates|work=The Guardian|location=London|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/jul/03/ed-miliband-confront-unite-over-candidates}} There was particular controversy over the 2013 Labour Party Falkirk candidate selection. Unite claimed that it had not broken any Labour Party rules or the law with its selection campaign. Ed Miliband, then Leader of the Labour Party, referred the matter for police investigation, however Police Scotland found there was 'insufficient evidence' to launch an investigation.{{cite news|date=25 July 2013|title=Police rule out Falkirk vote rigging inquiry|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-23447279}} An Information Commissioner's Office investigation took place, as did internal Labour disciplinary proceedings.

McCluskey was re-elected in an early general secretary election in 2013, defeating Hicks. In 2014, the union achieved a legal ruling by the Employment Appeal Tribunal that employers need to account for overtime when calculating holiday pay.{{Cite news|last=Neate|first=Rupert|date=2014-11-04|title=Coalition seeks to limit impact of holiday backpay ruling|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/money/2014/nov/04/holiday-pay-ruling-reward-5m-workers|access-date=2020-07-27|issn=0261-3077}} In April 2014, McCluskey threatened to disaffiliate Unite from Labour and launch a new workers' party if Labour lost the 2015 general election.{{cite news|last=McSmith|first=Andy|date=1 April 2014|title=Unite union boss Len McCluskey threatens to launch party to rival Labour|work=The Independent|location=London|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/unite-union-boss-len-mccluskey-threatens-to-launch-party-to-rival-labour-9231266.html|access-date=2 April 2014}} In July 2015, Unite endorsed Jeremy Corbyn's campaign in the 2015 Labour Party leadership election.{{cite news|last=Syal|first=Rajeev|date=5 July 2015|title=Jeremy Corbyn gets backing of Unite in Labour leadership race|newspaper=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jul/05/jeremy-corbyn-backing-unite-labour-leadership-race|access-date=17 July 2017}}

In December 2016, McCluskey announced his resignation in order to contest an election for the post, which was held in April 2017. He was challenged by Unite's West Midlands Regional Secretary Gerard Coyne, who accused him of "putting the Labour leadership before the interests of Unite members". McCluskey won the election, and Coyne was suspended from his position in the union.{{cite news|last=Eaton|first=George|date=20 April 2017|title=Len McCluskey's rival for Unite general secretary, Gerard Coyne, suspended|work=New Statesman|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2017/04/len-mccluskeys-rival-unite-general-secretary-gerard-coyne-suspended}}

In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, several hundred bus drivers working for Go North West in Manchester went on strike for over two months in the longest strike in Unite's history.{{Cite web|date=17 May 2021|title=Striking bus drivers vote to accept deal to resolve row over pay and conditions|url=https://guernseypress.com//news/uk-news/2021/05/17/striking-bus-drivers-vote-to-accept-deal-to-resolve-row-over-pay-and-conditions/|access-date=6 August 2021|website=Guernsey Press|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Bowman|first=Jamie|date=18 May 2021|title=Striking bus drivers vote to accept deal to resolve row over pay and conditions|url=https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/19309966.striking-bus-drivers-vote-accept-deal-resolve-row-pay-conditions/|access-date=6 August 2021|website=The Bolton News|publisher=Newsquest|language=en}}

In August 2021, McCluskey announced his retirement as leader. In the subsequent election, Sharon Graham was chosen to replace him as the union's general secretary. In September 2021, Unite put forward a motion at the Labour Party conference calling for a £15 an hour minimum wage. The motion was passed by Labour Party members. However, Keir Starmer and his leadership team have not indicated a preference for or against the motion.{{cite news |last1= Parkinson |first1= Justin |last2= Scott |first2= Jennifer |date= 28 September 2021 |title= Labour conference: Members vote for £15 minimum wage amid row |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-58713344 |work= BBC News |access-date= 27 November 2023}} The union joined postal workers strikes in 2022 after members at Royal Mail voted for industrial action over pay and job cuts.{{cite web |title=Royal Mail managers announce strike dates over cuts to 700 jobs and pay |url=https://www.unitetheunion.org/news-events/news/2022/july/royal-mail-managers-announce-strike-dates-over-cuts-to-700-jobs-and-pay/ |website=Unite the Union |access-date=23 October 2022 |date=5 July 2022}}

During McCluskey's tenure, Unite spent £98 million on a hotel and conference centre in Birmingham as costs increased during its construction beyond the initially projected £57 million. Graham told officials in February 2022 that recent valuations were about £28 million. At the time of the investment decision McCluskey had said, it was a "sensible investment of members' money, resulting in a world-class facility that will return an income for our union for generations to come". Graham ordered two independent inquiries, one led by a Queen's Counsel, which was expected to report by the end of March 2022, and another by the accounting firm Grant Thornton.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-56664080 |title=Unite union faces questions over £98m hotel scheme |last=Wheeler |first=Brian |work=BBC News |date=7 April 2021 |access-date=16 February 2022}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/dec/20/unite-launches-inquiry-into-building-costs-of-birmingham-project |title=Unite launches inquiry into building costs of Birmingham project |last=Hall |first=Rachel |newspaper=The Guardian |date=20 December 2021 |access-date=16 February 2022}}{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2022/02/15/unite-union-faces-70m-shortfall-hotel-investment/ |title=Unite union faces £70m shortfall over hotel investment |last=Boycott-Owen |first=Mason |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |url-access=limited |date=15 February 2022 |access-date=16 February 2022}}{{Cite web |date=2022-12-08 |title=Reports on Unite's Birmingham hotel find 'potential criminality' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/dec/08/unite-birmingham-hotel-potential-criminality |access-date=2022-12-20 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}

In April 2022, a raid was conducted by HM Revenue and Customs and South Wales police on Unite offices to investigate allegations of bribery, fraud, and money laundering related to the project.{{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Pippa |last2= |first2= |date=21 October 2024 |title=Major fraud investigation under way into £112m hotel built by Unite union |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/oct/21/sfo-major-investigation-under-way-into-112m-hotel-built-by-unite-union |access-date=21 October 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

As of December 2022, the contents of both inquiries has not been released, as Unite has referred the matter to the police citing "very serious concerns about potential criminality".

In October 2024, news reporting revealed that the Serious Fraud Office was investigating the construction project. According to The Guardian, employment tribunal documents indicated that Unite executives believe that the true value of the building had been misrepresented to the leadership team. The final cost for the centre came to £112 million.

The union is led by a general secretary, elected by a ballot of members.

Jerry Hicks, a former member of Amicus's executive, issued a legal challenge over Simpson's extension of tenure.{{cite web|title=Unite to hold election for Joint General Secretary|url=http://www.unitetheunion.org/news__events/2008_archived_press_releases/unite_to_hold_election_for_joi.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720142226/http://www.unitetheunion.org/news__events/2008_archived_press_releases/unite_to_hold_election_for_joi.aspx|archive-date=20 July 2011|access-date=31 March 2012|publisher=Unitetheunion.org}} In October 2008, Unite's executive council announced an election for the joint general secretary for the Amicus section. The election took place from January to March 2009 to elect a joint general secretary for a fixed term until December 2010.

Simpson stood for re-election as the incumbent, and Hicks successfully sought nomination to contest the election. Other candidates included two regional secretaries, Laurence Faircloth and Kevin Coyne, and a national officer, Paul Reuter. Faircloth stood down after the close of nominations and endorsed Simpson. A total of 159,272 voting slips were returned, out of a possible 1,096,511 voters, a turnout of 14.5%. Simpson won the election with 37.7% of the total votes cast, and remained in the post of joint general secretary until December 2010.[http://www.amicustheunion.org/Default.aspx?page=9439 Unite Amicus Section – Election of Joint General Secretary Independent Scrutineers report] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420072942/http://www.amicustheunion.org/Default.aspx?page=9439|date=20 April 2009}}

The first election for a single general secretary of the union took place in 2010. Both Simpson and Woodley announced that they would retire. The union's assistant general secretary, McCluskey, announced that he would stand as a candidate, running on a platform of unification and staying for only a single term of office. Other candidates included Hicks, Les Bayliss and Gail Cartmail. McCluskey was considered the left wing candidate, running on a platform of uniting the union and opposing cuts. Bayliss and Cartmail were also assistant general secretaries, with Bayliss criticising the union's handling of its dispute with British Airways. McCluskey was endorsed by Woodley, and Bayliss was endorsed by Simpson.{{Cite web|date=2010-10-24|title=Voting begins in crucial battle for Unite union leadership|url=http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/oct/24/voting-begins-unite-union-leadership|access-date=2020-07-27|website=The Guardian|language=en}}

McCluskey was elected as the first single general secretary with 42.4% of the vote for a five-year term starting on 1 January 2011.{{cite news |date=21 November 2010 |title=Len McCluskey chosen as new Unite leader |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11805884 |work=BBC News}} The overall turnout was 15.8%.{{Cite web|date=21 November 2010|title=Unite's union general secretary results|url=http://jimjay.blogspot.com/2010/11/unites-union-general-secretary-results.html}}

File:Jack Jones House Liverpool.jpg House, Liverpool. North West Headquarters]]

File:Len McCluskey, 2016 Labour Party Conference 2.jpg

In late 2012, Len McCluskey called an early election.{{cite web| url=http://www.powerinaunion.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Statement-by-the-General-Secretary-to-the-Executive-Council.pdf | title=Statement by the General Secretary to the Executive Council |

date=2012-12-04}} On 4 March 2013, Unite announced that two candidates were standing in the election: McCluskey, who had won 1089 branch nominations, and Hicks, who had won 136 nominations.{{Cite web|url=http://www.unitetheunion.org/news/twocandidatestostandinunitegeneralsecretaryelection/|title=Two candidates to stand in Unite general secretary election}} This was Hicks's third successive attempt at becoming Unite's general secretary. On 14 April 2013 it was announced that Len McCluskey had been re-elected for a five-year term.

In December 2016, the incumbent general secretary Len McCluskey announced his resignation in order to contest an election for the post, which was held in April 2017. McCluskey was challenged by Unite's West Midlands regional secretary Gerard Coyne, who accused him of "putting the Labour leadership before the interests of Unite members". Coyne, a member of the Unite Now faction,{{Citation needed|date=January 2017}} was widely viewed as a centre-left figure within the union, has a close relationship with the Labour Party and had the backing of the deputy leader Tom Watson.{{cite news|last=Hope|first=Christopher|date=31 March 2017|title=Labour wars: Unite election explodes into civil war as Tom Watson accused of 'dirty tricks' to bring down Jeremy Corbyn ally Len McCluskey|newspaper=Daily Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/03/31/labour-wars-unite-election-explodes-civil-war-tom-watson-accused/|access-date=2 May 2017|url-access=subscription}} Ian Allinson later announced that he would stand as a "grass-roots socialist" candidate.{{cite news|date=16 December 2016|title=Unite: Ian Allinson is third candidate to enter leadership contest|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38340128|access-date=3 January 2017}} Concerns were expressed about breaches of data protection law during the campaign, leading to Unite's assistant general secretary for legal affairs producing a report on the allegations.{{cite web|date=4 March 2017|title=Unite statement in response to comments made by Gerard Coyne|url=http://www.unitetheunion.org/news/unite-statement-in-response-to-comments-made-by-gerard-coyne/|access-date=2 May 2017|publisher=Unite}}{{cite web|date=27 March 2017|title=John Spellar MP must explain how he came to be in receipt of Unite's member data|url=http://www.unitetheunion.org/news/john-spellar-mp-must-explain-how-he-came-to-be-in-receipt-of-unites-member-data/|access-date=2 May 2017|publisher=Unite}}

Coyne was suspended from his position as West Midlands general secretary by the union on 20 April, after voting had finished, the day ballot counting began. It claimed that Coyne had brought the union into disrepute.{{cite news|date=20 April 2017|title=Unite suspends Len McCluskey challenger Gerard Coyne|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-39658427}} The following day it was announced that Len McCluskey had won the election.{{cite news|date=21 April 2017|title=Len McCluskey re-elected as Unite general secretary|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-39670708}} On 2 June Coyne announced a legal challenge against the result.{{cite news|date=2 June 2017|title=Unite union faces legal challenge as McCluskey rival calls for poll rerun|newspaper=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jun/02/unite-legal-challenge-len-mccluskey-gerard-coyne-calls-for-poll-rerun}} In December 2017 it was announced that Jeffrey Burke, an employment law specialist and a retired high court judge, has been appointed to examine both sides of the case by the Trades Union Certification Officer.Rajeev Syal, [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/dec/19/unite-to-face-retired-high-court-judge-over-len-mccluskey-election Unite to face retired high court judge over Len McCluskey election], The Guardian 19 December 2017. The certification officer rejected Coyne's claim that the election should be declared null and void.{{cite news|last=Syal|first=Rajeev|date=4 May 2018|title=McCluskey and Unite cleared of breaching election rules|newspaper=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/may/04/len-mccluskey-and-unite-cleared-of-breaching-election-rules|access-date=8 May 2018}} After detailed investigations, Coyne's further complaint to the certification officer was dismissed in October 2018 on all ten counts, and the officer found that Coyne had included misleading information in some of his election literature.{{cite news|last=Busby|first=Mattha|date=6 October 2018|title=Len McCluskey complaints dismissed by union watchdog|newspaper=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/oct/06/len-mccluskey-complaints-dismissed-by-union-watchdog|access-date=8 October 2018}}

File:55 Call Lane, Leeds (24th June 2010) 002.jpg]]

In July 2020, McCluskey said he would stand down in 2021, with an early election to select a new general secretary.{{Cite news|last=Reporter|first=Patrick Maguire, Red Box|title=Len McCluskey: Pressure on Keir Starmer as union boss confirms early exit|newspaper=The Times|language=en|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/len-mccluskey-pressure-on-keir-starmer-as-union-boss-confirms-early-exit-290zlphq5|access-date=2020-07-26|issn=0140-0460}} The United Left faction held a primary to decide which candidate to support in the election, considering two assistant general secretaries: Howard Beckett and Steve Turner. Beckett has been endorsed by the blog The Skwawkbox and the former general secretary of the Labour Party Jennie Formby. Turner was a member of the Trotskyist Militant group in the Labour Party but remained in Labour when many Militant members left to form the Socialist Party. Turner was seen as more willing to work with the Labour leader Keir Starmer, whereas Beckett said that Starmer needed "to be held to account". Turner was chosen as United Left's candidate in a ballot, winning by 370 votes to 367. Beckett challenged the result, but Turner's victory was upheld after reports into the conduct of the vote were completed.{{Cite web|last=Waugh|first=Paul|title=Starmer Critic Loses Bid To Become Left's Candidate To Succeed Unite's Len McCluskey|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/howard-beckett-steve-turner-united-left-unite-mccluskey_uk_5f192e8ec5b6296fbf3db005|access-date=2020-07-26|website=Huffington Post|date=23 July 2020}}{{Cite web|last=Waugh|first=Paul|title=Probe Into Unite Union Selection Dismisses 'Dead Man Was Given Vote' Claim|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/united-left-selection-dead-man-vote-mccluskey-beckett_uk_5f1b08eac5b6296fbf4210f3|website=Huffington Post|date=24 July 2020}} Beckett later announced he would still stand as a candidate.{{Cite news|last=Watson|first=Iain|date=2020-08-19|title=Battle to succeed Unite's Len McCluskey heats up|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-53832653|access-date=2020-08-19}} Sharon Graham declared herself as a candidate from the left of the union without seeking endorsement from United Left. A new group, Workers' Unite, is expected to support her on a platform more focused on workplaces than internal Labour Party politics.{{Cite news|date=2021-01-10|title=Will trade union contests help or hinder Keir Starmer?|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-55588749|access-date=2021-01-12}} Gerard Coyne, who stood against McCluskey in the 2017 general secretary election, announced his candidacy in January 2021. He is a supporter of Labour leader Keir Starmer.{{Cite web|date=2021-01-10|title=Starmer supporter plans bid for leadership of Unite union|url=http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jan/10/starmer-supporter-plans-bid-for-leadership-of-unite-union-gerard-coyne-len-mccluskey|access-date=2021-01-12|website=The Guardian|language=en}}

The election was called in April 2021, with nominations closing in June, voting held in July and the result announced on 26 August.{{Cite web|title=Unite leadership race under way as union announces election to decide Len McCluskey's successor|url=https://news.sky.com/story/unite-leadership-race-under-way-as-union-announces-election-to-decide-len-mccluskeys-successor-12275648|access-date=2021-05-03|website=Sky News|language=en}} The threshold to join the ballot was increased from 50 to around 150 by a combination of an increase in the percentage of branches required to nominate a candidate and a less restrictive definition of what counts as a branch. The change was criticised as a "stitch-up" by critics of McCluskey, because it gave more power to union officials who had sole discretion to request nomination packs for newly-created branches.{{Cite web|date=2021-04-14|title=Unite Union Facing 'Stitch-Up' Claim Over McCluskey Successor Election|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/unite-len-mccluskey-successor-election-stitch-up_uk_6075f73fe4b01e3042377e5a|access-date=2021-05-03|website=HuffPost UK|language=en}} The nomination period closed on 7 June, with the numbers of valid nominations being:{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jun/10/four-candidates-for-unite-leader-through-to-members-ballot |title=Four candidates for Unite leader through to members' ballot |last=Walker |first=Peter |newspaper=The Guardian |date=18 June 2021 |access-date=18 June 2021}}{{Cite web|title=Unite 2021 general secretary election|url=https://www.unitetheunion.org/who-we-are/structure/unite-2021-general-secretary-election/|access-date=2021-06-15|website=Unite |language=en |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531070733/https://www.unitetheunion.org/who-we-are/structure/unite-2021-general-secretary-election/ |archive-date= May 31, 2021 }}

• Steve Turner: 525
• Sharon Graham: 349
• Howard Beckett: 328
• Gerard Coyne: 196

On 18 June, Howard Beckett withdrew and endorsed Turner, with both issuing a joint statement that Beckett would support Turner on a blended policy manifesto.{{cite news |url=https://labourlist.org/2021/06/beckett-pulls-out-of-unite-general-secretary-race-and-endorses-turner/ |title=Beckett pulls out of Unite general secretary race and endorses Turner |last=Rodgers |first=Sienna |website=LabourList |date=18 June 2021 |access-date=18 June 2021}} Graham was elected on 25 August, with the support of 46,696 members (approximately 3% of Unite's claimed membership,{{cite web| url=https://unitetheunion.org/why-join/membership-types/| title=Membership Types }} with her term as general secretary starting on 26 August.{{Cite web|title=Sharon Graham becomes first female general secretary of Unite union|url=https://news.sky.com/story/sharon-graham-becomes-first-female-general-secretary-of-unite-union-12390225|access-date=2021-08-25|website=Sky News|language=en}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/aug/25/leftwing-outsider-sharon-graham-elected-as-unite-union-leader |title=Unite likely to be calmer but more distant with Labour after Graham win |last=Sparrow |first=Andrew |newspaper=The Guardian |date=25 August 2021 |access-date=29 August 2021}}{{Cite web|title=Sharon Graham announced as Unite's new general secretary|url=https://www.unitetheunion.org/news-events/news/2021/august/sharon-graham-announced-as-unites-new-general-secretary/|access-date=2021-08-25|website=Unite|language=en}}

{{Bar box

| float = right

| title = Unite membership since 2008

| left1 = year

| right2 = members

| caption = Numbers represent memberships on last day of year, as reported to the Trades Union Certification Officer.

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| bars =

{{bar pixel|2008|red|164||1,635,483{{cite report |title = Annual Return for a Trade Union — Unite the Union — 2008 |date = 2008-12-31 |page = 2 |publisher = Trades Union Certification Officer |url = https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20140702005301mp_/http://www.certoffice.org/CertificationOfficer/media/DocumentLibrary/PDF/795T_2008.pdf#page=2 }}}}

{{bar pixel|2010|red|151||1,515,206{{cite report |title = Annual Return for a Trade Union — Unite the Union — 2010 |date = 2010-12-31 |page = 2 |publisher = Trades Union Certification Officer |url = https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20140702005313mp_/http://www.certoffice.org/CertificationOfficer/media/DocumentLibrary/PDF/795T_2010.pdf#page=2 }}}}

{{bar pixel|2012|red|142||1,424,303{{cite report |title = Annual Return for a Trade Union — Unite the Union — 2012 |date = 2012-12-31 |page = 2 |publisher = Trades Union Certification Officer |url = https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/352092/795T_2012.pdf#page=2 }}}}

{{bar pixel|2014|red|140||1,405,838{{cite report |title = Annual Return for a Trade Union — Unite the Union — 2014 |date = 2014-12-31 |page = 4 |publisher = Trades Union Certification Officer |url = https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/443403/795T_2014.pdf#page=4 }}}}

{{bar pixel|2016|red|128||1,282,671{{cite report |title = Annual Return for a Trade Union — Unite the Union — 2016 |date = 2016-12-31 |page = 2 |publisher = Trades Union Certification Officer |url = https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/622928/795T_2016.pdf#page=2 }}}}

{{bar pixel|2018|red|129||1,291,017{{cite report |title = Annual Return for a Trade Union — Unite the Union — 2018 |date = 2018-12-31 |page = 2 |publisher = Trades Union Certification Officer |url = https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/830916/795T_2018.pdf#page=2 }}}}

{{bar pixel|2020|red|124||1,246,429{{cite report |title = Annual Return for a Trade Union — Unite the Union — 2020 |date = 2020-12-31 |page = 3 |publisher = Trades Union Certification Officer |url = https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1039227/795T_2020.pdf#page=3 }}}}

}}

During 2012, despite wider falling trade union membership and the tough economic climate, Unite increased its membership by more than 50,000 members.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}} The union claimed a membership of 1.2 million in August 2021.{{Cite web |title=Sharon Graham announced as Unite's new general secretary |url=https://www.unitetheunion.org/news-events/news/2021/august/sharon-graham-announced-as-unites-new-general-secretary/ |access-date=2022-03-11 |website=www.unitetheunion.org |language=en |date=2021-08-25}}

There are a number of factions within Unite.

Unite Now is a movement established in 2011 which is "moderate left". It presents itself as an independent movement for lay members, activists and officers. Supported McCluskey in his first election but they opposed the calling of an early general secretary election in 2013. Unite Now campaigns for greater transparency in the union and are critical of the unions centralised hierarchical decision making structures. They campaign for greater financial transparency, a move away from the current centralised executive powers with a more independent Executive Council which has set term limits. Not aligned to any political section of the union it has grown in influence within lay activist ranks, officers and key manufacturing sectors of Unite.

United Left, the main left-wing grouping, is mostly made up of members on the left of the Labour Party, but also includes members of other political parties such as the Socialist Party and the Communist Party of Britain, as well as those who belong to no political party. The United Left supported Len McCluskey in his elections. The faction is considered dominant within the union.{{Cite web|title=After McCluskey: who will win Unite's crown?|url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2020/07/after-mccluskey-who-will-win-unite-s-crown|access-date=2020-07-26|website=www.newstatesman.com|date=17 July 2020|language=en}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category|Unite the Union}}

• {{Official website|http://www.unitetheunion.org}}
• [http://www.iansunitesite.org.uk/ Ian's Unite Site] (blog of a UNITE Executive Council member)
• [http://www.dearunite.com/ DearUnite.com: Unofficial members' web site]
• [http://dscalm.warwick.ac.uk/DServe/dserve.exe?dsqIni=DServeadv.ini&dsqApp=Archive&dsqCmd=Show.tcl&dsqDb=Catalog&dsqPos=0&dsqSearch=%28%28Level%3D%27collection%27%29AND%28Reference_Code%3D%27unt%27%29%29 Catalogue of the Unite archives], held at the Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick
• Official website of [https://doctorsinunite.com Doctors in Unite], the trade union for medical practitioners within Unite

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