TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP

Trade unions champion equal rights and equal pay. They fight discrimination against race, gender, sexual orientation and disability.

 A Union may also provide legal and financial advice to its members.

There is a regular subscription cost for union membership. Different rates may apply to trainees and part-timers. Unions will not normally help with problems which pre-date membership.

Your have a right, protected by law, to join or not join a Trade Union.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC)

The TUC is a federation of trade unions in England and Wales, representing the majority of trade unions.The TUC supports trade unions to grow and thrive, helping them represent their members and keep pace with the changing world of work. 

Why join a union?

A trade union may be able to:

• negotiate better pay
• negotiate better working conditions, such as more holidays or improved health and safety
• provide training for new skills
• give general advice and support

If you are a Union member you have the right to be accompanied to a discipline or grievance hearing by a trade union representative (although trade unions are not compelled to provide this)..

Recognised unions also have rights to consultation where redundancies or a transfer of business are proposed.

There is a regular subscription cost for union membership. Different rates may apply to trainees and part-timers. Unions will not normally help with problems which pre-date membership.

How to join a Trade Union

If you want to join a recognised union in your workplace, you should contact your union representative for information. Otherwise, you should contact the TUC to find out which union is relevant to you.

Use this link to find the relevant union for your employer from the TUC's website.

Trade Union-related rights

The law gives you the right to join a trade union wherever you work. This right applies whether a union has been recognised or not. Conversely the law gives you the right not to join a trade union. Employers are no longer permitted to operate a 'closed shop' (that is, make all workers join the employer's preferred union).

You are also protected by law from being:

• refused employment
• dismissed
• selected for redundancy

by sole reason of Trade Union membership or Non-trade union membership

An employer can't deduct payments from you, for example, to a union or charity, in lieu of union membership without your permission.

When a union is recognised by an employer, members have the right to time off at an appropriate time to take part in trade union activities. These may include:

• voting in ballots on industrial action
• voting in union elections
• meeting to discuss urgent matters
• attending the annual conference

You don’t have the right to be paid for any time spent taking industrial action.

For full details of Trade Union membership, rights and the role of your Trade Union representative, follow this link.