Join a union

As well as joining a political party, you can help change your work and your local area by joining a union.

What is a union?

A trade union is (from Wikipedia):

an organisation of workers who have come together to achieve common goals

Union leaders (who are elected by members of the union) work with employers to help improve life at work for the union members. For example, a union might improve health and safety in a factory, or make sure people get paid overtime in an office.

Aren’t unions just for factory workers?

A union is for anyone. According to the Trades Union Congress (TUC) there are over 50 unions in the UK, representing nearly six million people. That includes unions for pilots, psychologists, footballers and bakers. Some of the most famous unions are the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and the National Union of Journalists (NUJ).

There are also several ‘general unions’ which anyone from any profession can join. The TUC has a full list of its unions here.

Aren’t unions really bad for the economy and workplace?

Lots of people still think unions are a bad influence on the workplace. They often disrupt people’s working day – for example, if the NUT go on strike and children can’t be in school – and often go on protests (which not everyone agrees with).

In the 70s, certain unions had lots of power and poor relationships with the government. This meant that unions began to fall out of favour with ordinary people. When Margaret Thatcher was in power, unions also came under fire from right-leaning mainstream press for high profile events like the miners’ strikes.

This combination means many people now don’t ‘believe’ in unions and think they are outdated or aggressive. But unions – just like a family or local community – are there to protect people and change things for the better.

Unions have made sure people get fair pay, helped establish the minimum wage, made sure people are safe at work and that no-one is discriminated against in the workplace.

What do I get when I join a union?

By joining a union you are protected by that organisation. You can get individual advice and representation if you have any problems (such as unfair dismissal) and may also be able to get training to help you develop in your career.

You’ll also be made aware of government policies that affect your work and industry, and what your union is doing to challenge those policies. You’ll be able to vote on actions that your union takes.

A union is a way for people to join together and make sure their voice is heard at work.

How do I join a union?

First of all, find out if there is a union at your current workplace. If there is, the TUC recommends you join it. This is because there’s likely to be plenty of members, making it easier to take action if you need to.

If there isn’t a union, use the TUC union finder to search for a union by your job role or industry. You might find that a general union is the best option.

What else should I know?

You can join a union whether you are employed or unemployed.

It’s illegal for you to be forced to join a union. It’s illegal for you to be discriminated against if you decide to join a union.

You’ll probably have to pay to join a union. If you think you can’t afford it, contact the union’s head office, who will be able to help.