Why Join a Union?
More than three million people throughout the UK are members of trade unions. This means that when there is a problem at work, they know they have the backing of a strong organisation. They can get legal assistance, help with workplace injuries or support with a disciplinary action.
But belonging to a union means much more. Unions address discrimination, offer training opportunities and negotiate agreements that improve many areas of their members' lives. Union contributions represent only about half a percent of a workers' earnings. Find out more about the advantages of union membership below.
Support at work
You have the legal right to be accompanied by a trade union representative if you have a workplace grievance or if you are facing disciplinary action.
Legal compensation
Unions won over £321 million in legal compensation for their members who were victims of work-related illness and injury in 2000 - an average of more than £6,000 per case.
A majority of unions also offer legal help in non-work related cases, such as claiming social security benefits, representation in road traffic cases, and free wills to members and their families.
