Is it worth joining a Union?

ses6jwg

Hello all.

I am 24 and work for a major high street bank as an adviser and was talking to a few older colleagues who mentioned about joining a Union and they said I should absolutely join. I asked why and they said because if you ever have any problems with managers, if you are threatened with redundancy or on long term sick, or feel you are being put under undue pressure/ bullying then they are there to help you out.

The Union they are members of is CWU and according to their website membership will cost me around £15 per month which is quite a bit as my take home pay is just over £1k after deductions of pensions etc.

I do however notice they offer other benefits - one major one being a free will writing service as this is something I have been considering for a while.

Does anyone have any advice?

ffacoffipawb

ses6jwg wrote: »

Hello all.

I am 24 and work for a major high street bank as an adviser and was talking to a few older colleagues who mentioned about joining a Union and they said I should absolutely join. I asked why and they said because if you ever have any problems with managers, if you are threatened with redundancy or on long term sick, or feel you are being put under undue pressure/ bullying then they are there to help you out.

The Union they are members of is CWU and according to their website membership will cost me around £15 per month which is quite a bit as my take home pay is just over £1k after deductions of pensions etc.

I do however notice they offer other benefits - one major one being a free will writing service as this is something I have been considering for a while.

Does anyone have any advice?

Don't. Just don't.

robpw2

i would say yes, if you need any help say when it comes to employment law etc , being part of a union has its advantages not limited to someone to represent you and/or fight your corner ,

DVardysShadow

£15/month might seem to be a lot, when things are going fine. But it is money well spent on keeping things fine. Don't judge it on the free will writing, it is worth it in its own right. And older colleagues will have seen a lot of things over the years ....

tigeress289

Normally I would say "yes" but in your case I would say a big "NO".
Its about the finances and a good percentage of your earnings is not worth it. Simple answer, NO.

kiwi07

Unison did not help me when I had problem at my work. Do not waste your money.

ohreally

When you next go into work, remember to thank your colleagues for your terms and conditions of service, after all they have paid for them while you get to enjoy them for free.

Perhaps this is what they really meant by "you should absolutely join".

missindecisive

Definately join. If at some point in the future, you get suspended/dismissed (and this could be no fault of your own) you will be glad you are a member. You will be entitled then to union representation in court.

just a point to note though. Not all union members are completely seperate from your employer. Some are corrupted by members of HR, especially if HR is influenced by certain members of manager and they share the same office!

zagfles

Yes. I disagree with a lot my union does, but come a redundancy situation etc they are brilliant. Also any issues you have at work as your colleagues mentioned. They've saved a few colleagues of mine from redundancy.

The fees quoted might include a political levy, you have the right to opt out of this, although the union might not highlight this. Ask for an opt-out form. But it's probably only a saving of £1 or so.

ohreally

Opting out of a political levy doesn't normally reduce your subscription, it simply increases the union income.

bitsandpieces

I was in a similar situation to you with take home pay and union due amounts (though a different sector and union). I did join the union. At a later date, the support I got from them played a big role in me keeping my job. If you ever do come to get union assistance, £15/month will seem cheap.

You also get to do a good thing (paying into a union which works to get better conditions for you and your colleagues) and have bonuses like free will writing thrown in :T