UNISON--is it worth joining as an NHS employee?

Coraline

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

For anyone else wondering this, you could also phone the union's regional office and ask who the local rep(s) is (are).

As for the cost, it's earnings related and monthly paid, so not like an annual sub leaving your account.

From what I learned with my conversation with UNISON an hour ago is that the regional offices are set up not by location, but by what sector of the workforce you belong to. I'll find out more specific info when they send me all the welcome material in the post.

This link provides what the monthly dues are based on your salary:

http://www.joinunison.org/

Person_one

Coraline wrote: »

Update: As of 10 minutes ago I'm a member.

Thank you all for the advice, much appreciated.

Congratulations!

I was in Unison when I first started working for the NHS, now I'm in the RCN.

There isn't really any stigma around union membership in the NHS, its expected and pretty standard. All nurses (pretty much) are in the RCN, midwives in the RCM, docs in the BMA etc.

It was thanks to the unions that an unfair change to T&Cs at my trust was overturned at tribunal, and lots of staff received back money they were owed or had been denied as a result. Its always always always better to be in a union whenever possible.

kingfisherblue

My daughter is a care worker and I encouraged her to join a union - after all, if she ever needs help, it won't be any use saying 'if only I'd joined earlier'. The amount she pays is based on her wages and isn't a lot for peace of mind, possible support if needed in the future, and other benefits including competitive car insurance (handy for younger drivers, as it was half the amount of most insurers).

agrinnall

When you were speaking to Unison did you explain that you are already having an issue that you'd like help with? Sometimes you'll find that a union is unable to take on a problem that existed prior to you becoming a member. Hopefully that won't be that case here.

tanith

I am a member of Unison even though I am retired now, have been for a long long time. My Union rep was invaluable to me when negotiating my Ill-Health retirement he was with me every step of the way and gave me excellent advice and accompanied me to all the meetings I had with managers . Can't recommend them enough, well done for taking the plunge.

antonic

I am a Civil Servant and joined the PCS Union (or its predecessor) on day 1 25 years ago.

I have never regretted it as they have helped 3 times over the years, including one incident where a negative result for me would have led to my dismissal.

As others have said, if you can join a Union do so, because those monthly subs can be a great investment when you need help.

Coraline

agrinnall wrote: »

When you were speaking to Unison did you explain that you are already having an issue that you'd like help with? Sometimes you'll find that a union is unable to take on a problem that existed prior to you becoming a member. Hopefully that won't be that case here.

The issue I'm dealing with now is sorting itself out and I'm getting some therapy (referred by GP) and we're bringing on board a temporary worker to help me out, so it's not something I will need The Union's help with. (I did read up on their policies about "inclusion" periods and such).

However, with that said, I can see somewhere down the line there might be issues, I don't know what, but you get that sense sometimes that things don't seem quite right.

Basically after this experience I am going "the better be safe than sorry" route

Cutzee

I see you have already joined and it seems I am the only one with a negative experience of UNISON so I would never join a union again based on my own personal experience.

They did nothing to help with the attendance management procedures I was being put through nor my pay grievance. They were in the management's pockets basically doing what they wanted rather than working on behalf of the employee - which is what my subs were supposedly paying for. I'm regretting wasting over £200.

Anyway, hopefully you'll have a better experience than me Good luck!

Coraline

The way I look at it, it can't hurt to test it out and for peace of mind. I've very new to the UK and to the NHS which I'm finding (obviously) is a very large and different breed of cat.

They can at least help me with queries regarding my rights along the way I figure without having to ask too many questions in the office. IT's hard to explain but we don't really have any body with experience in proper procedures and laws in my office since we're a new organisation.

princeofpounds

Just be aware a union is a political organisation and not just about workplace support. Part of your subscriptions will go towards that kind of activity (funding Labour amongst other things).

If you're ok with that then it's not a problem.