Is it worth being in a union?

A_Nice_Englishman

I am in Unison and I ticked the 'non-political' box too, but AFAIK the sub is the same, it just means none of it goes to the Labour party

seven-day-weekend

I'm pretty sure my sub was slightly less (just over £1). However it's been three years since I've been a member, so things may have changed.

regularsaver1

I pay £7 per month as I work full time, plus £1 bonus ball lottery lol

System

i think it depends a lot on the local rep my oh cancelled his union membership because the rep was worse than useless in 6 months had not even put out a letter stating he was the rep! my oh used to be a rep many moons ago so he can defend himself .

hex2

I work at a senior level in HR and my advice is to join a union if you can. Yes some of the reps are useless but most are competent, reasonable and well trained. You can always escalate to the regional rep if you need to. Believe me a good companion asking the right questions in a disciplinary situation can make a world of a difference. I would far rather someone was represented by a rep.

I have handled a lot of TUPE transfers, mostly out of the business, and I am always so glad when a union is involved. Sometimes it just takes someone politely pointing out the minimum legal requirements to get incoming companies to do things right. In a company like BT there is always a chance of getting outsourced and TUPE applying, likewise there is always a chance of restructuring. The last serious case I was involved with was with someone who still had no job two years down the line when it finally went to top level of appeal, and still no compensation money. He couldn't have survived or pursued his case without the help of his union.