Joining a Union - worth it?

Lady_Fluff

Hi all,

I've been in my job in local government for nearly 3 years and have resisted joining UNISON up until now because of my finacial situation - I couldn't afford anything extra. However, now my future is looking distinctly more rosy, I've been considering it. It would be about £10 a month, but I was wondering if anyone on here is a member and if it will be beneficial to me at all. I know they are big on equality, and that's an area I would like to work in eventually.
Any advice muchly appreciated!

ukdickie31

Joining a Union is always a good decision, but the Union is only as strong as it's weakest link.

Ask yourself.. Am I prepared to abide by Union decisions I agree with and those that I don't ?

If you are prepared to do this, then Join. If not, then don't Join.

The Union needs people who will see them through thick and thin in the same way as you would expect the Union to support you.

The ultimate sacrifice you will have to make is a Strike (and loss of pay) but the Union will support you in many other ways, Legal advice, Grievance support, work advice etc etc.

glossgal

I joined a union independently about a year ago and like the peace of mind it brings. In my case, there is no recognised union in the workplace and as far as I know Im the only member of staff to be in one-but I have witnessed colleagues being treated poorly and wouldn't like to be next! The one time I had cause to contact them for advice they were very helpful and reassuring. I think it may be different though in a larger workplace such as local govt where there is union involvement anyway? you may have protection by proxy in terms of policing any bad practice. In my case there is no buffer at all, we're all left to fend for ourselves lol

Horace

Unison are expensive I must admit. I used to be a member and was even branch secretary for my sins. However, despite giving my all they weren't there when I really needed them, my full time officer was useless to be truthful. I joined a different union called Prospect (a union for professionals) and they are not only have cheaper subs but their reps are fantastic. I am no longer a member of Unison:j

They may bang on about equality but that's just a load of rubbish, they pay lip service to equality and yet they allow their members to be bullied and suffer disability discrimination without lifting a finger to help (not just in my case but others too).:mad

Unison do have a large website so go and look them up - they offer lots of things to members and even have their own holiday park at Croyde Bay.

Have you thought about joining UNITE? That's another union that represents members in councils - Unite are a joining of Amicus and the TGWU.

geri1965_2

Their own holiday park? Really? My mum was a Unison rep for years, she never told me this! I could have got cheap holidays!

ohreally

UNISON members can receive assistance if they are in financial difficulties from UNISON welfare...http://www.unison.org.uk/welfare/services.asp
To the best of my knowledge they are the only trade union with a welfare service.

amandada

I'm a member of UNISON, and have been since the NALGO days (which was with a previous employer) and I have to say that in my present employment I've really had my money's worth from them for a combination of reasons.
I look on it as an "insurance policy", you hope to never have to make a claim, but you have the peace of mind of it being there if you do need it.

Lakeuk

I was in the union in my previous job, at the time I didn't know why I joined, too young and it seemed the thing to do to fit in with your peers.

On the current job I'm not in the union, I'm the only one in my team who isn't, not felt the need - the working enviroment is good, have a good crack, in all my time everything is done correct by the book. I get the annual union recruitment speel to join, but after zoning out of the lecture, I look at the leafet given on the benifits you would be entitled to for the monthly members fee which is quite high and I can't see myself using any of it.

But each situation is different, and to some it maybe worth being in a union

colinebannon

I was a member of Amicus and I didn't find them very helpful. Might try Prospect.
anyone else got any ideas of a good union? I would like one that doesn't have this 6 month waiting period before they will help you out.

TangledMemories_2

I'm in one of the Unions offered in my workplace. Costs £5 per month and we have an excellent rep.
No waiting period before they will help you out either. Only thing is, this one is specific to my area of work.
I was in PCS but left them because I felt they didn't cover the needs of our area of the civil service and I got sick of being "recruited for war" all the time.

nutmegman

if you ever think you will need thier services join, i think they come into thier worth when need them