Unite is the union for the 21st century, meeting the greatest challenges facing working people today
- Sharon Graham (Unite General Secretary)
Myth or Fact
Myth..
Unions are quickly shrinking
Whilst the trade union movement has seen a general decline, for the past 3 years union membership has actually been increasing.
People are seeing the real value unions have in the workplace, especially since the coronavirus pandemic led to a lot of uncertainty.
Myth..
Unions used to be effective, but not anymore
Unions are still by far the best way for working people to win economic security and have a voice on the job. Union members have higher wages than workers who don’t have a union.
Union members are much more likely to have a better pension plan and health care than workers without unions.
Myth..
Unions mean more conflict in the workplace
Unions can make the workplace a more harmonious place to work. A union contract allows the company and workers to sit down as equals and discuss problems as they come up.
Without a union, workers’ lives are often in more turmoil because they have to deal with more favouritism and less economic security.
Myth..
Unions prop up losers
The myth that unions shield “lazy” workers at the expense of a workplace’s highest achievers is a common one. If this were true, look at the Professional Footballers' Association. They don't shield 'bad' footballers they protect everyone. Some union members will be bad workers, but the majority of people we help are coming in every day trying to do their best.
FAQs
Why Should I join Unite?
There are many reasons to join a Trade Union: but ultimately you are safer, you are stronger and you are better paid in a unionised workplace. On average, union members get higher pay than non-members, they ensure working people are treated with respect, unions create safer workplaces, with unions across the UK training 10,000 reps each year to spot unsafe working practices and cut accident rates. Unions push managers to make workplaces more inclusive, stronger unionised workplaces are far less likely to face problems at work while pregnant, on maternity leave, or when they return to work.
Is a Union right for me?
Unless you win the lottery or have millions in the bank, the chances are you’ll spend roughly a quarter of your life at work because that is the only – legal – way to earn money. Anyone that goes to work and who cares about their pay and conditions – holiday entitlement, pension and so on – equal rights, safety and training needs a trade union. Young workers are most likely to be vulnerable to exploitation as some unscrupulous employers will assume that they are less likely to know their rights. One in four young workers has experienced bullying and 53 percent fear they can’t support a family on their wages.
How much does it cost?
Click here for more information - membership rates depend on your working hours and what you want your package to entail.
I have been called to a meeting by my employer, what should I do?"
Don’t panic, go along and find out what the meeting is about.
If the meeting is an investigation or disciplinary meeting, contact your local rep. If you don’t have a local rep, or they aren’t available for any reason, contact your Unite office as soon as possible to speak with your regional officer about representation.
I am a student, can I join?
Around half of young workers work to pay for their education.
Research shows that between 1996 and 2006 the number of full-time students with a part-time job grew by more than 50 percent, with this figure set to only increase alongside the cost of higher education.
Union membership is more diverse than perhaps you would imagine and includes full time, part time, agency and seasonal workers.
What if I have an issue in my workplace, where do I go from here?
The first thing to do is raise it with your line manager to give them the opportunity to try resolve the issue. If you have been unsuccessful, or feel that is not appropriate, then contact your local rep or Unite office and discuss the details of your issue in order to get advice on how to move forward.
Do you need to be a member for a certain amount of time before getting representation?
New members are entitled to advice on any employment issue they have – even if it pre-dates them joining Unite. Full representation will be given after being a member for 28 days.
If I join, or if I call you for advice, will you tell my employer?
No. Your Trade Union membership, and any conversation that takes place between you and your union, are for your knowledge only. Your employer also does not have the right to ask if you are in a Union specifically, so you do not have to tell them if you are not comfortable doing so. The only time your employer would be aware of your membership is if a Union Representative was to accompany you at a meeting, or if you would like your dues to come from your wages directly (check-off), we would have to contact your payroll to inform them of this.
I work for an agency, can I still join?
Yes you can. As a general union, Unite can represent workers even if they move employment often and into different areas. Agency workers are entitled to the same union membership as they would for doing the job had they been directly recruited.
If you are an agency work, and you do decide to join, be sure to keep us updated on your work locations and employment status, so that we can get the best people in those areas to be able to represent you.
When am I covered for legal assistance?
For issues that arise outside of work, you are able to contact our free legal helpline to get assistance from one of our panel solicitors.
For legal advice and representation for work-related issues, new members are not entitled to assistance for issues that pre-date their membership of Unite, or any new issues until they complete four weeks paid membership.
How do I update my details (email, phone number, employer etc?)