Are you a member of a trade union?

[Wookie]

Just a quick straw poll. I'm considering joining Unite (if they'll have me...). Not sure under what circumstances I'd need them, but I'd rather have a membership I never use than need a membership I haven't got.

 

[Alan B'Stard]

Clicked no as we don't have them where I work, but at every other job where I worked full time I would always ensure I was a member of the Union.

 

[tek-monkey]

I'm not, cos mine employs another forumite here and I don't think he deserves paying more than me

 

[cookie_monster]

i looked into joining unison....but when they wouldnt tell me how much it would cost me to actually join i couldnt make a budgeting decision.


x

 

[mitch]

I was in a previous working life and it paid very big dividends, I was involved in quite a heafty work related accident and the union paid for all of my legal fees that included an excellent barrister, I also got a massive whip round from the rank and file which was much appreciated as I got didley squat help from our wonderful welfare system as I was self employed.

Unions aren't what they used to be but if you work in a job that carries adverse risk go for it I say.

 

[Furbal]

I'm a member of Unite and also work for a different union. Would highly recommend joining a trade union (and not just because I work for one!) Been discussed before here

I'm not, cos mine employs another forumite here and I don't think he deserves paying more than me

I mostly earn every penny, mostly. Don't think you'd ever need our help anyway - what possible problems could you encounter working in a building full of young girls(?)

looked into joining unison....but when they wouldnt tell me how much it would cost me to actually join i couldnt make a budgeting decision.

Little bit surprised by that - it's a very easy question to answer! PM me if you still would like to find out about joining (if you've not been put off already!)

 

[shoes]

Don't think I'll get involved with this one

 

[John Marwood]

I would not object to any of my people joining a trade union

In a previous life I was a trade union member myself and even went to meetings which were handily held in a City pub

 

[Withnail]

Bollox to unrestrained capitalism. Up the PIGS!

Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain - not the fuzz.

 

[My Name is URL]

Being young and uneducated in such matters.. can anyone tell me:

a) how much does it cost to join a union typically?

b) what are the benefits of doing so?

Thanks

 

[Furbal]

The amount that you pay varies per union, but it's usually based on your annual salary. Just look on the website for whichever trade union is relevant to the industry in which you work to find out how much - if you don't know which unions you can join, click here to find out. E.g. UNISON's rates

Membership of most unions allow you to get discounts on loads of services/products, so you can usually offset your membership fees. UNISON members can get discounted holidays, cheaper insurance, better rates on loans/credit cards/mortgages to name a few. I'm not trying to sell UNISON by the way, I just work for them so know what's available - other unions will have similar offers.

There are lots of reasons to join a trade union!

 

[gon2seed]

I was in a previous working life and it paid very big dividends, I was involved in quite a heafty work related accident and the union paid for all of my legal fees that included an excellent barrister, I also got a massive whip round from the rank and file which was much appreciated as I got didley squat help from our wonderful welfare system as I was self employed.

Unions aren't what they used to be but if you work in a job that carries adverse risk go for it I say.

Wise words, so I shouldn't comment further! But

My dad was a union member, and branch treasurer, so I suppose its in the blood; have been a member of about 5 unions. Like any sort of organisations, they are pretty variable in quality, but as a prolatarian, lacky, I would much rather be in one, than battling against bosses percieved injustice single handed. The voices of many, are much harder to ignore than the voice of 1 individual, no matter hhow justified they are! The trade Union legislation, and associated laws, are one of the things this country can be truly proud off. It is not till, heaven forbid, something bad happens to you, as it has me and mitch, you really appreciate your union, and all those dividends, and meetings attended, seem worthwhile!

 

[basil]