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BRIGHTON, HOVE & DISTRICT TRADES UNION COUNCIL

What is a Trade Union and how do I join?

What is a trade union?

A trade union is, ‘an organised association of employees formed to protect and promote their common interests' (Collins)
Members of trade unions pay subscriptions to their chosen trade union and in return can access advice, representation and a degree of protection from unfair treatment or unsafe conditions at work. Trade unions campaign to maintain conditions which are favourable to working people and through campaigning and negotiation, seek to improve pay and conditions for their members.
They are maintained by a combination of volunteers within the workplace (e.g. stewards, representatives) and full-time staff.

There is scarcely a basic right we share today that was not fought for tooth and nail by trade union members yesterday- or that, without them could not easily be lost tomorrow. These benefits include the 8 hour working day, better wages, improvements in the conditions and pay of working women, safer working conditions and a national minimum wage. Arguably, all of which would not have been introduced had it not been for the campaigning of trade unions.

The main objectives of a trade union are defined by the Unions own members, but usually include:

>Protect their members from unfair treatment at work
>Represent their members at work
>Provide advice and information for their members
>Improve pay and conditions at work
>Protect the health & safety of their members
>Promote the education and training of their members
>Campaign for laws and policies that benefit working people

Trade Unions often provide training for their activists and members, provide welfare provisions for members at times of crisis, negotiate family friendly policies for working families, and provide legal support on matters of employment law or personal injury at work. They also promote equal opportunities, seeking an end to discrimination at work, and coordinate international activities between workers of different countries.

Why join a trade union?

Trade unions campaign to protect and improve the conditions of their members, working people. Workplaces with active trade union members, recognised by the employer, often benefit from better wages, longer holidays, safer workplaces and better conditions at work, as the trade union is able to negotiate these improvements with the employer. As trade union members are given fair representation, they are less likely to be sacked than non-union members. Trade unions both provide education and encourage employers to offer training to their employees, allowing employees to develop and increase their skills and therefore giving them more opportunities.

Every day unions help thousands of people at work. Last year unions won a record £330 million compensation for their members through legal action. They won £1 million in equal pay claims - an average of £15,000 per member. They support members in times of crisis by offering representation at disciplinaries and grievances and ensuring that members receive advice on contractual and legal matters, so that they can make informed decisions at difficult times.

But unions are not just there when something goes wrong. They can bring improvements to a workplace which are both approved by workers and employers alike. Good employers recognise that staff morale and commitment are improved when they are treated well, have their views taken into account and enjoy job security. And in return staff take more pride in their work and are more likely to remain loyal to their employer.

How to join a trade union?

There are different trade unions to suit different occupations, sectors (public/private), industries and employers, so it can sometimes be difficult to decide which one you should join. Firstly, ask your work colleagues if they know which Trade Union represents your workplace. It can often be more beneficial to have strength in numbers, with everyone a member of the same union, rather than individuals becoming members of separate Trade Unions. If the workplace does have union representation, find out who the local ‘shop steward,’ ‘steward’, ‘representative’ or ‘contact’ is and ask them how you can join.

If you cannot find out at work which Union you should join, try the using the search mechanism below.

http://www.worksmart.org.uk/unionfinder/

You could also call the TUC's know your rights line 0870 600 4 882 (national rate, 8am - 9pm).

When you have decided which Trade Union suits your occupation, contact them directly by telephone or e-mail to enquire about how you join.

It is important to join a trade union as soon as possible, ideally on the first day that you start work, as you do not know when you are going to need their help. Understandably, some trade unions will not assist new members with an existing problem that began before the member joined the union. If they did, this would be unfair on existing members who may have paid subscriptions for several months or years and this also prevents people joining purely to resolve immediate problems and leaving immediately after the problem has been resolved. This is similar to an insurance company which would not pay out on a claim for a damaged car if it was damaged before it was insured.

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