To join a union

[Darkestnight]

After returning to work a month ago I was wondering is it worth joining a union. I was talking to the union rep and he said its very worth while.. Opinions please as I'm unsure

I would say joining a union is a bit like house insurance. Hopefully you'll never need to use it, but you'll be very pleased if you ever have need of their services. There are usually other discounts/legal protection which come with your dues. I'm in USDAW. Never needed to use them so far but I like the thought that they're there. The subs aren't usually extortionate.

Or joining a Union is not only about yourself and looking after you. When you join a union you help others, there is strength in numbers. The union has more influence with managers if more people are members. The union if properly funded can help other people. The union can campaign for workers rights.

You can join as insurance just for you, or you can join because it might help other people as well.

Work places with strong unions usually have better pay and conditions but you might be called upon to help others.

Most (not all) I’ve encountered are very poor. Union membership is generally dropping and their marketing efforts have increased.

Thankyou I'll join the union tomorrow its the gmb I think they use at work

I would recommend UNISON if there’s a choice. GMB are a bit wishy-washy in my workplace.
Definitely worth it imo. Maybe you might even want to get involved in the union organisation in the future?