Is it worth joining a union?

[chatenoire]

I'm in a client facing role within the tech industry. I fail to see what the benefits would be. Especially if nobody else in the company has joined one.

Sadly, my experience of belonging to Unison was entirely negative. I needed support with two issues in quick succession. On the first occasion, my union rep was sympathetic, but unable to do anything. On the second, I was told that they were too busy with redundancies in another part of the organisation to support me.

I guess whether you get your money's worth depends on the quality of those who actually represent you.

Yes

ACAS provides free info and advice.

Union provides info and advice but will also act on your behalf and represent you in grievances, disciplinaries, tribunals. In a unionised workplace they will also negotiate salaries and terms and conditions.

Union is more concerned about you and how best to protect you rather than just stating the law.

I recently helped a friend with a difficulty at work, ended in a settlement after 6 months which was fine ... I got lots of law advice from ACAS.
I can reflect and see that a union would have done things very differently ... waited and raised all issues (there were many) at appeal only. I think the settlement figure might have been higher had this been the case.