Is there any point in belonging to a Union?

[MrsDylanBlue]

Just wondering if there is any point in paying £15 a month to belong.

Whenever I have needed to use them they have been supportive yet ineffective, we never seem to win any fights...

Public sector worker - front facing, only reason I really belong is in case someone makes an allegation against me

Ktay

He has no interest in joining. He trusts his employer

Having said that I can understand some people’s (esp management) frustration with union’s defending the indefensible.

Massively outing, but I know a rep who successfully defended a postman who had driven his van into the sea while pissed. He said the post office couldn’t prove the member was drunk- he had just had some winegums before the incident had occurred

I was a trade union member for 30 years. Never thought that I'd need them, but still paid my subs every month because I've always believed in trade unions and wanted to help colleagues in need. I also would have felt guilty about accepting the pay rises that they negotiated for us if I hadn't been paying my dues.

Suddenly, completely out of the blue, I lost my job in very unfair circumstances. My union immediately came to my aid, and provided legal assistance, ultimately in the shape of a top QC who I never would have been able to afford on my own. They also provided much needed emotional support at a horribly traumatic time in my life. Everything turned out well in the end thanks to them, and I thank my lucky stars that I had their backing as I couldn't have got through that on my own.

I am a life member now.

I too see it as insurance, and also an advice service when my managers are being arseholes. But I've been to a women in STEM day with them, and used subsidised career counselling.

My employer doesn't have a recognised union in the UK - not enough members - but they're still helpful.

My employer doesn't actually recognise unions but I'm still a member.
The union in my previous job was invaluable.

I belonged to our (US public sector) union for 35 years. I only needed it personally twice. Once when a false allegation was made against me (I won) and again when we got rid of a vindictive and cruel manager (this was a joint case with other staff). These situations were approx 25 years apart.

But during my career the union was instrumental in preserving equal rights and championing fair division of labour for ALL employees nationwide. They also negotiated fair and equitable national contracts and gave us job security and a voice in our work duties. All without our ability to strike (in the US, Govt employees are legally barred from striking).

Remember that it's not just our individual jobs or just the working conditions in our own offices. The union does work nationwide to improve our work experience and provide job security.

As far as dues go, £15/mo is only £180 per annum. That's pretty cheap insurance. And would only be a drop in the bucket as far as legal fees go if you needed to hire an employment specialist solicitor!