anyone work a paid role in a trade union?

[rockabye]

Sorry but this area has a lot of traffic

So I am applying for two TU paid jobs - one with the TUC and one with Unison.

The job descriptions tell me little more than the salary. Their websites tell me little or nothing either about eg non salary benefits, policies, procedures, HR, annual leave entitlement etc.

I'd be leaving the public sector after over 15 years after years of bullying and discrimination. Whilst I no longer want to work in that sector, I'm accustomed to the salary, benefits, environment etc and I'm a bit nervous and unsure about what the differences would be?

I'm also not much of a political person. Used to vote labour but dislike JC and thus I'm worried that not liking JC could be a problem. Would I just need to keep my mouth shut?

Concerned that the unions will be more inclined to recruit a student and someone with more political interest and experience.

Anyone work in a union? What's it like? What sort of questions could I be asked at interview and what would they be looking for beyond the job description?

My friend does, worked for about 7 yrs first and it seems normal in teaching at least for even longer in the job first.

I should imagine the benefits package is fair and good since they represent workers on that basis.

Not all unions are affiliated to Labour anymore. You should have some knowledge of fairness, equality and democratic processes.

sorry @thatthis could not understand your post?

What kind of interview questions are asked?

I loved working for a Union. Great pay, paid overtime, first class train travel. Moving to the civil service was a bit of a shock after that!

I worked for the TUC. The pay was fair (I was in a very junior role) and the T&C's were excellent.
They have a transparent pay scale based on the level of responsibility and you could put in an application to have a raise on the basis that your job role had expanded.
Someone in my office successfuly did this when I was there. They had been recruited as an admin assistant but were doing some tasks similar to a policy officer. They filled out the form and got their raise.
We also got a free lunch every day in the cafeteria and a heavily subsidised breakfast. Theres a reason for the "Trade Union Belly"!

There were various employee welfare services. While I was there I had a tax expert look over my affairs for free. I also remember drop in advice session about stress.
There were opportunities for socialising outside of work such as the TUC amature football team and yoga classes at lunchtime. A lovely lady from the postroom retired while I was there and continued to come in every week for yoga.
It was honestly like a supportive family. I would completely recommend it.
Most people will be Labour supporters (it wont be unusual for workmates to be CLP branch secretary or running as a council candidate). But you wont be out of place in disliking Corbyn. There were plenty from the labour right about while I was there. Honestly, as long as you do your job and are pleasent and friendly no one will mind.
The only real anymosity I noticed was towards Trotskyists who have a reputation for pretending affliation with labour and trade union causes while parasiting off them to build their own sects. Even then, people were generally judged on their own track record rather than their affiliation as such.

first class train travel
Wow, I never had that. I do remember being able to claim for a cafe breakfast if I had travel somewhere early in the morning. That was nice.

thanks! definitely sounds interesting,. Still unsure about potential questions I could get asked.

Also found a job with another organisation advertised - regional organiser - although not sure what that would involve. I'm v interested in employment law and equalities but I argue much better on paper and email than I do verbally, I'm a bit of a wuss.