To ask people to join a union

[Ghostlyglow]

Before it's too late. As people return to work there are already stories of people having terms and conditions changed, redundancies etc. etc. Join a union.

[Picalilliandcheese]

I strongly believe unions are in with employers. Reluctantly have joined unions in the past. A waste of my money. Would never do it again.

[EBearhug]

I'm a Prospect member. They're not recognised in my current workplace, as there aren't enough members, but they have been excellent in supporting me with a couple of issues with HR, including a disciplinary which should never have happened.

They're running some interesting information sessions online at the moment - the one I attended on equal pay answred some general questions I had had for a while. They've also had some sessions around COVID-related issues.

I hope I never need my union, but I've been very glad of my membership when I have needed them - in the same way I don't want to have to make an insurance claim, but I have been very glad of it when circumstances have meant I needed to.

[Valkadin]

I was a trade union activist for many years up to regional level. Yes join a union but you know people joining just now will have actually benefitted for years due to unions negotiating pay and conditions on the backs of all the existing members subs.

If your actual rep is not that great you can always check stuff for free with ACAS who have a free helpline and are excellent.

[AmazingAardvark]

I joined a union because they were very helpful to a colleague who faced bullying and discrimination from senior managers at my small company.

[Lazypuppy]

YABU Because not all unions actually help. Our union actually stopped us getting a huge salary increase for no reason.

[HazelBite]

Just the presence of union representation in the workplace is often enough to ensure that employers are minful of the way and how they treat their employees.
I am retired now during my working life I can say that I have only been treated poorly by an employer in workplaces where there was no union representation.
It became very unfashionable in the late 1970's onwards to join a union (under the Thatcher regime) but it is so necessary in this day and age.
Go to the Tolpuddle museum in Dorset it might make you realise what some people sacrificed for us all to be able to join a union.

[chocolateisavegetable]

that most help from unions is given to those who join before they have issues, as opposed to afterwards

Does this mean that there isn't any point in joining a union if you think you might need help with Covid-19 employment issues?

[Ghostlyglow]

I realise not all unions are recognised in the workplace, but they can still provide free advice, help and info etc @LouiseTrees

[LouiseTrees]

@Ghostlyglow accountants don’t really have a union and are easily replaced, so it’s not 100 percent accurate to say if you work there is a union. Even if there is a union it might not be a very effective one if the industry is largely not covered by unions. Then again they are one of the sectors least affected by coronavirus.

[Joinaunion227]

I rate Prospect - covers a lot of different sectors and roles.

[AnneElliott]

Agree people should join a union. But you need to check of course that you support their stance on issues. I didn't like the one in my public sector job ( inflammatory and totally intransigent) so I had to wait until I was senior enough to join the other one.

[Ghostlyglow]

If you are employed there is a union @LettyBriggs

[ThatPairOfCats]

I was a union member for many years (public sector). We got outsourced and they were ok. After the outsourcing though they were useless, no clout, no interest. I wasn't the only one who swiftly cancelled.

[puffinandkoala]

This one may be worth looking at for a lot of you: prospect.org.uk/

[puffinandkoala]

Anyone can join a union. I thought they were just for the public sector but they are not.

Join one tomorrow.

[LettyBriggs]

Not sure there is a union for what I do.

[Kittywampus]

Yanbu. Join whichever union is most relevant for your workplace. If there is no union branch, start one

[LolaSmiles]

YANBU

It's also great to see a thread like this on here. It makes me angry seeing bitter posters on here rushing to the bottom on employment rights and standards with their 'dont fight for good conditions because my auntie's friend's son was sacked for sneezing so you should all roll over and be grateful for having a job'.

[Groundhogdayzz]

This thread has come at just the right time! I was literally looking up unions and wondering if it was worth the money! There isn’t a sector specific union for me but going to join a general one.

[DoIneed1]

I was with unison for 8 years and they were crap. I now use ACAS and the legal help I get via my home insurance if I have employment issues.

[millymollymoomoo]

Unrealistic to expect things not to change
There will be massive redundancies, restructuring and reduction of spend needed for many companies to stay afloat

[Ghostlyglow]

Sorry to hear that @BigBreakfast and I realise it's true for many people but the only way to improve things is for people to join, get involved and stick together. It really saddens me that it's everyone for themselves. As you said "thanks Maggie" . There are difficult times ahead, that's certain.

[MadameJosephine]

YANBU

Join a union and become an active member, unions are only strong when their members stand together

[Immigrantsong]

@BigBreakfast

I've always been a union member but when I've needed them they've been rubbish. Unless you're in an industry where the unions remain powerful (not many, thanks Maggie) I'd say good legal insurance cover is money better spent.

That is sad to hear. Unions are made strong, because of members that are big in numbers and want to take action. I appreciate you have had a negative experience, but have you ever thought about becoming active in the Union? After all, most union reps and branch officers do this as a side gig to the day job, so if they are lacki6they surely won't get voted again. I love Unions, but I like them militant and strong enough to take action.

[BigBreakfast]

I've always been a union member but when I've needed them they've been rubbish. Unless you're in an industry where the unions remain powerful (not many, thanks Maggie) I'd say good legal insurance cover is money better spent.