Choosing between RCN and Unison for nursing union support

[NotanNHSnurseanymore]

I'm reviewing which union I should be with.

I've been with RCN for 22 years but have heard they are crap in a crisis when you actually need them.

Is Unison better? My concern is that they are not nurse focused.

I also read a bonkers job advert where it was stipulated that you MUST be a member of the RCN (suspect they got confused with NMC, so wasn't reassuring and I didn't apply).

Thoughts very welcome.

8 years ago i was very well supported by the RCN when I had to take ill health retirement. They were there for the full process (even came to my home when I was too ill to travel). They also gave me a support fund payment. This is the only time I ever needed union support.
I know two people who needed support via unison one had good support one had horrendous time (and swapped to RCN).
I do wonder if it is area specific, if you need local or regional assistance.

The experience will be down to who your actual Rep is.

I'm a nurse with Unison and have had excellent support because the Union Rep himself is good.

Would be better to ask who the Reps are and find others opinions on them who have needed their help.

I’m with unison because the RCN rep was an absolute horror

Argh, I was hoping for consistency, not a hung jury! 😀

@HappyTalkingAndLaughing , you make a really good point, thank you.

@LoudSnoringDog I'm really sorry to hear of your experience. Sounds pants.

I’m so very sorry to hijack this thread but may I ask if you’re able to claim benefits alongside your work pension? I find myself in this situation at the minute. For what it’s worth I am in RCN.

Yes you can claim other benefits.
I have Esa (which is reduced because of pension) but still worth claiming even if you get £0 as it contributes towards your NI for state pension.
PIP is none means tested so that is unaffected by the pension.
Because I have children I get universal credit top up (obviously pension reduces this).

I’ve used the RCN twice in my 36 year career so far, most recently last year & the rep was very good, would be happy for her to support me again.

I was in Unison & RCM. Neither were useful. Have recently joined National Employees Union. All the reps have Law degrees & know a lot about employment law.