Which union for teaching assistants?

[FloralGums]

I am a TA in a primary school. I feel it would be a good idea to join a union for the legal protection as a child I work with is very inappropriate, often not truthful and can occasionally assault staff.
Nothing has happened so far but it did cross my mind that it’s possible the child might make a false claim against me or injure me. I dare say I’m catastrophising but you do hear of these things happening and I feel a bit exposed to risk.
No other TAs at my school are union members.
It’s a different issue but I do not feel I would ever strike (which is what I associate unions with). If you are a member of a union do you have to strike if the union calls for one?
Any recommendations for unions?
As a TA my finances are tight. Would you consider joining a union worth it?

I am with unison as are several others in my school. I didn't strike before , you do get to vote on if you want to strike but you don't have too.
I get a lot of emails with all sorts from them but I just leave it all and if I needed them I'd use it. I'm not an active member as such beyond paying my monthly pay. I joined for the same reason suddenly I was expected an even more ridiculous amount from and just wanted a small protection in place.

Unison - just for the legal protection alone

You absolutely should be in a union. It doesn't matter which one.

I'm with UNISON.

No you don't have to strike

If your union votes to strike you will be asked to strike. Some will put more pressure on than others but you can’t be forced.

Most of the TAs I know are in Unison but if your sole motivation is legal protection rather than a traditional union then you can subscribe to Edapt as a TA.