Which union: GMB or Unison (or others)?

[ControversialOpening]

Today at work we discussed joining a union, something I feel I should have done years ago. The two unions that represent my work are Unison and GMB.

I've had a quick look at their websites, and Unison seems to be awash with trains ideology: trans day of remembrance; trans day of visibility; lets make 2024 the year of LGBTQ+ ... but we all know we mean just T really, etc.

GMB pays a bit of lip service on its site, but does not seem to be so infected.

Does anyone have any experience or information about this? I don't want to pay a union that pretends it doesn't know what a woman is, or actively fights against women's rights.

I'd go with GMB on the basis that Unison, regardless of their views on trans ideology, are also a bit shit at representing their members. They just aren't very good, or even interested.

Thanks ArcheryAnne.

I'm still unsure - I would feel really bad about giving money to, and being part of, any organisation that claims TWAW.

GMB definitely went "sex work is work", which is why I left them. They were also crap when I had a risk to my job. They may have changed since then though I doubt it..!

I decided just to save money each month in case I ever needed a lawyer. Which I actually did and they were miles better than GMB were when I needed them.

It's a sad state of affairs really, as I'd like to be in a union but I'm seriously unhappy about paying for them to push me out of life and law etc.

If you want to join a union for the employment law protection aspect rather than the industrial action aspect, I'd get legal protection on your house insurance in the event that you'd ever want to make a tribunal claim.

I work with both unions in my job and honesty it depends on the rep or official you get quite a lot as to the quality of the service.

They are all woke as fuck these days so not much to choose between them on that score.

Have you considered joining the free speech union if you want advice and protection for being GC?

I read about the union Affinity on these pages and decided to join. They are independent and represent all sectors. They also have this article on their website: workaffinity.co.uk/employers-must-respect-the-law-on-freedom-of-expression/

Thanks Holdmypint, that might be just what I’m looking for.

GMB