You are entitled to join a union, whether it is recognised in your workplace or not

[StandsOnGoldenSands]

Sorry for the shouty thread but I have read so many threads on here where people say they were told there wasn't a union at their workplace.

You can join a union as an individual member. You don't have to have a union organisation at your workplace in order for you to join a union and benefit from the legal advice, representation and support which it gives you.

See it as an insurance policy if you like.

And my union now has a whole section to deal with individual contracts, as it's so common these days.

Yes and yet so many people don't know ! It is a bugbear of mine.

True, certainly better than no union at all. And no employer can discriminate against you for being a union member. But a union at best is much, much more than just an insurance policy. Non-recognised unions don't have reps at the negotiating table with employers on pay and pensions and conditions. Non-recognised unions don't have automatic access for H&S reps to inspect documents and workplaces, and can't insist on consultation on H&S matters.

Non-unionised workplaces are less safe, less fair, worse paid... for union members and non-members alike. A union will represent you, but they can also help you recruit other members. Once you have a significant proportion of the workforce in a union, then they will help you mount a legal challenge to force your employer to recognise you as a union.

I have a friend who is looking into joining a union, but he doesn't know which one to go with, and the cost seems to vary. Do you have any recommendations?

There's the union finder from the TUC.

Sandthorn, Hi, I agree with you. But I don't think it it helpful for people with no union in their workplace to continue to believe that they can't join a union.

I hear so many stories of people who would really benefit from union membership and every bloody time you ask them about their union they say, oh my workplace doesn't have one.

First step, individual union membership. Everyone is entitled.
Second and third etc steps can come after. But baseline fundamental message = everyone is entitled to join a union.