Union's- is it actually worth joining one?

[Boxingshibes]

Inspired by a thread about heat and work.

I've always worked in the private sector so always thought unions were government/ nhs/ trades etc but am thinking is it something I should join?
I've always worked in IT but now in Adult IT education.
Is this something I should consider?
I've just got a new manager and my organisation is 'streamlining' so redundancies and generally not giving a shit about the trainers.
I have health problems and vulnerable dependents so just want to cover my back .
Has any got any advice?

I'd recommend joining. You won't need their help until you do. If you're not a member then, it may be too late.

Yes, you should join one. I’ve always worked in the private sector and have always been in a trade union for my industry.

I think then is which one?there are a few a I don't know which one.

Since going through a grievance against a manager I’d never be without my union membership. I’m in unite and they’re open to anyone.

I'd join. I was glad I did. I'm NASUWT.

When it came to it, with some prodding (NHS style), they did all the heavy lifting by checking the contracts and liaising so that I didn't have to interact in an awkward exit. I didn't really know what should be in the exit offer but they did and could reassure me (independently of the company HR) what was there and what it meant. In the situation, everything was confidential except with my union rep so I'd not have had anyone to consult or would have had to pay for legal counsel and where would I have found that at short notice.

TLDR:
(No apostrophe needed in your title for unions - sorry, this is for Pedants' Corner. FYI: apostrophes indicate missing letters e.g. can't for can-no-t or ownership e.g. the girl's book but are not used for plurals)

It really depends on. I you work for a small/medium company- well worth it.
If you work for a company where pretty much everyone is in a union- worth it.
If you work for a big company with a strong legal department and low number of union members - not worth it, or even negative. They are much stronger than a union will ever be - and often offer better terms voluntarily, but have no issue withdrawing these .

Contact the TUC, they can advise.

Even if you don't find a union for your specific industry there are "general" ones like the GMB who might take you on.

I think you’d be better off putting £15/month into a savings account

I would always recommend being in a union as you never know when you might need their help. And its important that unions aren't weakened or workers might lose their rights, so being in a union helps keep them strong.

I also get so much benefits from my union - days/nights out with my local chapter (they recently did a trip to an amusement park for families and a bowling night), travel insurance, reduced prices with various companies, chance to use the local chapter's cottage for holidays for extremely cheap or the wider union's hotel apartments. But unions are full of benefits in my country (plus you get much better unemployment benefits if you're in a union and lose your job, and many offer strike pay)

100% worth it. View it as an insurance policy. I’ve been in my union 20 yrs and I’ve just needed them in the last couple of months for a workplace issue. Being able to say “I’ve spoken to my union rep and….” Was incredibly powerful and completely changed the dynamics and the outcome of the awful situation I was put in (falsely accused of bullying, found to be the victim of upwards bullying).

check which union your workplace recognises and the do your due diligence on each of them (my work recognises 4). Join the one that best represents your interests.

I think union membership is a must have.
I'm an independent member of Unite and have been for donkeys years. My payments are made by direct debit, not through payroll so it's my secret weapon if required.
I have had them represent me in an unfair dismissal tribunal and I won respite a big fight being put up by my ex employers. They advised me with TUPE. And I have used their 24 hour legal advice line several times with non work related matters, and found them very helpful.

After reading that we are an US Adult Education provider but also need OFSTED for some stuff. Not mine. I just over 2 years employed so have some rights. But with all the changes im worried.
I have sight issues- not corrected by glasses. It might be temporary ( hopefully) but waiting lists.....
I have raised an issue about being sent offsite to places I dont know. It's vv scary
And difficult.

My eye specialist has advised when travelling I take a white stick with me. As I can see about 6ft infront of me.