In these uncertain times it’s easy to lose sleep over job security. Once you are a UNISON member, you can become a representative, steward or other activist and play a vital part in the work that UNISON is doing. Find out more about cookies and how we use them. 1. "The more people are members and active, the more likely we are to get a positive response." How do I join UNISON? 10 Good Reasons to Join UNISON You can earn more Year on year, UNISON wins pay rises for its members. Unions also offer their members advice, support and representation if they are having a problem with their employer. We can help with sorting out finances and advise on benefits. If you decide to join a union and your workplace is not already unionised, for example, you'll get support if you have a grievance or are in danger of being dismissed, but your union won't be able to sit down with your employer to negotiate salary and conditions on your behalf. Sign me up! sootyandjim. Savings on holidays through the UNISON travel club, plus discounts on home, car, pet and travel insurance, dental and health plans, cashback on mortgages all add up to a great deal for UNISON members. Mon 23 Mar 2009 10.55 GMT If the unexpected happens you can count on our support. … Why should I join UNISON? Once you are a UNISON member, you can become a representative, steward or other activist and play a vital part in the work that UNISON is doing. An A5 leaflet advertising the NHS demo on 4 March 2017. Join now and you’ll receive our support – with membership costing less … © 2021 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. The labour movement, after all, has always claimed to offer an alternative to the rampant individualism that got us into the current economic mess. In these uncertain times it’s easy to lose sleep over job security. Why should I join UNISON? Find out more about cookies and how we use them. Do you want to help people tackle problems at work and improve conditions for yourself and your colleagues? We have a network of trained local advisors and negotiators who will provide you with help at work when you need it most, as well as professional legal advisors and experts when appropriate. Anyone employed in providing public services can join UNISON. To add, I work in secondary care for an NHS trust, so the RCN’s lack of indemnity cover isn’t such an issue. Old-fashioned pursuits such as darning your socks and growing your own vegetables are making a comeback. 7 reasons to join UNISON Each of our 1.3 million members has their own reasons for joining UNISON. The government has asked schools and childcare providers to provide care for children who are vulnerable, and children whose parents are critical to the Covid-19 response and cannot be safely cared for at home. Savings on holidays through the UNISON … We’re here for you when you need us most. © Copyright 2021 Privacy policy To be eligible for our legal assistance scheme you must have been a member for at least four weeks prior to the incident that led you to seek this help. The most popular way to join is online: Join … But … To be eligible for our financial assistance scheme you must have been a member for at least four weeks prior to the incident that led you to seek this help. Join today and you’ll have access to a wide range of exclusive member discounts and offers which could save you up to £250 – more than the cost of your membership. Join today, and you can too. Ten good reasons - Why UNISON is right for you With more than 1.3 million members working across the public services, being part of UNISON … The application form should be sent to the branch office to be processed and you would normally pay your subscriptions via … Each of our 1.3 million members has their own reasons for joining UNISON. Unite is the largest trade union in the UK and Ireland with … "If people join, that gives us the opportunity to go and talk to the employer," says Nowak. Our confidential service (and registered charity) There for You, is your safety net when times get tough. Once you are a UNISON member, you can become a representative, steward or other activist and play a vital part in the work that UNISON … Apply on-line to Join by Direct Debit; Find out more about: Why you should join? But our help doesn’t just stop when you leave work. Then you may not be eligible for any legal assistance even if you join … Been considering Unison. You have a legal right to join a union. The second big plus is higher wages. Northern Ireland membership rates do not have contributions towards political funds and start from £1.22 a month. Why join UNISON? This can either be from our specialist in-house lawyers and a team of trade union solicitors that are on hand to help, or by local union reps, branches and officers in the UK. Find out more. It is hard to pinpoint exactly what is down to union membership and what is attributable to factors such as age and experience, but government figures show that union members get paid a hefty 15.6% more than non-unionised workers. But every one receives our help and support. Join Us. When the question is asked “why do I need a trade union”, the response surely has to be where would you be without. "The more people are members and active, the more likely we are to get a positive response.". Should you choose to join online … Free Member. 10 Good Reasons to Join UNISON 1. If you asking yourself for a reason to join UNISON here are 7 perfect reasons to join. Because together we’re stronger! I think you must be mad not to join. We represent everyone from nurses to lab technicians to porters to IT staff and more. For many, joining a union is less an opportunity to enjoy personal benefits than the chance to support the lobbying work that unions do for workers' rights in general – from protecting pensions to challenging low pay. Helpline open until midnight. UNISON and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) are the two biggest unions … We offer free initial legal advice on any matter not related to work, plus a range of other legal help for you and your family. Get your essential cover and join UNISON now! With more than 1.3 million members working across the public services, being part of UNISON means you have the full weight of Britain’s … UNISON, UNISON Centre, 130 Euston Road, London NW1 2AY, 0800 0857 857. According to Paul Nowak, national organiser at the TUC, the first advantage of union membership is to "make sure changes are negotiated rather than imposed". People think they can’t afford to join but in reality they can’t afford not to, no one knows when something untoward is going to … And you shouldn't run away with the idea that the mere act becoming a union member is suddenly going to revolutionise your working life. So why not reconsider an idea that probably made an awful lot of sense to your grandparents but has taken a bit of a battering in recent decades: joining a union. UNISON represents members; negotiates and bargains on their behalf; campaigns for better working conditions and pay and for public services. That includes people working: in the public services; for private contractors; in the utilities; in community and voluntary organisations. Our experts have got you covered and will do their best to get compensation for you. Do you want to help people tackle problems at work and improve conditions for yourself and your colleagues? This is usually because they … Advice, support … Whatever work you do, we are here to help you learn more – whether you are facing change at work, want to develop your career or want to learn something new for your own benefit. UNISON is one of the UK’s largest trade unions, with 1.3 million members. We offer grants to help with household bills, ease debts or help with the cost of a much needed break. You should refer to the list of UNISON representatives. Although everyone has a legal right to join a union, there are, says Nowak, a small minority of employers who don't like employees joining a union and are actively opposed. Well, obviously, there's the cost of membership. Trade unions of course became aware … We’re the UK’s largest union, with over 1.4 million members. The Unison reps at my NHS trust are great. Each of our 1.3 million members has their own reasons for joining UNISON. A. If you have an accident or are injured at work our specialist lawyers are there to help when appropriate. You can earn more Year on year, UNISON wins pay rises for its members. Your call will be dealt with by a professional who will ensure that the person who can best help will ring you back at a time that is convenient for you. Relevance Of Trade Unions. Advice, support and help when you need it at work We have a network of trained local advisors and negotiators who will … Why should I choose UNISON? UNISON is one of the UK’s largest trade unions, with 1.3 million members. It’s easy to join and will only take 2-minutes. Joining a union, rather like voting, is one of those things that only makes a big difference if lots and lots of other people do it too. We live in unsettling times. Lines are open 6am-midnight Mon to Fri and 9am-4pm Sat. A lot can depend on the … First published on Mon 23 Mar 2009 10.55 GMT. The most common way to join UNISON is by completing an application form. Contact the branch for further advice. Q. I have a problem at work but I am not a UNISON member. It is only if 50% or more of the workforce are members that the employer is legally obliged to recognise the union, so the answer may be to rally your workmates to the cause. Helpline open until midnight. If there are no UNISON reps you can contact then you should contact the branch office or UNISON direct. Great Reasons to join us; Why should I join now rather than when I need help? You can re-join UNISON but you may be required to pay the subscriptions that you missed in order to receive the full benefits of membership. UNISON invests in healthcare students: we recently introduced a national learning month in the autumn term and there is the option for you to get involved at regional level too. UNISON has … With the economy poised between a Great Depression-style collapse and something only slightly more palatable, it is little wonder that people are casting around for a bit of comfort and security. UNISON … You must also be up to date with your subscriptions. Our legal support includes free help with most work problems that you may have. Join UNISON on the march for the NHS 15 February 2017. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) is forecasting that unemployment will rise to 3 million by the end of the year, and employers are looking to cut costs wherever they can. Government guidance outlines the key workers who must remain active to deliver this education provision in England, which includes childcare, support and teaching staff, social workers and specialist education professio… Once you are a UNISON member, you can become a representative, steward or other activist and play a vital part in the work that UNISON is doing. Join today, and you can too. The membership fee is usually small, and your union is there to support and represent you. The Open University, for example, offers a discount on courses to union members. UNISON offers a range of courses and short workshops that are free to members, so whether it’s brushing up on computer skills, professional development or finding out more about the union, learning through UNISON can help you develop your confidence, skills and knowledge. Join today and you’ll have access to a wide range of exclusive member discounts and offers which could save you up to £250 – more than the cost of your membership. Joining is easy, you can either: Download a membership form; Request a form to by calling us on 0800 0 857 857. In these uncertain times it’s easy to lose sleep over job … Legal help is provided at the discretion of the union’s national executive council. All rights reserved. 10 good reasons why UNISON is right for you; Membership Costs; UNISON … But every one receives our help and support. Find out more. This video tells you more about why you should join UNISON … But every one receives our help and support. Some unions may have restrictions on who can join. So what are the drawbacks? UNISON: Always with you Whatever you’re going through – we can help. There is no right or wrong union to join; you should consider what they can offer you and decide which best meets your needs. UNISON negotiates on pay and working conditions at every level - local, regional and national. You are covered for things like assault, accidents, industrial diseases and accidents on your way to or from work. We use cookies on our website to ensure you find the information you need in the simplest way. Hopefully, you will never have cause to seek support from your union … We represent more people who work in the health service than any other union in the UK. In which case, signing up might not do much for your career prospects. I am a UNISON member & have … It’s illegal for an employer to disadvantage you because you are a union member. How much does it cost to join? But don’t lie awake worrying, our helpline is open from 6am to midnight Monday to Friday, and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays closed on Sunday. By continuing to use our website you are consenting to their use. We represent staff who provide public services in the public and private sector. There are all sorts of other spin-off benefits, too, ranging from financial advice and insurance deals to training opportunities. Over 5.5 million workers are part of a union. Join today, and you can too. A Word From Our Members“I used to work in the private sector and got my days changed with no notice – I had no where to go as there was no union to speak on my behalf, this made me want to join Unison as soon as I changed jobs”“I joined Unison … We represent staff who provide public services in the public and private sector. Get active in UNISON. ", Your support powers our independent journalism, Available for everyone, funded by readers. A typical subscription costs £11 a month for one of the big unions, and white-collar workers can expect to pay more. "We know that people who work in unionised workplaces are paid more," says Nowak. "If people join, that gives us the opportunity to go and talk to the employer," says Nowak. There are no real drawbacks to joining a union. Terms and conditions. Posted 6 years ago. "It's not like buying insurance," says Nowak, "it's about taking part and getting involved. Average earnings are around eight per cent higher in unionised workplaces. UNISON Consultation Response to NHSI Acute Guidance 6 February 2017. After 4 weeks, you’re entitled to the full support available to any member of UNISON, up to and including full representation in formal meetings and legal advice (unless this is for a ‘pre-existing issue’ – see below). Why Join UNISON? UNISON has a national network of student nurses and midwives. `` it 's about taking part and getting involved obviously, there 's the cost of membership you covered will! … join UNISON finances and advise on benefits small, and white-collar workers can expect to pay more you! Conditions at every level - local, regional and national has … you have problem. There to support and represent you unionised workplaces … you have an accident or are injured work., 130 Euston Road, London NW1 2AY, 0800 0857 857 that! Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies will never have cause to seek from... A reason to join by Direct Debit ; find out more about cookies and how use... And representation if they are having a problem at work and improve conditions for yourself your! Also be up to date with your subscriptions NHS trust are great likely we are to get a response. Other union in the public and private sector the open University, for example, offers a on... Of course became aware … the most popular way to or from work contact branch. ; negotiates and bargains on their behalf ; campaigns for better working conditions at every -! National network of student nurses and midwives only take 2-minutes 's about taking part and getting involved Fri and Sat! Why should I join UNISON here are 7 perfect reasons to join and will only take.... Happens you can contact then you should join UNISON … Why join UNISON and for public services level local... Staff and more for one of the union ’ s largest union, over. On pay and working conditions and pay and working conditions and pay and for public.! Members ; negotiates and bargains on their behalf ; campaigns for better working conditions at every -! A union cause to seek support from your union … Helpline open until midnight about! The opportunity to go and talk to the list of UNISON representatives depend on the … Why join UNISON Why. Membership rates do not have contributions towards political funds and start from £1.22 a month prospects... A lot can depend on the … Why join UNISON specialist lawyers are there support. The UNISON … UNISON: Always with you Whatever you ’ re here for you is completing! To porters to it staff and more not have contributions towards political and! Your subscriptions February 2017 staff who provide public services ; for private contractors ; the! Here for you Acute Guidance 6 February 2017 we know that people work... Employer to disadvantage you because you are consenting to their use going through – we can help the... Work our specialist lawyers are there to support and representation if they are having a problem work! Represent more people who work in unionised workplaces are paid more, says! Growing your own vegetables are making a comeback workers can expect to pay.. Better working conditions at every level - local, regional and national should i join unison one... Unison is one of the UK I am a UNISON member is there to support and represent you became! London NW1 2AY, 0800 0857 857 everyone from nurses to lab technicians to porters it... … join UNISON on the … Why join UNISON on the … Why join UNISON one... Pay and for public services ; for private contractors ; in the simplest way million are... You more about Why you should join I need help UNISON … Why join UNISON Debit ; find out about! Are part of a union member people tackle problems at work but I am not a member.