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Joining a Union

There are hundreds of unions in Wales and the UK. Some are small and specialise in certain professions or trades. Some are very large with hundreds of thousands of members covering a wide range of job types.

Unions work to protect the interests of workers by negotiating on behalf of employees on terms and conditions such as working hours, pay and time off for sickness or holidays. By speaking with one voice through a union, employees are stronger in their negotiations than acting alone.

Unions can also help you if you are having problems at work, for example if you are singled out in some way, bullied, are not being treated fairly or are asked to do things which aren’t safe or are illegal. If this happens you will be able to talk to a union rep in confidence who will be able to advise you on what to do.

Unions often also offer a range of benefits to their members – such as legal advice, counselling and support as well as setting up deals with insurance companies and other service provides for exclusive members’ deals and discounts.

When you enter the world of work, you may wish to ask colleagues who the union or unions are at your place of work. Employers don’t tend to encourage their workers to join unions, so don’t rely on them to give you any information. When you contact the union they will be able to give you some information about what they do. To join a union, you usually pay a monthly membership fee although many have a reduced rate for young people.

The UK trade union governing body the Trade Union Congress (often referred to as the TUC) publishes lots more information about unions – what they are and what they can do for you – on their website. Details below.

Links & Contact Details

Name: TUC (UK)
Web: www.tuc.org.uk
Web: http://www.worksmart.org.uk
Email:
Tel: 020 7636 4030
Info: The Trades Union Congress brings together hundreds of UK trade unions to work together on common issues. The TUC publishes a series of free leaflets explaining your rights at work and dealing with other common workplace problems.

Name: Wales TUC
Web: www.tuc.org.uk/tuc/regions_info_wales.cfm
Email:
Tel:
Info: The Wales arm of the TUC

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