The membership fee is usually small, and your union is there to support and represent you. In these uncertain times it’s easy to lose sleep over job security. UNISON: Always with you Whatever you’re going through – we can help. Relevance Of Trade Unions. We can help with sorting out finances and advise on benefits. 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. Advice, support and help when you need it at work We have a network of trained local advisors and negotiators who will … How do I join UNISON? ", Your support powers our independent journalism, Available for everyone, funded by readers. We live in unsettling times. UNISON is one of the UK’s largest trade unions, with 1.3 million members. You are covered for things like assault, accidents, industrial diseases and accidents on your way to or from work. 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. 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. 10 Good Reasons to Join UNISON 1. Get active in UNISON. Northern Ireland membership rates do not have contributions towards political funds and start from £1.22 a month. We offer grants to help with household bills, ease debts or help with the cost of a much needed break. You have a legal right to join a union. Find out more about cookies and how we use them. sootyandjim. The most common way to join UNISON is by completing an application form. Do you want to help people tackle problems at work and improve conditions for yourself and your colleagues? 7 reasons to join UNISON Each of our 1.3 million members has their own reasons for joining UNISON. We use cookies on our website to ensure you find the information you need in the simplest way. Why join UNISON? 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. The Unison reps at my NHS trust are great. The application form should be sent to the branch office to be processed and you would normally pay your subscriptions via … Savings on holidays through the UNISON … A. "We know that people who work in unionised workplaces are paid more," says Nowak. Terms and conditions. © Copyright 2021 Privacy policy Join today, and you can too. UNISON represents members; negotiates and bargains on their behalf; campaigns for better working conditions and pay and for public services. Helpline open until midnight. To add, I work in secondary care for an NHS trust, so the RCN’s lack of indemnity cover isn’t such an issue. UNISON, UNISON Centre, 130 Euston Road, London NW1 2AY, 0800 0857 857. We’re the UK’s largest union, with over 1.4 million members. Join UNISON on the march for the NHS 15 February 2017. Join today, and you can too. 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. Helpline open until midnight. The labour movement, after all, has always claimed to offer an alternative to the rampant individualism that got us into the current economic mess. 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 … This is usually because they … By continuing to use our website you are consenting to their use. 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 … "If people join, that gives us the opportunity to go and talk to the employer," says Nowak. 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. "The more people are members and active, the more likely we are to get a positive response.". Over 5.5 million workers are part of a union. But every one receives our help and support. 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. Apply on-line to Join by Direct Debit; Find out more about: Why you should join? 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. You should refer to the list of UNISON representatives. 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 … Average earnings are around eight per cent higher in unionised workplaces. If you have an accident or are injured at work our specialist lawyers are there to help when appropriate. Contact the branch for further advice. In these uncertain times it’s easy to lose sleep over job … Our legal support includes free help with most work problems that you may have. That includes people working: in the public services; for private contractors; in the utilities; in community and voluntary organisations. Some unions may have restrictions on who can join. Get your essential cover and join UNISON now! 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. 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. Unite is the largest trade union in the UK and Ireland with … Well, obviously, there's the cost of membership. Why Join UNISON? 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… In which case, signing up might not do much for your career prospects. Great Reasons to join us; Why should I join now rather than when I need help? Lines are open 6am-midnight Mon to Fri and 9am-4pm Sat. 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. 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. If there are no UNISON reps you can contact then you should contact the branch office or UNISON direct. Legal help is provided at the discretion of the union’s national executive council. 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 … Unions also offer their members advice, support and representation if they are having a problem with their employer. 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. Hopefully, you will never have cause to seek support from your union … It’s illegal for an employer to disadvantage you because you are a union member. A typical subscription costs £11 a month for one of the big unions, and white-collar workers can expect to pay more. The most popular way to join is online: Join … 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 has a national network of student nurses and midwives. Join Us. 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. Our experts have got you covered and will do their best to get compensation for you. An A5 leaflet advertising the NHS demo on 4 March 2017. But … But our help doesn’t just stop when you leave work. All rights reserved. I am a UNISON member & have … Each of our 1.3 million members has their own reasons for joining UNISON. 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. If you asking yourself for a reason to join UNISON here are 7 perfect reasons to join. 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. This video tells you more about why you should join UNISON … 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. When the question is asked “why do I need a trade union”, the response surely has to be where would you be without. UNISON has … 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. 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. But every one receives our help and support. I think you must be mad not to join. Find out more. "It's not like buying insurance," says Nowak, "it's about taking part and getting involved. Join now and you’ll receive our support – with membership costing less … 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. Find out more about cookies and how we use them. Find out more. Joining is easy, you can either: Download a membership form; Request a form to by calling us on 0800 0 857 857. 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". First published on Mon 23 Mar 2009 10.55 GMT. Anyone employed in providing public services can join UNISON. Why should I choose UNISON? If the unexpected happens you can count on our support. So what are the drawbacks? The Open University, for example, offers a discount on courses to union members. … 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. Sign me up! There are all sorts of other spin-off benefits, too, ranging from financial advice and insurance deals to training opportunities. 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. 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. Posted 6 years ago. Free Member. We represent more people who work in the health service than any other union in the UK. Been considering Unison. Should you choose to join online … You can earn more Year on year, UNISON wins pay rises for its members. 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. Old-fashioned pursuits such as darning your socks and growing your own vegetables are making a comeback. We’re here for you when you need us most. 1. Why should I join UNISON? Trade unions of course became aware … 10 Good Reasons to Join UNISON You can earn more Year on year, UNISON wins pay rises for its members. Each of our 1.3 million members has their own reasons for joining UNISON. "The more people are members and active, the more likely we are to get a positive response." Do you want to help people tackle problems at work and improve conditions for yourself and your colleagues? 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. "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. But every one receives our help and support. It’s easy to join and will only take 2-minutes. © 2021 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. Mon 23 Mar 2009 10.55 GMT There are no real drawbacks to joining a union. In these uncertain times it’s easy to lose sleep over job security. How much does it cost to join? Advice, support … 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. We represent staff who provide public services in the public and private sector. UNISON negotiates on pay and working conditions at every level - local, regional and national. UNISON is one of the UK’s largest trade unions, with 1.3 million members. You must also be up to date with your subscriptions. Join today, and you can too. UNISON Consultation Response to NHSI Acute Guidance 6 February 2017. The second big plus is higher wages. There is no right or wrong union to join; you should consider what they can offer you and decide which best meets your needs. 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 … UNISON … Then you may not be eligible for any legal assistance even if you join … 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). Q. I have a problem at work but I am not a UNISON member. A lot can depend on the … 10 good reasons why UNISON is right for you; Membership Costs; UNISON … 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. 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