Trade unions
Trade unions are independent organisations that represent employees to their employers when they are at work. Many of the rights we now enjoy at work have been won by union campaigning.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has 70 affiliated trade unions, representing nearly seven million working people. It campaigns for a fair deal at work and for social justice at home and abroad. You can call the TUC's 'Know your rights' helpline on 0870 600 4882 (Monday to Friday 8am - 9pm)
Why join a union?
If you belong to a trade union they will be able to offer help with difficulties related to work, such as pay, leave, discrimination, working conditions and unfair dismissal. If your union is recognised by your employer they will have negotiating power about pay and terms and conditions of employment.
Which trade union to join?
It's not always easy working out which union to join. For some jobs there is only one right choice. For others there are a range of unions from which you can choose.
You can find out whether your employer recognises trade unions using the TUC's unionfinder. Alternatively, you can browse an alphabetical list of unions to find which unions are relevant to your job.
Additional benefits
Trade unions are not just there when something goes wrong. Workplaces where unions are recognised are safer and more likely to help employees get on with better training and development programmes. In many workplaces employers and unions now work together in partnership.
Many unions run training, professional development and networking events.
Read the positive experiences of two women working in SET who are active trade union members:
Union membership
Membership generally costs around £10-£20 a month, with most trade unions linking membership fees to your wage.
