Question: What Does Unite The Union Do?

Response: Unite is a trade union that represents the interests of workers in various industries. We negotiate on behalf of our members with employers to secure better pay, working conditions, and other employment-related benefits. Additionally, we are involved in campaigning for workers' rights and social justice.

Question: How Many Members Does Unite The Union Have?

Response: We are one of the largest trade unions in the UK and Ireland, with over 1.2 million members.

Question: How Do I Join Unite The Union?

Response: To join Unite the union visit our website. You can join online in four simple steps or contact our membership department.

Question: How Much Does It Cost To Join Unite The Union?

Response: You can join Unite for less than £4 a week. Membership fees vary based on factors such as your employment status, income, and other considerations. Check directly on the Unite website for the most up-to-date information on membership fees and how to join.

Question: What Can Unite The Union Do For Me?

Response: We negotiate better wages, improved working conditions, and additional benefits on your behalf. We also provide legal assistance, representation in case of disputes, and access to various support services, education and training and more.

Question: Who Can Join Unite The Union?

Response: We are open to workers from multiple industries and sectors. Most employed and self-employed individuals are eligible to join and whether you are in or out of work, studying or retired you can join Unite.

Question: Who Does The Unite Union Represent?

Response: Unite represents workers from a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, transport, healthcare, hospitality, local government, the services sector and more.

Question: Why Join Unite The Union?

Response: Unite wins better pay for you. Joining Unite provides you with collective bargaining power, legal support, and a network of like-minded individuals working towards common goals. It can enhance your ability to secure better working conditions and benefits; Unite wins 8 out of 10 pay disputes that we’re involved in.

Question: Can Anyone Join Unite The Union?

Response: In general, most workers, whether employed or self-employed, can join Unite the union. However, specific eligibility criteria may apply, so it's advisable to check with us directly.

Questions: Can Unite The Union Help Me With Money?

Response: Unite can provide financial assistance or advice on financial matters to our members in certain situations. Contact us for details on available services.

Question: Does Unite The Union Provide Health Insurance?

Response: Unite can offer health-related benefits as part of our membership packages, but it's essential to check with us directly for specific details on health and other insurance coverage.

Question: Does Unite The Union Provide A Free Will Service?

Response: Unite can offer a free or discounted will-writing service as part of our membership benefits. Contact your local Unite office for details.

Question: What Support And Services Does Unite Offer To Its Members?

Response: Unite supports you in fighting for your jobs, pay and conditions. We provide a range of services, including legal advice, representation in employment matters, collective bargaining, education and training opportunities, and more.

Question: How Can I Access Legal Advice Through Unite?

Response: Members can typically access legal advice through Unite by contacting our legal helpline. The specifics may vary, so it's recommended to check the Unite website or Unite office for the latest information.

Question: Are There Any Education Or Training Programmes Organised By Unite?

Response: Unite provides a range of free training courses for reps across the United Kingdom and Ireland. These courses cover a wide variety of subjects from rights at work, negotiation skills through to equalities, health and safety and organising and bargaining at work.

Question: What's the cost to members of Unite Legal services for personal injury or employment claims?

Response: Unite members who use Unite Legal Services to pursue a personal injury or employment claim keep 100% of their compensation – whatever the injury, however complex the claim. Every year, Unite wins tens of millions of pounds for members and their families.

Question: How Can I Stay Updated On The Latest News And Updates From Unite The Union?

Response: Members can stay updated on news and updates by regularly visiting our website, subscribing to newsletters, or following us on Unite’s social media channels.

Question: What Actions Is Unite Taking To Improve Workplace Conditions And Workers' Rights?

Response: Unite takes the lead in fighting back for workers and jobs, pay and conditions. We are involved in various campaigns, negotiations, and advocacy efforts to improve workplace conditions, secure fair wages, and protect workers' and workplace rights. Updates on these actions and campaigns can be found on the Unite website.

Question: How Can I Contact Unite The Union For Assistance?

Response: You can contact us through our website, which typically provides contact details for different departments, including membership services, legal assistance, and more.

Questions: Does Unite Offer Resources For Workplace Health And Safety?

Response: Yes, with 20,000 workplace health and safety experts, Unite looks after you at work. We offer resources, guidance, and support related to workplace health and safety. Members can access these resources through our website or by contacting their rep or Unite office.

Fiction: Trade Unions aren’t for people like me 

FACT: Unless you win the lottery or have millions in the bank, the chances are you’ll spend roughly a quarter of your life at work because that is the only – legal – way to earn money.

Anyone that goes to work and who cares about their pay and conditions – holiday entitlement, pension and so on – equal rights, safety and training needs a trade union. 

Young workers are most likely to be vulnerable to exploitation as some unscrupulous employers will assume that they are less likely to know their rights. 

One in four young workers has experienced bullying and 53 percent fear they can’t support a family on their wages.

Fiction: Trade unions are only for people in particular types of work, working full time all year round 

FACT: Around half of young workers work to pay for their education. 

Research shows that between 1996 and 2006 the number of full-time students with a part-time job grew by more than 50 percent, with this figure set to only increase alongside the cost of higher education. 

Union membership is more diverse than perhaps you would imagine and includes full time, part time, agency and seasonal workers. 

Fiction: Trade Union membership wouldn’t have any benefits for me 

FACT: Time and time again it has been proven that workers in unionised workplaces get far better pay and terms and conditions than those that aren’t in a union. As a member of a union you are entitled to free representation and legal advice should you ever need it. 

This applies to both within and outside the workplace and can include help with employment matters, personal injury, wills, conveyancing and more. 

Many unions also have agreements with third parties for additional benefits, such as cheaper insurance and discounts. 

Fiction:  Trade Unions are just about workplace disputes and strikes 

FACT: Despite what the right wing media and politicians will have you believe, going on strike in the UK is very difficult and is always the last resort for workers and trade unions. But the right to withdraw labour is and should stay a human right. Going on strike remains rare here and is a tough call for those taking strike action; not least because you don’t get paid when you’re on strike. 

Whilst a trade union’s primary role is to represent their members on employment issues, trade unions have a much bigger part to play in civil society. They offer educational, lifelong learning and training opportunities to their members, many of whom would not have had this chance had it not been for their union.

Historically, trade unions have not only negotiated for and championed workplace rights in the UK but for a better deal overall for working people in the wider world. Having battled to extend the right to vote, it was the unions that created a political party that working people could vote for – the Labour Party. 

The Labour Party was established by unions just over 100 years ago in order to give a political voice to the values and aspirations of trade union members. 

Today that link remains strong with fifteen trade unions affiliated to the party. Labour’s key achievements in government – the welfare state, the NHS, the minimum wage, and the right to union recognition to name but a few – have made a real difference to the lives of union members. Trade unions also provide a direct connection to working people - a key benefit for the Labour Party. 

Fiction: Unions aren’t formally recognised in my workplace so I can’t join 

FACT: Anybody has the right to join a union regardless of whether their employer formally recognises trade unions or a union organises within their workplace. 

When you sign up you should be given information about which branch you belong to (this could be for a local area if there’s not one in your workplace). Unions also have contact numbers and/or helplines for members to access legal advice. 

You can also get more active in your union by getting involved with campaigns and other activity/events. 

Fiction: I don’t work so there is no point in me being in a union 

FACT: Unite's new reduced rate 'Community Membership' will open up union membership outside of the workplace to members of the community who may not currently be in work and other people who may not traditionally feel a union is for them. 

People who sign up to this new membership will gain access to a number of benefits but, more importantly, will get the opportunity to be in the fabric of a union and have a voice – to form policy, participate in campaigns and create an active branch. 

Being part of a trade union is not simply about ensuring you have representation in the workplace but also about being part of a wider movement to create a better society.