Why Should I Join a Union?

Joining a Trade Union is a right under UK law, EU law, and the Declaration of Human Rights.

Joining a Trade Union has numerous benefits, some of which are listed below:

• Better Pay:
  Trade Unions not only fight for better pay for their members, statistically Union members are better paid than their non-Union counterparts.
• Better Conditions:
  Trade Unions have been and still are at the forefront in campaigning for safe and healthy places of work, paid holidays, sick pay and better pensions.
• Representation:
  Should you have a problem at work, for example be threatened with discipline, find yourself being bullied or discriminated against or any one of a number of issues, a Trade Union can help by providing a trained representitive to accompany you to meetings to fight your corner and even provide legal assistance if required.
• Campaigning:
  Trade Unions not only stand up to employers on your behalf but improve lives by actively campaigning on issues that matter to members. Trade Unions have sucessfuly campaigned for laws or changes in the law on many issues for example Health & Safety and equality at work.

Just as Trade Union members rely on their Union, the ability of a Trade Union to bring all of these benefits relies upon having members. The more members that join a Union for each given workplace the more influance the Union can have over employers. Some employers are very anti-union because they see Unions as a threat to their ability to bully, threaten, mistreat and fire thier employees as they wish. Under UK law however, if more than 50% of employees join a Union, an employer has to recognise that Union as representing its members. By joining a Union you strengthen that Union. By strengthening the Union you protect yourself.

By joining the CWU you can also enjoy other benefits such as free legal advice, a free will-writing service, and discounted motor, home and travel insurance. Solent Branch also has two learning centres at which members can enjoy free or heavily discounted learning courses.

I will join if I get into trouble!
The CWU Solent Branch has a policy that it will not provide representation to members for discipline or grievance cases that were launched before becoming a member. In this respect you can think of membership like insurance. You would not expect to be covered if you take out home insurance after your house has burned down! Most other Unions have similar policies.

Unions are only out to cause trouble
Many employers, newspaper owners, rich people and Conservative MP's would like to give the impression that Unions are troublemakers, but this is untrue. Unions want employers to be successful so that they can employ more people, improve the standard of living of their members and help the economy. What Unions will not stand for is employers making more money by reducing standards, reducing pay or sacking their members and this is why rich employers wish to give the impression that they are troublemakers.

Aren't Unions very political?
Yes. Trade Unions fight for their members and for a fairer society. In many cases this requires a change in the law or new laws. Changes or new laws require the government to pass an act of parliament and the government is made up of politicians. In order to improve life for thier members and fight for a fairer society, Unions do have to mount political campaigns to make these changes. The Labour Party was born because of Trade Unionists wanting working people to have a voice in how this country is governed and many Unions still maintain close links with the party.

Can I be sacked for joining a Union?
No. Under UK law you cannot be sacked for joining a Trade Union.

I'm still not convinced, can I talk to someone?
For the CWU, yes. Just call the number at the bottom of the page or e-mail us through our 'contact us' page and we will get in touch.

I want to join, how do I do that?
To join the CWU, either follow the 'Join Us' link on the left hand side of the page, telephone us or e-mail us using the contacts at the bottom of the page. 

Remember, there is strength in a Union!