Why join the union
A union is the difference between asking and negotiating. Here is what that means in practice, and what it costs.
What changes on day one
You get someone who comes to the meeting with you, and who has read the policy the meeting is about. That is the whole of it, and it is more than it sounds.
Representation
You are entitled to be accompanied at a grievance or disciplinary hearing. A rep who knows the procedure changes what happens in the room.
Negotiation
Pay, hours and shift patterns are agreed collectively rather than handed down. The agreement is written, dated, and applies to everyone it covers.
What it costs
Subscriptions are banded by earnings and cancellable in a month. Nobody is asked to pay more than they can, and nobody is asked twice.
I had been told for two years that the rota could not change. It changed six weeks after we asked together.
Contact your rep
Who is my rep?
Whoever covers your site and shift. If you are not sure, ask for the branch and we will point you at the right person the same day.
What can I bring to a rep?
Anything about pay, hours, safety, or how you are being treated. If it turns out not to be a union matter we will say so rather than let it sit.
Will my manager be told I asked?
No. Nothing goes further than the rep you speak to unless you ask for it to.
Three things to do this week
Read the agreement
Open the agreementFind out what has already been agreed on your behalf. Most people never have.
Talk to one person
How to start itNot a campaign. One conversation with someone on your shift.
Come to a drop-in
See the datesAn hour, no commitment, and you can ask the awkward question.
Not a member yet?
Ten minutes to join, and it is the difference between raising something on your own and raising it with everyone behind you.