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Joining A Union?

Simon Connors

Hi there I have worked for some companies with lets say iffy ways of dealing with employees and their HR staff. But over the last 20 years I have never really felt the need to look at being part of a Union. Given the current climate though I now feel it is a good additional way to gain protection and a voice in the workplace.

Has anyone got any advice or guidance on the benefits or pitfalls of working within HR and being part of a national trade union?

Parents

  • Hi Simon

    I’ve lost count of the number of very distressed people embroiled in employment problems who sorely need the kind of support a trade union is able to provide but are on their own and can’t get it, because obviously most unions won’t represent new members in disputes that arose before they joined.

    Personally, too, for most of my professional career I’ve been a union member and, without going into detail, my life would probably have been very different and far far worse if I hadn’t been.

    So, your decision it has to be, but my advice for what it’s worth would be to get one joined. All the more so, given present, turbulent, times.

    A few of us here in the past have suggested that CIPD themselves might look at providing more help to members facing personal employment difficulties, but sadly they don’t seem too interested in the idea.

    Unless there’s one appropriate to your particular workplace, have a look at eg Prospect. https://prospect.org.uk/join/

    PS

    May be worth mentioning that many domestic insurance policies now throw in or offer optional legal claim insurance, which covers employment disputes. These sometimes can help too if for any reason you aren’t able to access trade union support, but they tend to vary greatly in terms of utility and accessibility. So do trade unions of course, but not anything like as much provided you join an appropriate one etc.

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  • Hi Simon

    I’ve lost count of the number of very distressed people embroiled in employment problems who sorely need the kind of support a trade union is able to provide but are on their own and can’t get it, because obviously most unions won’t represent new members in disputes that arose before they joined.

    Personally, too, for most of my professional career I’ve been a union member and, without going into detail, my life would probably have been very different and far far worse if I hadn’t been.

    So, your decision it has to be, but my advice for what it’s worth would be to get one joined. All the more so, given present, turbulent, times.

    A few of us here in the past have suggested that CIPD themselves might look at providing more help to members facing personal employment difficulties, but sadly they don’t seem too interested in the idea.

    Unless there’s one appropriate to your particular workplace, have a look at eg Prospect. https://prospect.org.uk/join/

    PS

    May be worth mentioning that many domestic insurance policies now throw in or offer optional legal claim insurance, which covers employment disputes. These sometimes can help too if for any reason you aren’t able to access trade union support, but they tend to vary greatly in terms of utility and accessibility. So do trade unions of course, but not anything like as much provided you join an appropriate one etc.

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