Work/Trade Unions in UK - thinking about joining one

Me and another Polish girl are thinking about joining one of the worker unions. We are both working full time in the electronics/technical dept. Which one would you recommend? I've been thinking about GMB it looks sound, but I'm new to this subject and some help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Be careful... One day you may be requested to protest against... yourselves.

If you really want to, look at the track record of their union reps. Personally I wouldn't bother, unions have no sway whatsoever in this country these days, our governments have seen to that, you get your rule book when you start a job, if you break the rules you are out, nothing the Union can do for you, if a company decides to change your contract, they will have already had legal people look at how they can do it to get round you being able to kick off...honestly...dont bother...

Ask the others where you work which union they are in and if there is an active shop steward. If there is, talk to them then make your decision, if not join the largest. I dont know a big lot about English unions but its always good to be in one.

Its a bloody farce in this country Barney, especially with one this size, bigger doesnt always mean better, my brother is a Union Rep and is finding it increasingly more difficult to be effective on peoples' behalf, simply because the way companies work these days (he works in the NHS everything is in black and white in the rule books so if the line is crossed they can remove a person - no problem!).

We also have so many laws in place to protect people "sexual harassment" "bullying" so you have rights even without having to have a Union Rep.

Also gone are the days where people will actually stage a walk out, good old cheap labour and agencies just step in! What can a Union do about that? People are not in the position in this country they were 20 / 30 years ago when Unions were effective.

A lot depends on the Union representative and how hard they will work for you.
A lot of reps are in it for themselves and a few end up with cushy management jobs on the backs of their members.

On the whole Unions have no power.

Dont forget that a lot of Unions donate substantial amounts to the Labour government.
They aren't likely to rock the boat/gravy train.

I agree that Unions have a lot less power today.


The union rep if any good will be able to explain these regulations clearly and give advice when the regulations have been broken by employee or employer.


This is another area where a good rep can help, If you get a written warning for one "offence" a second for an other doesnt equal dismissal. They have to be for the same "offence" also such warnings are time limited.

I think:) but a rep can explain the system or call on more experienced colleagues. Its not much but it is something.

You should ask Billy Bragg.

He is singing a song that was written by Joe Hill in 1913. Doesnt ring so true nowadays.