"I DON'T NEED TO JOIN A UNION, WHAT HAVE UNIONS EVER DONE FOR US?"
Union membership is a formal relationship where a worker becomes part of a recognised collective that negotiates with employers, represents members in disputes, and campaigns for better workplace standards.
It is built on solidarity: workers acting together have more influence than any one person acting alone.
The value as a collective
The collective value comes from the fact that unions negotiate and act on behalf of all members, not just individuals.
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Stronger bargaining power Collective bargaining is the central function of unions.
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By negotiating as a group, workers secure better wages, hours, benefits and working conditions than they could individually.
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Higher pay and better conditions Research consistently shows unionised workplaces deliver better outcomes.
For example, union workers earn on average 11.2% more than comparable non‑union workers.
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Democratic voice in the workplace Unions give workers structured representation, ensuring their concerns influence workplace policies and employer decisions. This democratic voice is part of the “added value” identified in TUC‑supported research.
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Stability and fairness Unionised workplaces often show more stable employment, clearer procedures, and fairer treatment, contributing to better long‑term workforce relationships.
The value to the individual
Membership also brings direct, personal benefits.
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Representation and protection If a member faces unfair treatment, dismissal, or a grievance, the union provides representation, advice, and legal support.
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This ensures the individual is not alone when challenging employer decisions.
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Better job security Union-negotiated agreements often include stronger protections against arbitrary dismissal, unfair discipline, or unsafe working conditions.
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Improved pay and benefits Individuals benefit directly from collectively negotiated pay rises, pensions, holiday entitlements, and safer working environments.
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A voice that matters Membership gives individuals a say in union decisions, elections, and campaigns, ensuring their views shape both workplace and wider union policy.
Union membership gives workers collective strength to improve pay, fairness and conditions, while giving each individual protection, representation and a real voice at work.
CONDITIONS OF ELIGIBILITY FOR UNITE LEGAL SERVICES
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Members are entitled to legal assistance in accordance with Rule 4.6 of the UNITE Rule Book in force at the time.
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Eligibility for legal services in respect of personal injury claims is immediate upon joining the union; for all other legal services,
4 weeks' full paying membership is required.
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UNITE Legal Assistance is granted at the sole discretion of the Executive Council of the union and can be withdrawn or varied at any time.
FOR MEMBERS
Members can receive all the latest news, campaigns and events direct from UNITE.
Locate and contact information for your local office and update your membership details.
Information about your union will be accessible right at your fingertips, wherever you go!
NON-MEMBERS JOIN TODAY
You can join UNITE for as little as 55p per week thanks to low rates for part-time workers, ensuring UNITE can be on your side, by your side.
It takes just over a minute to join via the app start by downloading it from your app store and join today!
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
UNITE's benefit package for our members is second to none across the whole trade union movement.
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Unite legal services
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Legal helpline
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Dispute or lock out benefit up to £70 per day
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Funeral benefit up to £1,000
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Fatal accident benefits up to £50,000
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Sickness benefits up to £25 per week for up to 51 weeks
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Maternity and adoption benefit £10 per week for up to 39 weeks
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Paternity benefit £15 per week for up to 2 weeks
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Permanent disability benefit due to an accident up to £25,000
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Loss of limb/eye/digit benefit due to an accident up to £10,000
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Convalescence up to 2 weeks stay at The View Hotel Eastbourne
Policy documents explaining our benefits and benefit application forms are available here.
ADDITIONAL MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
For all professional drivers an accident, illness or injury can mean the permanent loss of their driving licence and no licence means no job.
Driver Care provides specially tailored cover should your driving licence be permanently revoked due to injury, disability, illness poor eye-sight or assault.
Personal Accident and Assault Cover is also included.
Driver Care is only £1.10 extra per week.
Over £50 million paid out in benefits to Unite Driver Care members since the launch of the scheme.
For more information and an application form please click on the image opposite
FULL TIME EDUCATION, COMMUNITY AND RETIRED MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
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Unite legal services
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Legal helpline
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Dispute or lock out benefit up to £70 per day