Non-members often raise objections and reasons for not joining the Union. More often than not, these reasons are based on misconceptions about us. By understanding these misconceptions we are better able to present a positive image of the Union in the workplace.

Here are a few objections and reasons we hear most often;

What can the Union do for me?

What would you like the Union to do for you? We currently negotiate with the University on pay and conditions; we represent members at grievance and disciplinary hearings, (with a professional Union Official when necessary) and provide free legal cover and assistance. We ensure fair and equitable treatment of our members in the workplace and to make sure you work in a healthy and safe environment. 

What could an individual do for themselves if, for instance, they faced a disciplinary hearing where they thought they might be sacked?

I can represent myself, or ask a colleague.

Sometimes you can be too close to a problem to handle it properly by yourself. Membership entitles you to call upon the services of a Workplace Representative who is trained in all aspects of Employment Law to represent people and who also has access to a wide range of information, advice and support from the Union that you or a colleague as an individual would not have.

It is far better to have someone alongside you who knows what they are talking about!

I can get a “No win, no fee” solicitor to represent me.

No win, no fee simply means that the winner pays. We’ve all seen the TV adverts, but what about the small print?

Citizen’s Advice says;
“The complex financial and legal processes involved are often misunderstood by consumers, and consumers’ needs can be misunderstood by the service providers. There is widespread mis-selling of legal and insurance products, and consumers are often induced into signing conditional fee agreements (CFAs) inappropriately. CAB evidence is that the advent of conditional fees (‘no win, no fee’) has contributed to a system which involves relatively high legal costs and delays”. (James Sandbach, Dec 2004)

It is estimated that on average, anything up to 60% of winnings in successful claims are paid back to solicitors to cover their costs. In some cases, solicitors take ALL the winnings, leaving the individual with nothing. There are also hidden costs, such as the insurance premium you are expected to pay should your case fail.

Last year, Unite won over £125 million in compensation for members who had been injured or become ill as a result of work, or who had been discriminated against, or unfairly dismissed.

But I already get everything a member gets!

NO YOU DON’T!
There are some things that only Unite members can get. Access to free legal advice that covers the whole family; preferential rates and discounts for home and car insurance; a free will writing service; free employment advice, information and representation, and a wide range of other financial benefits!

But I get the same pay rise and terms & conditions as members…

This may be true, but how much better do you think it could it be if we represented a 100% of the workforce? Which is stronger – negotiating for 20% of the workforce, or 100%?

As a non-member you have no influence over how the Union conducts negotiations. Wouldn’t you rather have your voice heard?

Unions are for older people -I’m too young to worry about joining a union.

Experience tells us that young workers are more likely than anyone to have problems at work. If, for example, you have a disciplinary problem and you don’t get it sorted out it could haunt you well into your working life.
In 2007 a survey of 1,000 young workers aged 18-34 by ICM Research, suggests that the world of work is failing younger workers, who are in danger of becoming ‘Generation Anxiety’ as work-related worries and insecurity spread stress throughout their lives.  Here are some of the results;
•    More than half of young workers polled (51%) say employers can exploit younger workers;
•    34% say they are paid poorly for the job they do;
•    1 in 4 younger workers have experienced bullying at work;
•    85% see work as a positive thing but 53% of 18-24 year olds fear that they cannot support a family with their job;
•    Significant numbers of young workers are stretching their wages to meet costs of everyday living: 54% have credit card bills, 86% have mortgage or rent repayments, 1 in 5 have childcare to pay and 15% are repaying a student loan. 50% of 18-24 year olds are working to pay for education;
•    Young workers do much better if they are a member of a union, with 80% receiving a company pension, compared to just 45% of non-members, and 91% of union members receiving sick pay, compared to 71% of non-members.

Why bother joining at my age? I’m too old!

Older workers are one group who definitely need the Union. Age discrimination is a big problem, and if you are on the receiving end you will want Unite to sort it out for you! If you are due to retire it’s vital to get it right as far as pensions, holiday pay, etc. are concerned.

Read more about Unite and public sector pensions here;
http://unitetheunion.org/news__events/archived_news_releases/2010_archived_press_releases/public_sector_pensions_-_unite.aspx

I won’t join the Union because I don’t want to go on strike.

When was the last time Unite took strike action here? That’s not what the Union is for. When a strike takes place it is not entered into lightly; every option is explored thoroughly before this course of action is taken.

You have to give your consent in an independently administered ballot to take strike action; you cannot be forced into it.

I can’t afford the membership fees.

Can you really afford not to be a member? What would happen in the event of an accident or if you had a problem at work? What are you comparing the cost against? £2.53 a week (for full-time employees) is a small price to pay as a premium, and the benefits available to members far outweighs that cost.

You insure your house, your car, and your life. Why not insure yourself at work?

If you had a machine at home that printed money, you would most likely insure that, too. You are that machine!

If you want to know more about membership, benefits or anything mentioned above you can either;
Contact a local rep
Go online to the main Unite National website
Download an application form