FACT: The average trade union member in the UK gets 29 days annual leave, compared with 23 days for non-union members. They also earn on average up to 8% more in a unionised workplace.

FACT: If you belong to a union, you are more likely to be treated with dignity and respect by your employer. Workplaces with union recognition are also 20% more likely to have an equal opportunities policy.

You're better off in a union. UNISON is Britain's largest trade union, representing over 1.3 million members working in public services.

Ten Good reasons to Join UNISON

1. Year on year, UNISON wins pay rises for its members
Average earnings are around 8 per cent higher in unionised workplaces.

2. You’re more likely to get equal pay
UNISON is campaigning to bring women’s pay into line with men’s. Workplaces with union recognition are 20 per cent more likely to have an equal opportunities policy.

3. You get more holiday
UNISON has won increased leave for many of its members wherever they work.

4. You get more and better training
UNISON provides courses to help you learn new skills, improve existing ones and develop your career.

Since 1 994 UNISON has won agreements with employers to pay for courses and provide time off for employees to attend them.

5. You get more maternity leave or parental leave
If you belong to UNISON, your employer is more likely to have parental leave policies which are more generous than the statutory minimum.

6. You’re less likely to be injured at work
UNISON health and safety stewards are trained to minimise the risk of workplace injuries and ensure that employers meet their legal obligations.

7. If you do get injured at work, you’ll get better compensation
UNISON wins millions in legal compensation for people who are injured or become ill at work. Trade unions won £321 million for people who were injured or became ill at work in 2000.

8. You’re less likely to be discriminated against
UNISON campaigns for tougher laws to make it illegal to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, disability or sexual orientation.

Black and Asian trade unionists earn 32 per cent more than non-unionised colleagues.

9. You can help keep our public services public
UNISON campaigns against all forms of privatisation, including PFI and Foundation Hospitals.

Where our members have been transferred to the private sector we have won them pay and employment protections.

10. You’re less likely to be sacked
Trade union members are only half as likely to be sacked as non members.
 

As an extra bonus of membership UNISON offers a range of benefits and services.

These include:

For up-to-date pages of benefits, follow this link to open a window on the national UNISON website

http://www.unison.org.uk/benefits

For further membership details or help with the application form
contact a member of the Slough Borough Council branch exec
or call UNISONdirect on 0845 355 0845

Last Updated on 20/05/2003
By Andrew Gosling
Email: [email protected]

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