Just wondered if anyone else was in a union as I'm thinking of joining one. Would be interested to know also if I have to disclose my union to my employer or vice versa.

My son had problems at work a while ago and joined the union. Allthough they could not help with existing problems they were happy to adviseand would intervine if he wished with any future issues. He did not have to inform the company he worked for. I am also in a union and have found them very supportive.

Definitely think there are a lot of benefits to being in a Union, I was in one at my last place of work & am glad I was. Although my new place of work doesn't have one (there's only 7 employees) I have kept my membership because I know I could still use them for advice in the future. THer can often be other benefits such as free legal cover for you & your family, free will writing services etc, depending on which one you join.

I actually used to be a union rep at my last job so if you wanted to chat about it any more or have any questions feel free to PM me and I'll see what I can do to help.

Some people will tell you Unions are long since dead with no power but it's not about downing tools & striking so much any more more about ensuring all employess are treated fairly & equally.

It may be that things have changed but as a former member of the NUM and NAHLM I would not join a union again. My experience, albeit a long time ago is that union bosses were corrupt, self serving bullies or with extreme crackpot political ambitions.

My evidence?
1.When the NUM officials set fire to the NUM office at Manvers pit in 1984 so that the records of hardship payments would be destroyed, in other words they were covering thier fiddles.
2. When NAHLM got the transport and General Workers thrown out of the TUC because of thier immoral illegal treatment of NAHLM members, TUC altered the vote to keep TGW in.

Dont get me started on Scargill.

As I stated above things may have changed but be careful were you pay your money and make sure you get you monies worth.

I am a member of a union which offers a reduced rate of car insurance to members and throws in free work use for my job. The money I save is a lot more than the union dues cost me.