1. UNISON Birmingham Branch
Join us now - together we are stronger

2. What is a union and why do workers need one
Unions bring workers together
Collective bargaining happens when workers join together to increase their
negotiating power.
For example, on their own a worker might feel that a new safety measure should be implemented in their workplace, but alone they have limited power to get management to install the new measure.
If the entire workplace is made aware of the need for the new measure and they come together to pressure the company to install it, there is a much greater chance that the company will comply.
UNISON joins workers together, allowing the voices of individual workers to be heard

3. Workers that build strong unions earn more
Higher Wages
One of the top benefits of being a union worker is that in unionised workplaces you enjoy a better wage compared to non-union workplaces.
Economic research shows that unionised workers typically receive higher wages than otherwise comparable non- union workers. This “union wage advantage” is greatest for people who would otherwise be lower-paid workers.
Union workers are also more likely to enjoy consistent pay raises on a regular basis. With a non-union job, the employer can set the wage without any formal bargaining process or input from the employees.

4. Support at work Support
Another key benefit of building a strong union is that an elected union rep
will work with you if you have an issue at work.
Unions are important advocates of human rights and democracy. They provide workplace representation for members, have some influence over workplace rules, and provide protection from arbitrary discipline and dismissal.
Non-union workers have access to a number of rights and standards in theory through individual litigation and complaints under employment legislation, but these are just means to seek redress after employment has been terminated. In short, unions give many workers a collective voice and some workplace power vis-à-vis their employers.

5. Union organisation enables workers to have a voice
Good workplace relations area major positive for everyone
A collective union voice will facilitate joint worker/management discussion of workplace issues which is always a positive thing.
Openness is enormously important: productivity is always a social process and not just a technical one. If individual workers are treated with dignity and respect; if workplace rules are perceived as fair; if workers are able to raise concerns and have them equitably resolved; if workers know that they will share the benefits of workplace change; and if workers have a say in working conditions, training, and health and safety issues, it is proven that things run more smoothly

6. When workers build a strong Union they have safer workplaces
Health and Safety
Unionised workplaces have the highest standard when it comes to health and safety. The workers will be protected and have the correct equipment and resources to do their job.
The HSE recognises that "workplaces where workers are involved in taking decisions about health and safety are safer and healthier workplaces"
Union H&S representatives make a difference because they:
Help reduce injuries at work
Help reduce the levels of work related ill-health
Report injuries and near-misses
help develop a positive safety culture in the organisation.
Work to avoid possible injuries

7. The office for national statistics has this to say about unions in the uk today
There are 6.4 million trade union members in the UK, that’s 25% of all workers.
It’s lower than previous decades, but it is still a huge number and makes Trade Unions Britain’s
biggest social movement.
There are more and more private sector union members. There are 200,000 more since The numbers are still far too low (14% of the private sector is unionised, compared to 54% for the public sector)
Private sector union members earn 8% more than non-members
The average hourly wage for non-unionised workers in the private sector is £ For union members, it’s £ The “union premium” is even bigger for young workers from ages , who earn 39% more than their non-unionised colleagues (that’s £7.84 to £10.18).

8. The ONS also said
The wages of women union members are on average 30% higher than those of
non-unionised women. Women make up the majority of union members
For the 13th year in a row, women are more likely to be trade union members than men.
55% of union members are women.
The highest rates of union membership are among black workers.
40% of UK employees work in a workplace with a union, but only 25% are union members
The figures show that there are a significant number of workers who already work where a union is present.
The benefits for union members are clear, and the government’s attacks on trade unions only show that they still fear the impact of organised workers demanding fair pay, proper rights, and a decent society.

9. Pensions
Workplace safety standards and regulations
The right to strike
Public education for children
Equal Pay Act
40-hour work week
Equalities Act
Weekends without work
All breaks at work, including lunch breaks
Paid holiday
Paid Sick Leave
Social Security
Minimum wage
8-hour working day
Overtime pay
Health & Safety at Work Act
Collective bargaining rights for employees
Unfair dismissal legislation
Age Discrimination Act
Whistleblower protection laws
Sexual harassment laws
Disability Discrimination Act
Holiday pay
Maternity and parental leave
Workers in the past through their unions fought for and won these rights

10. What workers won in the past can be taken away
The government have used the banking crisis and the recession that followed to impose austerity. They have cut the public sector to the bone. They have cut public spending on services used by the majority to fund tax cuts to the richest and to corporations and they have failed to get back any of the money owed to tax payers by the banks that we bailed out. But Austerity is a political choice by the government it is not an economic necessity. In the third richest economy in the world we can afford to make sure that the economy works for everyone, not just the richest.
The government this year attacked the trade unions as they know unions are workers best chance of protecting pay and conditions for the majority. We need to make sure unions grow in strength so that we can protect all of the things won by workers in the past and win new things for the future.

11. Together We Are Stronger
Lets Talk union
To build a strong union it is important that people who work beside you understand why they should be in the union and the best people to persuade them are you, the union members.
UNISON is where workers come together to resolve common issues and common problems. Talking positively to people about your union is a simple but vital contribution to growing union membership. With a strong union membership comes a strong influence over policies and procedures that help improve everyone’s working life.
If every union member contributes a few minutes of their time to talk to a non-member we can become stronger. The stronger and more organised we are the more we can win.
Together We Are Stronger