Why should people join a union? 

Can I join any union that I want? 

Is there any point in joining Unite when you are not recognised by Derbyshire Police?

Why should I choose to join Unite? 

How much does it cost to join Unite? 

Is Unite competing with Unison? 

How do I resign from a union? 

Can I leave one union and join another? 

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Q       Why Join a union?

Unions are all about supporting their members at work.  Those involved in the union movement believe that all aspects of working life should be the subject of discussion and agreement between employers and employees who are organised together under the protection of a trade union. Trained representatives of the union lead this initiative and provide help and assistance to members.  People generally join a union in order to get access to one or a combination of the following benefits:

 

An independent voice to negotiate with your employer

 

It is a proven fact that on average, workers in companies with a recognised union earn 10 per cent more than a comparable non-unionised workplace. Having a strong voice in your workplace is important to ensure that you can make a difference.

 

As an Unite member, you will always be consulted and your views are always valued, particularly during negotiations with employers. Unite negotiators are always trained in getting the best deal on your behalf.

 

Independent industrial relations and specialist employment law advice, support and representation

 

Who would you turn to if you had to go through a disciplinary procedure at work or if you had to bring a grievance against your employer? If you were being bullied, harassed or discriminated against at work, what would you do? 

 

Unite members turn to their workplace representatives. Unite trains workplace representatives to advise, support and represent members on a wide range of workplace problems. These reps are supported by our union officers who are, in turn, supported by our extensive research and legal departments.

 

As a member, if you face problems at work Unite will advise, support and legally represent you, if necessary all the way to an industrial tribunal. Of course if we win the case members would keep 100 per cent of the pay out. Unite members never have to face problems alone. If you have a legal case resulting from a workplace accident or any other work related legal case, Unite and its solicitors will deal with it at no cost to you. This includes: unfair dismissals; redundancies; industrial diseases; pay cuts; pension disputes; sex, race and disability discrimination; harassment and bullying and equal pay.

 

Health and Safety

 

Do you feel that your employer is looking after your health and safety at work? Are you being exposed to risks that you don't think you should be? If you had an accident at work whom would you turn to for objective, accurate legal advice and support?

 

It is a proven fact that there are up to 50 per cent fewer accidents in unionised workplaces.

 

Union health and safety reps have legal rights to raise your concerns and to take action to prevent accidents from happening. Unite has a wide reaching network of health and safety reps and a sound track- record in training and supporting them.

 

In short, unions are experts in helping people resolve problems at work. They add value to the organisations that employ their members by ensuring fair, safe and discrimination free employment practices, which in turn promote loyalty, flexibility and productivity. They are expert campaigners for industrial and social change - a positive force in the economy harnessing the strength and energy of millions of members.

 

FAQ 2

Q       Can I join any union that I want?

Yes. You have the legal right to join any union of your choice and for that union to represent you in grievanceand disciplinary hearings, whether or not the employer 'recognises' that trade union. Unite have extended rights given by Derbyshire Constabulary to also cover change management issues. 

FAQ 3

Q       Is there any point in joining Unite when you are not recognised by Derbyshire Police?

YES! The benefits of union membership are, of course, maximised when you are part of a highly unionised and well-organised workplace. However, this does not mean that you shouldn't join if you were in the minority as:

 

Firstly, there are benefits which you can enjoy even as even a single member in a workplace where we aren't recognised by the employer. You still have access to the support structure of the union (ie its officers, research and legal teams) to help and support you with any work related issues you might have. Current legislation allows for you to be accompanied in grievance and disciplinary hearings by a union official irrespective of whether your employer recognises us for negotiating purposes ( also extended to cover change management issues). Should you not wish an officer to attend, you will still have access to the information and support you need. Similarly, should you have a serious issue which requires legal assistance, that is still available irrespective of the size of membership in your workplace.

 

Secondly, even in today's best organised unionised workplaces, somebody was amongst the first to join. If there are issues affecting the rest of the workforce and if some of your other colleagues want to join us then we can come along and meet you. We can discuss the possibility of organising at your workplace and eventually, depending on the strength of feeling and union support, look at attempting to get recognition with your employer to negotiate on the workforce's behalf.

 

Finally, there are a range of fringe benefits to membership to which you would still be entitled.

 

Union membership is best utilised if everyone joins but, as mentioned, you would still benefit individually and, who knows, maybe you're the first in a future of union organisation at your workplace.

 

FAQ 4 

Q       Why should I choose to join unite?

Unite is a new union establishing new traditions and structures relevant to the needs of our members. We are committed to serving the best interests of our members and to seeking improvements in their standard of living and quality of lives through effective relationships with employers and government.

 

Unite is Britain's largest trade union across the private and public sectors and the largest private sector union. We have over one million members ranging right across the board from the shop floor to senior managers.

 

Our members expect recognition for the contribution that they make to their employer's success. They expect to be respected and they expect their views to be listened to. This is Unite's priority - working to ensure that our members get the recognition and respect they deserve.

 

Unite is already protecting your national terms and conditions of employment due to our seat on the Police Staff Council..

 

Being such a large trade union with sound financial status we have the resources at our disposal to allow us to provide our members with first class, professional industrial relations advice and support.

 

FAQ 5 

Q       How much does it cost to join unite?

Membership rates are £10.96 per month for full-time staff and £4.98 for part-time staff. Additional cover is available if required. Our rates are fixed so all full time staff will pay only £10.96 per month and part-time staff £4.98. Please see our 'join us' section for further details.

Q       What is the Police Staff Council and what part do Unite play in it?

The Police Staff Council (PSC) negotiates national agreements on pay and conditions of service for 75'000 Police Staff and PCSO's in England and Wales. The PSC consists of 14 members; seven known as the Employers' Side and seven as the Trade Union Side. Unite are represented on the Trade Union side with colleagues from Unison and GMB. Unite is already involved in negotiating your national terms and conditions of employment and is a nationally recognised police staff union.

Q       In Unite competing with Unison?

No, Unite is not in competition with Unison and we are happy to work alongside them locally as we do nationally on the Police Staff Council. We have no problem whatsoever with Unison continuing to recruit and represent their members. Our concern is that the majority of Derbyshire Police Staff are not in Unison and are without the protection that union membership brings.

 

We believe that staff should be able to choose which union they join and that unions should be able to recruit on an equal footing with equal access to communication methods. This is what real choice is all about.

 

We are a presence that cannot be ignored and we will conduct our business in a reasonable but very competent manner. We have a record of dealing with our members issues in a progressive but determined way.

 

Other unions may express opinions on Unite recruiting locally but it is no good simply expecting staff to join a union simply because there is no other choice of union to join. Staff need to be confident in their choice and be able to make that choice. We encourage all Police Staff to make a choice and join a trade union whether it be Unite, Unison, Gmb or any other union that staff are entitled to join.

 

We would rather see all Derbyshire Police Staff in several different unions all working together than a minority of staff being in one, as is the case now.

 

Q       How do I resign from a union?

It's normally a case of emailing or writing to your branch secretary or membership secretary informing them that you wish to resign. You do not need to give any reason. Your subscriptions should cease as soon as practicable. Any benefits will stop once you resign.

Q       Can I leave one union and join another?

Yes. You can resign from one union to join another if you wish. Unions will not normally give assistance for work problems that occurred before you joined. When joining a union you have to declare if you have been a member of another union.

 

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