Can I Join a Trade Union?

One of the most common questions we are asked when someone contacts Community is, “can I join a trade union?”. It’s a common misunderstanding or workplace myth that you can’t join a trade union, especially if many of your colleagues aren’t trade union members. 

 The truth, however, is that anyone has a legal right to join a trade union. That’s a fact. It’s actually against the law for an employer to put you at a disadvantage if you join a trade union. 

 Your employer is not permitted to: 

• Treat you differently or unfairly because you’re a trade union member
• Sack you if you’re a union member
• Pick you for redundancy because you‘re a union member or as a result of your union activities.
• Offer you incentives to leave your trade union.
• Refuse to offer you employment because you’re a trade union member
• Refuse your training or workplace learning because you’re a trade union member

 It’s also your right to choose which union you belong to. There may be other unions your colleagues are members of. That’s their right. It’s also your right to choose which union you want to belong to, even if your employer only negotiates with a different union.

 You can also belong to more than one union if you feel that you would be better protected by doing so. 

Are There Any Restrictions? 

There are specialist unions, and these are restricted to specific professions and jobs. Community welcomes members from a wide range of professions while still offering specialist advice, advocacy and support in specific sectors. 

 Here are just some of the sectors where people have chosen to join us:

• Education and early years
• Finance
• Health and social care
• Justice
• Light industries
• Logistics
• Media
• Metals
• Retail
• Self-employed
• Retail and services

 If you can’t see your profession listed above, it doesn’t mean you can’t join a trade union, and it doesn’t mean you can’t join Community. 

Simple Steps

It’s not hard to join a trade union. If you’re interested in joining Community, it’s effortless:

Contact our Service Centre on 0800 389 6332 

or

Send an email to help@community-tu.org. 

or

Write to us: Suite 7/8, 2nd Floor, Elgar House, Green Street, Kidderminster, DY10 1JF

 or 

 If you have a Community rep at your workplace, ask them for a membership form to sign up.

Strength in Numbers

The TUC reports more than 6 million people in the UK are members of a trade union. So whether, or particular, you’re a social worker, work in a prison, a school or in a factory, it’s your right to be protected at work and have support from experienced advisors.

Tens of thousands of people working in a range of professions are part of the Community family. Join us for protection and support in your workplace. 

Your Community union membership not only gives you advice and support but: 

• Learning opportunities
• Legal services
• Family and financial support
• Discounts and savings on shopping, bills, holidays and more

 Remember, even if no one else is a trade union member at your workplace, you can still join Community.

It’s Not Expensive

Anyone who has asked themselves or a workplace colleague, “can I join a trade union?” may also think that it’s too expensive. But, whatever your income or situation is, we aim to make it as affordable as possible for you to be part of Community. 

Whether you’re working, a student, retired or unemployed, you can still be a member. Our fees are between £2.92 to £19.98 per month, and you can pay by direct debit or through your pay, whichever suits you. But, of course, you can also cancel your Community membership at any time. 

Join Community today. There’s never been a better time to be a trade union member.