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WHY IS IT BETTER TO BELONG TO A TRADE UNION?
A Safer Workplace
Non trade union members are twice as likely to have an accident at work compared to members in workplaces where trade unions are present. Injury rates are higher in workplaces where management deal with health and safety issues without consulting workers’ representatives such as trade union safety reps.
Job Security
Non trade union members are twice as likely to be sacked as members.
Better Pay
Workers who belong to a trade union are paid about 8% more than non union workers in comparable jobs.
Brighter Prospects
Workers in unionised workplaces are more likely to receive job related training than their counterparts in non-union workplaces. The GMB has thousands of Learning Representatives who can unlock the door to education for you - whether it’s training to get more pay, a better job or just learning something that is of personal interest to you.
Better and Safer Pensions
Trade unions have won better occupational pensions for part-time workers and we have forced the Government to set up a pension protection fund which means if your pension scheme goes bust you are fully protected.
Family Friendly Issues
Women in unionised workplaces are better off in terms of career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and support for family responsibilities than women in non-union workplaces. GMB members can take advantage of the major roll out of family friendly polices, including childcare schemes such as Sure Start and the Extended Childcare Scheme for Lone Parents, and maternity and paternity rights.
More Say at Work
People working in unionised workplaces are twice as likely to have a say through consultative committees as people in non union workplaces. Regular meetings with management are more likely where unions are present and the GMB will be working hard to ensure that employers comply with new laws on information and consultation which mean you get a say in your workplace.
Legal Compensation
The GMB won over £60 million compensation for its members in 2008 in personal injury and criminal compensation board cases.
A Strong Political Voice
The GMB, working with other unions, has won 56 new commitments out of the Labour Government, including the right to four weeks paid holiday each year, excluding bank holidays, greater pension protection, the extension of protection pay and conditions in public services, and a procurement policy that will safeguard jobs and skills in manufacturing.
Collective Strength
On our own we can feel weak and that any change is impossible. As part of the GMB you are part of a strong, campaigning union committed to winning for our members. Together we have the strength to make our lives better - together we cannot be left isolated.
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