Trade Union Membership
A trade union is an organisation with members who are usually workers or employees.
Trade unions exist to get the best deal possible for their members. This means being on your side if there is a problem, and always fighting for better when it comes to:
- Pay, terms and conditions
- A decent work life where workers are safe and treated with dignity
- Better work/life balance
- Fairness – making sure working people have their rights at work and are treated fairly and legally when there’s a problem.
Unions will usually charge a membership fee (‘membership sub’). This can be the same amount for all employees or based on how much you’re paid. Your trade union will tell you how you can pay your subscription when you join.
Unions may offer support like:
- Advice, information and support navigating issues at work, from a trade union representative and/or a legal team.
- Discounts for certain goods and services
- Opportunities to meet other like-minded workers, and discuss how working conditions could be improved across your sector
- Training and development opportunities.
Next steps
If you are a member of the PA Network Scotland, you can access discounted Unite the Union membership. You can find out more about becoming a member of the PA Network Scotland on their website linked below.
You can also find other trade unions on the Trades Union Congress website linked below.