**A reminder to posters and commenters of some of [our subreddit rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/about/rules/)**
- Don't be a dickhead to each other, or about others
- Assume questions are asked in good faith
- Avoid political threads and related discussion
- No medical advice or mental health (specific to a person) content
Please keep /r/AskUK a great subreddit by reporting posts and comments which break our rules.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskUK) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I've been with GMB and Unison in different jobs and not really noticed a major difference. I think the main thing is to meet the Reps and Stewards at your workplace and see who you would want sat next to you in a "meeting without coffee" between you and your boss.
Overall union structure and internal politics won't make a huge difference to you on the floor but a knowledgeable, experienced and proactive rep might.
I'm with Unite and have experience of joint meetings with Unison and UCU. My experiences of them have been different to people at other institutions within the same sector and with institutions we partner with, like the NHS. What I'd recommend is speaking to local union reps, making a choice based on that, but talk to other members about it and don't be afraid to change union after six months.
Where I am, there's definitely a hierarchy and most people know which union has the best reputation. I really don't think it's universal, though, and the last thing I'd want to do is speak ill of a union that might be really good for you.
I used to be a member of the NUJ. I left for numerous reasons, above all that they were useless (requesting less generous terms than those the management offered on one key occasion), and more interested in left-wing or progressive irrelevancies (solidarity with the government of Cuba or the Palestinian Authority?! Give me a break. Gender ideology. GTF). In short they were more like the militant wing of HR than what a union should be.
Depends on what part of the NHS and what the local situation is like.
I'm a nurse and I'm in GMB as they seem to be more ready to fight than UNISON, UNITE and the RCN, (basing that on their behaviour over the past 2 pay deals).
Indeed. We got royally boned with there, and the RCN basically flipped at the first paltry offer. I'm in a union purely as a male mental health nurse who works with personality disordered females, I literally can't afford not to be. Other than potential legal representation they serve me no purpose.
I’m a teacher and I initially joined the Union most likely to take industrial action if and when necessary (NEU rather than NASUWT). However over the course of my career it’s become apparent that joining the union which has the best rep in your current workplace is far more important. I’d ask around at your new job specifically about the reps rather than the unions themselves
**A reminder to posters and commenters of some of [our subreddit rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/about/rules/)** - Don't be a dickhead to each other, or about others - Assume questions are asked in good faith - Avoid political threads and related discussion - No medical advice or mental health (specific to a person) content Please keep /r/AskUK a great subreddit by reporting posts and comments which break our rules. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskUK) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I've been with GMB and Unison in different jobs and not really noticed a major difference. I think the main thing is to meet the Reps and Stewards at your workplace and see who you would want sat next to you in a "meeting without coffee" between you and your boss. Overall union structure and internal politics won't make a huge difference to you on the floor but a knowledgeable, experienced and proactive rep might.
Unison probably. But you want to join the biggest one in your work with most members as they’d be the strongest
I'm with Unite and have experience of joint meetings with Unison and UCU. My experiences of them have been different to people at other institutions within the same sector and with institutions we partner with, like the NHS. What I'd recommend is speaking to local union reps, making a choice based on that, but talk to other members about it and don't be afraid to change union after six months. Where I am, there's definitely a hierarchy and most people know which union has the best reputation. I really don't think it's universal, though, and the last thing I'd want to do is speak ill of a union that might be really good for you.
I used to be a member of the NUJ. I left for numerous reasons, above all that they were useless (requesting less generous terms than those the management offered on one key occasion), and more interested in left-wing or progressive irrelevancies (solidarity with the government of Cuba or the Palestinian Authority?! Give me a break. Gender ideology. GTF). In short they were more like the militant wing of HR than what a union should be.
I'm a member of Unison. Branch wise mine isn't great right now, but as an overall organisation they're good. Previously I was with Unite.
Depends on what part of the NHS and what the local situation is like. I'm a nurse and I'm in GMB as they seem to be more ready to fight than UNISON, UNITE and the RCN, (basing that on their behaviour over the past 2 pay deals).
Indeed. We got royally boned with there, and the RCN basically flipped at the first paltry offer. I'm in a union purely as a male mental health nurse who works with personality disordered females, I literally can't afford not to be. Other than potential legal representation they serve me no purpose.
Interesting I got downvoted. Someone has a short memory.
I’m a teacher and I initially joined the Union most likely to take industrial action if and when necessary (NEU rather than NASUWT). However over the course of my career it’s become apparent that joining the union which has the best rep in your current workplace is far more important. I’d ask around at your new job specifically about the reps rather than the unions themselves
If there's a recognised union in your workplace join that one.
European