WHAT ARE MY LEGAL RIGHTS TO TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP?
Most workers have the legal right to join a trade union, whether you work part time or full time, in a small or large workplace, on a temporary or permanent contract, on a scheme or as an apprentice, or as a homeworker. Membership fees are usually lower for part-time workers and trainees. Your employer must not dismiss or victimise you because you belong to a union, regardless of how long you have worked there or the number of hours you work. ‘Victimisation’ includes any action against an employee, short of dismissal, which is designed to prevent or deter union activity. Unions have a right to information they need for collective bargaining purposes. Union representatives (or ‘shop stewards’) have legal rights and protection to enable them to carry out their union duties. PERS produces a leaflet which gives more information about trade unions. Click here to view a copy.
