Why do unions belong to the TUC?
Trade unions join (described as affiliating to) the TUC because they know that they can be stronger and more effective if they work together with other unions to protect the rights of working people. One small union has little chance of achieving things alone – by adding its voice to the voices of 71 other unions it has far more chance of success. Unions benefit from the TUC’s central resources and expertise in lots of different ways: • They work with affiliated unions to draw up common policies on matters affecting people at work. These policies are then promoted by the TUC to Government, employers and the European Union. • They represent their affiliates on many public bodies, including the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC). • They carry out research on jobs, trade union membership and other issues affecting people at work. They provide se
