Unions

[greatkingrat]

The Union get the same amount either way. If you opt-out, your contribution goes down by the amount of the political fund.

For Example
A pays £11 per month, £10 goes to the union, £1 goes to the political fund
B has opted out and pays £10 per month which all goes to the union.

 

[Flange Squeal]

It should also be noted though that Unions must, by law, have a political fund if they wish to take part in political campaigns and lobby government. Examples of things such money has been spent on include campaigns for the rail freight industry and matters relating to pensions (this latter subject matter could become quite an important one in the not too distant future).

 

[Llama]

Of the reasons to join a union, I wouldn’t regard that as one. That the union ‘might’ arrange a collection of a few thousand pounds doesn’t feel sufficient.

There is a market for this type of insurance - it’s called crtitical illness insurance. For someone starting out on their career (say aged 25), you could get £50k of cover for about a fiver a month; and that would guarantee to pay out.

Most depots have a welfare fund too.
The appeal process is not a reason to join, but I have had several colleagues who have benefited from the union appeals process (and the local welfare).

The average monthly branch meeting sees a few welfare appeals, I'm sure the beneficiaries who can't pay their mortgages are glad when the cheque arrives