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A trade union is a group of employees who join together to maintain or improve the terms and conditions of their employment contract. In the UK, common union members include teachers, nurses, engineers, apprentices, cleaners, and catering staff.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What do trade unions do?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Trade unions provide assistance and services for their members whenever required. They will train representatives to help union members through workplace conflicts, like collective redundancies or industrial action.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Are trade unions legal?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Yes, trade unions are legal. Trade unions have special status under UK law which gives them distinct statutory rights that corporations don’t have.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What do trade union representatives do?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Trade union representatives (or reps) will:

· Negotiate agreements with employers on pay and work conditions.

· Discuss major workplace changes, like redundancies.

· Accompany members in disciplinary and grievance meetings.

· Help members with legal and financial matters.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What rights do employees in trade unions have?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Employers cannot discriminate against employees because they’re in the union or because of their union activity. In rare cases, it’s also illegal to compile, sell, or supply a ‘block list’ of union members that’s used to discriminate against them.

Trade union representatives are allowed reasonable time off work with or without pay. (It’s important to note that reasonable time off doesn’t have to be used as annual leave).

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Do employers have to recognise trade unions?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

No, employers are not legally obliged to recognise trade unions. However, they may be forced to do so under statutory recognition processes. A trade union can only get recognition in two ways: from the employer voluntarily or the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC).

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