Frequently asked questions
- Can I access the services of UNITE from day
one?
- Yes. You can access the resources and officials as soon as you
become a member. This includes access to professional
advice and representation at workplace
meetings. Click Here
to find out what other benefits and services the union provides to
its 2 million members.
- If you need legal help you will need 26 weeks continuous
membership to qualify for legal representation as with any other
union - see question 11 for more information.
- Is my membership confidential?
- That is your decision. UNITE doesn't notify the employer that
you are a member.
- As I have the legal right to join the union does this
mean I can't be discriminated against?
- The union has over two million members and trade union
discrimination cases are very few indeed. It is illegal and
has NEVER happened to any Unite members that work in RBI office
throughout the UK.
- Is there any point in being a union member on my
own?
- Each member counts separately. An individual often has a
particular issue that we can assist with. Almost all issues can be
addressed through a grievance submission.
- UNITE can also provide advice and guidance for an individual to
make a less formal approach in the first instance.
- Why does UNITE seek to recruit more members in each
workplace?
- As an individual you can access all the
benefits and services of union membership. With every new member
our voice grown louder and with it the ability to have more of a
say in matters that affect us at work.
-
If enough people join Unite you would have the
right to 'Union Recognition' which is also called 'collective
bargaining'. This gives you specific rights to elect your own
representatives who work with you to sort out day to day
problems. Union Recognition would give RBI employees
legal rights to participate in annual pay and condition
negotiations. 'Union Recognition' also gives you additional legal
rights in matters such as collective redundancy and
company transfers/sale. Reed Elsevier has absolutely no
control of what the new employer may try to do to jobs, terms,
conditions of work and pay/pay rises. By joining Unite and
getting organised you can GUARANTEE that you have a say in these
matters.
- How does the relationship between a member and UNITE
work?
- When it comes to assisting our members we have the advice,
experience and practical help to give them but first and foremost
we have to listen.
- You the member decide the course of action because without your
support we are not representing anybody. All of the decision making
bodies of the union consist of ordinary members who are employed in
industry or services.
- Can the union assist me in trying to get a pay
rise?
- Your contract of employment will refer to a pay review. That is
not the same as a pay rise. You may be reviewed and get nothing or
a really poor increase.
- If you are dissatisfied then joining a union is a way to do
something about it.
- Part of the union's everyday activities is to assist workers
present cases to their employer whether it is collectively on
behalf of the members in the company or on behalf of just one
member.
You can send us your own questions using the submission box
below. If we think they will be of interest to other people we will
post them here on the RBI FAQ page so check back regularly.
