Skip to content Accesskeys Newsroom

Trade unions

Introduction to trade unions

What is a trade union, what they do and why you might choose to join a one
More...

Your right to join (or not to join) a trade union

Find out what your rights are to belong to, or not to belong to, a trade union
More...

Time off for trade union duties and activities

Find out about the rights that employees have to take time off for certain trade union duties and activities
More...

Trade union subscriptions

Find out about what trade union subscriptions are used for and how to pay them.
More...

Discipline by your Trade Union

Find out about penalties trade unions can impose on members and what behaviours they cannot discipline you for.
More...

Trade union elections

Trade unions must by law hold elections for certain senior positions. Many trade unions also hold elections for other positions. Find out how elections are held, what your trade union’s responsibilities are and which positions must be filled by election.
More...

Trade union political funds

Trade unions may have an interest in government policies or other issues of the day. It is not unusual for trade unions to campaign in favour of particular public policies (called 'lobbying').
More...

Voting in trade union elections

All trade unions involve their members in running trade union affairs, often by selecting individuals who take official positions within the trade union.
More...

Taking part in industrial action

Find out about your employment rights if you are thinking about taking part in industrial action. For example, if you are dismissed for taking part in industrial action, you may be able to claim unfair dismissal.
More...

Industrial action

When you can take industrial action, what do you have to do, and what protection is there if you take industrial action
More...

Picketing and picket lines

What is picketing, when and where is picketing legal and what to do if you want to cross a picket line
More...

Information and consultation of employees

Your right to be informed and consulted at work, including good practice for employers and how you should be consulted about redundancies and changes of business ownership
More...