Workplace Organisers Toolkit 2012.pdf - GMB

SECTION 2.8I can’t afford to join.Are you sure you can afford not to join,given the protection and benefits that GMB membershipprovides? Explain GMB subscriptions and what they provide and that GMB members at GMB’s annualCongress democratically determine them.Explain that GMB subs fund our campaigning,legal andorganising work and that all GMB organised workplaces can use these resources to help theircampaigns.Point out that most people insure their house and their car and so should also make surethey insure their job.We get on OK with management here,so we don’t need a union.Don’t disagree,but point out that management is made up of individuals who can be moved or leaveand get replaced by less sympathetic persons.Today companies often get taken over by largerorganisations,which have different approaches and attitudes to staff.There is no perfect workplacewhere problems never arise and where no one ever feels unfairly treated.Often companies set up inhouseassociations but they are rarely fully consulted or informed and do not have the independentvoice that a union offers.Also,TUC surveys show that employers who recognise trade unions havebetter pay and conditions than those who don’t.I can look after myself,so why should I join GMB?Many non-union members say they could represent themselves at work.But think about it.If you are onyour own,can you really:• Face management and risk being victimised later.• Get the support of your colleagues.• Understand disciplinary procedures and codes of practice.• Pay to take your employer to court if you have an accident or are unfairly treated?If you join GMB you will have the backing of a strong,experienced organisation to advise,assist andmeet the legal costs.GMB will not guarantee to help you with problems that arose before you joined.I only work part-time,so what’s the benefit for me?GMB has a substantial and growing part-time membership.We represent over 150,000 part-timeworkers.They are entitled to a full range of GMB benefits.This is just some of the things we have done at GMB for our part-time members:• Campaigned and won on equal treatment,pay and pension rights.• Provided advice and legal cover.• Fought for term time only workers’rights in schools.For people with more than one job,GMB membership will cover each job they do.For people with onlyone job,lower union subscriptions may apply.Unions are for men,what can they do for women?Women play an important role in GMB.Almost half of GMB members are women and women formed twothirds of new members joining in 2006.Nearly 40 per cent of the members of GMB’s Central ExecutiveCouncil are women and over 25 per cent of GMB’s Regional Officials are women.We also have EqualRights Committees in each of our nine Regions.GMB has been at the forefront of the fight for equalityin the workplace for many years and has won a number of equal pay cases.