Why you should join a union

People at work need trade unions as much today as they ever have. Every day unions help thousands of people at work. Be it advice from a shop steward to a member short-changed in their pay packet or a union official seeking free legal advice for a member subjected to race discrimination at work, at all levels unions are there to provide advice, support and representation.

Last year unions won a record £330 million compensation for their members through legal action. They won £1 million in equal pay claims - an average of £15,000 per member.

And unions are crucial in defending workers' jobs, pay and conditions. For while there have been many gains for British working people, there are also many threats to their jobs and working conditions that demand a strong presence and response from unions.

Pension schemes closing, manufacturing and service sectors jobs going overseas. Only collective action by trade unions can help to stop such injustices.

Unionised workplaces are safer, and their employees better paid and more likely to benefit from training and development programmes.

Unions take on the bad employers, and work with the good to make them better.

Use the links on the left to find out more, or visit the TUC's Worksmart website for more information.