Joining a trade union

Q: Is it possible to leave one trade union and join another? If yes what is the process????

 

A: Section 71 of the Industrial Relations Act 1972, as amended:

Every worker as between himself, his employer and co-workers shall have the following rights, that is to say:

(a) the right to be a member of any trade union or any number of trade unions of his choice;

(b) the right not to be a member of any trade union or other organisation of workers or to refuse to be a member of any particular trade union or other organisation of workers;

All you need it do is stop paying your dues and find out what you need to do to join the other(s).

And if you’re out union shopping, remember to apply the same criteria as when selecting a lawyer (see post on good and bad lawyers).