Why Join a Union?
Unions are organisations of workers set up to protect
living standards and improve working conditions. As
individuals we have little power to negotiate with our
employer or to make our voice heard. In a union we are
stronger because we can act together. The more members we
have the greater our strength.
Unions have also been amongst the most fervent defenders
of public services, particularly the National Health
Service. Union members are after all service users as well
as service providers.
The National Health Service Executive recognise
particular unions to participate in negotiations at a
national level. All employees benefit from the activity of
unions, for instance by getting an annually negotiated pay
rise. However only union members who pay subscriptions can
influence union policies, be represented in negotiations and
vote on crucial decisions.
Unions also often provide personal benefits such as
discounted insurance, holidays, welfare benefits and legal
advice.
The following Unions are those recognised by Bolton
Primary Care Trust. Some organise in particular professions
while others recruit across the health service as a whole.
To find out more about each, including how to join, just
click on the name.
- AMICUS (Technicians, some professions and Health
Visitors)
- BDA (Dental)
- BMA (Doctors)
- BDA (Dietetics)
- CSP (Physiotherapists)
- RCN (Nurses)
- SOCP (Chiropodists & Podiatrists)
- UNISON (All Staff)
