The trade union movement needs to move!

We represent workers of trade unions and professional associations in the United Kingdom. We unapologetically organise, campaign, and bargain for our members.

We have no other agenda.

Proudly Independent

We exist to rebalance the power between trade union employers and workers. As a truly independent union, we have absolutely no other agenda than improving your terms, conditions, and safety.

"To accept that it is reasonable for trade union principles to be applied to the way trade union employers deal with their own employees."

— UWU Member

Courageous Campaigning

We aren’t frightened to tackle the big issues within the movement. From sexual violence to EDI pay gaps, we will never sweep things under the carpet to protect the institution.

"A real and tangible commitment to equality and an end to workplace bullying."

— UWU Member

Bargaining for Change

We organise by building a community through co-creation and collaboration. We demand safe workplaces that respect our professional status and fight to rebalance the scales of power.

"I want union employers to be the change they want to see in the world. Rather than telling other employers what to do, they should lead the way."

— UWU Member

Caring & Professional

We are proactive in our representation. We won’t wait for an employer to do the wrong thing before calling them out. When you need us, we will respond and do exactly what we say we will do.

"Protect our jobs, pay and conditions just as we do for our members."

— UWU Member

Communities of Practice

We go beyond representation by providing education, mentoring, bespoke training, and support for your career progression as a dedicated trade union professional.

"Promote people on ability, not on political affiliation."

— UWU Member

Learning & Training

Getting a union job

Handling grievances and disciplinary

Family-Friendly Policies and Parental Rights

Branch and workplace organising

Advanced Employment Law: Recent EAT Precedent

Dealing with disciplinary and grievances

TUPE: Protecting Members During Organisational Change

⁠Pay, Benefits, and Equal Pay Compliance

Working Time Regulations: Rights and Compliance

⁠Precarious and Zero-Hours Workers: Legal Protections and Advocacy

Using the Equality Act 2010

⁠Whistleblowing and Protected Disclosures

Resolving Workplace Disputes: Tribunals and Mediation

⁠Job Evaluation and Pay Structures

Negotiating for pay

Employment Contracts: Understanding Rights and Obligations

Redundancy and Dismissal: Navigating Legal Frameworks

Collective Labour Rights and Industrial Action

Introduction to Climate & Sustainability: What does a Just Transition look like for Trade Unions as Employers

Eliminating sexual violence in trade unions

Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures: ACAS Best Practices

Health and Safety at Work: Legal Obligations and Risk Management

And many more...

This is just a sample. Members get full access to our complete directory of bespoke training and support in the UWU Member Dashboard.

Join the Union

Membership Perks

Available to all members inside the UWU Member Dashboard.

Discounted will writing

Benefit from a 15% discount on will writing services through our partner, Which?

Discounted power of attorney

Benefit from a 15% discount on power of attorney services through our partner, Which?

Free financial advice

Get a free financial advice consultation with our dedicated account manager, Harry Carling at Enver Wealth Management.

Discounted Which? Lifestyle subscription

Get discounts on Which? Lifestyle subscriptions.

Discounted Which? subscription

Benefit from discounts on the Which? magazine subscription and associated services.

Specialist legal advice

Get specialist legal advice and support through our partner Truth Legal for claims at reduced or no win, no fee rates.

Discounted general legal advice

Benefit from a 15% discount on membership for general legal advice on a wide range of issue through our partner, Which?

Solidarity Perks

Choose Solidarity membership to help build the union and unlock these premium, exclusive benefits.

Free TOTUM+ Membership

Solidarity members can claim free TOTUM+ membership to unlock a wide range of shopping and dining discounts.

Free Will Writing

Solidarity members can claim free review will writing service through our partners Which and this includes a will, guidance notes and review by a specialist.

All perks are accessible via the member dashboard after joining. Terms and conditions apply.

Membership Tiers

Employed

£6.21/month
  • Workplace advice
  • Workplace representation
  • Free learning and training
  • Union democracy
  • Access to Standard Perks unlocking a range of discounts

Solidarity Employed

£9.71/month

All the benefits from standard membership, plus:

  • Free TOTUM+ membership for shopping and dining discounts*
  • Free will writing*
  • Help the Union grow

* Terms & Conditions apply

Employed (Reduced)

£3.73/month
  • Benefit from a 40% discount off our standard Employed rate
  • Workplace advice
  • Workplace representation
  • Free learning and training
  • Union democracy
  • Access to Standard Perks unlocking a range of discounts

Solidarity Employed (Reduced)

£7.23/month

All the benefits from standard membership, plus:

  • Free TOTUM+ membership for shopping and dining discounts*
  • Free will writing*
  • Help the Union grow

* Terms & Conditions apply

Associate

£2.48/month
  • Workplace advice
  • Free learning and training
  • Union democracy
  • Access to Standard Perks unlocking a range of discounts

Solidarity Associate

£5.98/month

All the benefits from standard membership, plus:

  • Free TOTUM+ membership for shopping and dining discounts*
  • Free will writing*
  • Help the Union grow

* Terms & Conditions apply

Retired

£2.48/month
  • Workplace advice
  • Free learning and training
  • Union democracy
  • Access to Standard Perks unlocking a range of discounts

Solidarity Retired

£5.98/month

All the benefits from standard membership, plus:

  • Free TOTUM+ membership for shopping and dining discounts*
  • Free will writing*
  • Help the Union grow

* Terms & Conditions apply

Unemployed

£2.48/month
  • Workplace advice
  • Free learning and training
  • Union democracy
  • Access to Standard Perks unlocking a range of discounts

Solidarity Unemployed

£5.98/month

All the benefits from standard membership, plus:

  • Free TOTUM+ membership for shopping and dining discounts*
  • Free will writing*
  • Help the Union grow

* Terms & Conditions apply

Out-of-sector

£15/month

This higher rate applies to workers outside the trade union sector, as representing out-of-sector members requires additional time and resources. While we strongly encourage using the TUC Union Finder to find a union tailored to your specific field, you are still very welcome to join UWU as an Out-of-sector member.


  • Workplace advice
  • Workplace representation
  • Free learning and training
  • Union democracy
  • Access to Standard Perks unlocking a range of discounts

Solidarity Out-of-sector

£18.50/month

All the benefits from standard membership, plus:

  • Free TOTUM+ membership for shopping and dining discounts*
  • Free will writing*
  • Help the Union grow

* Terms & Conditions apply