Burnout has become a defining feature of working life across many sectors, but inside the trade union movement it carries a particular sting. Staff join unions out of conviction, passion, and solidarity. Yet our recent survey shows that the very work intended to defend fairness is leaving many union workers exhausted, overstretched, and struggling to cope.

The scale of the problem

The survey revealed that stress and workload pressures were the number one issue raised by union staff. Long hours, unpredictable demands, and the emotional toll of dealing with members in crisis all contribute. Unlike in many other workplaces, there is often little formal recognition of this extra effort.

Burnout is not just tiredness. It is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion that leaves workers drained, detached, and less able to do their jobs. In unions, where the job relies heavily on empathy, focus, and resilience, the impact is profound.

Blurred boundaries

One common theme was the difficulty of setting boundaries. Staff described working late into the evening, responding to member queries at weekends, and feeling guilty if they switched off. The cause is not simply poor time management but a culture that equates self-sacrifice with commitment.

When “going above and beyond” becomes the expectation rather than the exception, burnout is inevitable.

The cost to the movement

Burnout doesn’t just harm individuals. It weakens the movement. Exhausted staff make mistakes, morale drops, turnover increases, and institutional knowledge is lost. When talented organisers and negotiators leave because they cannot sustain the pace, it is members who ultimately lose out.

What needs to change

• Workload planning – realistic caseloads and prioritisation.
• Clear boundaries – respect for contracted hours and the right to disconnect.
• Wellbeing support – proper access to counselling, peer networks, and manager training.
• Cultural shift – valuing sustainability as much as short-term delivery.

UWU’s role

The Union Workers Union (UWU) is determined to make burnout visible and to push for structural solutions, not just individual coping strategies. By raising these issues collectively, we can create workplaces where solidarity includes looking after our own health and each other.