Union Workers Union calls on trade unions to “practice what they preach” as first sector-wide survey exposes systemic failures
A new survey of employment conditions in the trade union sector has found widespread evidence of toxic workplace cultures, unsafe workloads, poor health and safety practice, and high levels of bullying, discrimination and harassment experienced by union staff.
The survey, conducted by the Union Workers Union’ (UWU), is the first of its kind to examine employment conditions across the trade union sector. It received responses from workers across more than 30 trade union employers and highlights serious concerns about how trade unions operate as employers.
Nearly six in ten respondents said their employer had a negative organisational culture, while almost two thirds said their union did not practise internally the standards it demands of other employers. Over half reported experiencing bullying at work, with significantly higher rates reported by women and non-binary staff, disabled workers, and Black staff.
Excessive workload and workplace stress emerged as major themes. Almost two thirds of respondents had raised concerns about workload, yet many felt these concerns were ignored. More than half said their employer was not taking its legal responsibilities to manage workplace stress seriously, despite trade unions routinely campaigning on these issues in other sectors.
Kerith Harris, President of the Union Workers’ Union, said:
“Trade unions exist to challenge poor practice and injustice at work. If we are serious about that mission, we must be willing to look honestly at how we treat our own staff.”
The survey also found widespread gaps in the implementation and awareness of workplace policies, including stress risk assessments, equality policies and reasonable adjustments, raising concerns about compliance with basic employment and health and safety standards.
UWU says the findings raise serious questions about the sustainability and credibility of the trade union movement if experienced staff are driven out by poor working conditions.
“This is not about attacking the movement,” Harris added. “It is about strengthening it. Trade union workers want their organisations to live up to the values they fight for every day. That is essential if unions are to remain credible, effective and sustainable into the future.”
UWU says the survey will act as a baseline and will be repeated to track progress over time. The union is calling on trade union employers to engage seriously with the findings and take concrete steps to improve organisational culture, workload management, health and safety practice, and equality at work.
Notes to editors
- The Union Workers Union (UWU) is an independent, member-led trade union representing workers in trade unions, professional associations and the wider labour movement.
- The survey was conducted in August 2025 and received 145 responses from workers across more than 30 trade union employers.
- Enquiries should be sent to mail@unionworkersunion.org