Fairness at work is a top priority for the GMB…

That means ensuring that your rights at work are respected. Whether it’s about protection from victimisation, tackling discrimination, improving pensions, raising health and safety standards or enforcing employment rights, GMB provides top quality support and assistance. Here you will find specific information about your rights at work - to a safe and healthy work environment, to equal pay and to legal rights that protect your terms and conditions - as well as a wide range of bulletins and briefings on pensions issues.

NOT A MEMBER OF THE GMB YET?

Ask yourself the following questions

• Does your employer consult the workforce BEFORE changes are made to your working practices?
• Are you given the opportunity to have your say?
• Do you work in a healthy and safe environment?
• Is your pay reviewed on a regular basis?

If you have answered NO to any of these then we will be able to help you and your colleagues.

In law, you have a right to join a union and membership is confidential between the member and the union and can remain that way if subs are paid by direct debit.  

If 50% plus one employees in your place of work join GMB, we can apply for recognition.  This means GMB can come into your company and directly negotiate on your behalf.  Even without recognition, we can represent members at disciplinaries and grievances.

Your Entitlements

You have many rights when you go to work. These rights are backed up by laws that apply wherever you work and whatever job you do. The GMB trade union enforces these rights in the workplace.

If you are working in a skilled industry such as engineering, shipbuilding or construction, or anywhere that is covered by national bargaining agreements then you are entitled to the rates of pay, holidays, overtime, bonuses and other premia set out in those agreements.

• Click here to check minimum rates of pay: National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• You must have at least 28 days paid holiday each year, pro rata for p/t workers.
• You must have a 20 minute break after six hours work and 11 hours break between shifts.
• You cannot be forced to work more than 48 hours a week if you do not want to.
• You must have a written statement of your main terms and conditions of employment that includes details of your job, your hours, pay and holidays.
• You have the right to work in a safe and healthy workplace.
• You have the right to be paid the correct amount, on time that you have earned.
• You have the legal right to join a trade union such as GMB.
• You have the right to be represented at work by GMB to represent you and negotiate on your behalf where the GMB is recognised.
• You have the right to be represented at work by GMB at a disciplinary or grievance hearing - even if your employer does not recognise the union.
• You have the right not to be victimised for joining the GMB. It is against the law for you to be sacked for being in a union or for contacting a union.
• You have the right to get a union recognised where you work - if a majority of the workforce agree.
• You have a right against being sacked unfairly. 

You are more likely to get these rights if you belong to the GMB.