Unite the Union Reviews 

Oh my God is this the worst union ever. First ive ever joined and ive just left after a month or 2.

Ive requested callbacks for the last 2 times, maybe 3 and I didnt get a callback at all. So im left with no representative for meetings and stuff at work and ive requested a refund for the incomplete service but I doubt thats gonna happen. Im surprised this union is still standing because it definitely does not care about its members.

I work in retail so I have my fair share of issues so representation is imperative BUT Unite the Union does NOT deliver. My account handler Phil just sounded monotone as heck and didnt care at all.

I have been a member for 13 years and paid thousands of pounds in membership fees. I have never had anything useful in return. I looked at my membership as insurance in case I ever had an issue at work.
Today is the first time I have sought assistance from Unite. I wanted help with a workplace injury - a cut and dry case which should be bread and butter to an organisation like Unite. But after a morning of trying, I still haven't been connected to anyone who can help. Their "Claim Now Hotline" put me through to 2 different individuals (after a lengthy wait on each occasion), neither of whom were able to help with a claim. The second individual attempted to transfer my call to "Thompsons" who I guess are a solicitors. After another 10 mins of waiting the call was answered then cut off.
This was after I had the joyful experience of speaking to their IT support. They ought to use some of the membership fees to give these guys basic customer service training. The guy I spoke to would not last long where I work with his attitude.
I don't put up with for-profit companies taking my money and then proving to be incompetent and disinterested, so I certainly wont put up with this from a non-profit union.

Reported that there leader Gary Smith has been very critical of the current Labour party UK and it's Anti drilling in the North Sea despite importing oil from Norway which drills in the North Sea.
UK are currently losing oil jobs while importing fossil fuels from overseas

Avoid!
I have joined the union and shorty was seeking for advice regarding work accident. I sent several messages to midlands (west and east) and I have been totally ignored. another union which you donate your own money for nothin

I am extremely disappointed with Unite Union and their handling of my claim under the Top Driver Care Package.

For years, contributions were paid in good faith with the understanding that support would be available when needed. However, when the time came to make a claim, it was rejected despite my long-standing membership and the payments that had been made towards this package.

What is most frustrating is the feeling that members are encouraged to pay into these schemes for years, only to face obstacles and disappointment when they seek assistance. In my view, this raises serious questions about the value of the cover being provided and the level of support members can realistically expect.

I am sharing my experience so that other drivers and members can make informed decisions and carefully review the terms and conditions of any additional packages they are paying for.

This has been my personal experience, and I feel let down by an organisation that claims to represent and support working people.

A waste of time union. You are better of saving the cost of your membership and instead defending yourself at work or use a more reputable law firm.. Have presented more then enough evidence to suggest beyond the balance of probability that I have been discriminate against (Been treated less favorably) and also been bullied whilst at work. But according to Unite i have no case to take to an Employment Tribunal. A complete an utter disgrace. Avoid this Union at all costs

Would give no stars if possible, literally have no interest whatsoever in their members beyond taking the money every month.
Zero interaction, zero engagement, zero interest.

No wonder they’re the biggest union when they are basically on the side of every employer in the country!
I’m sure the executives all enjoy many free holidays and other perks from the companies their members work for.

Biggest scam ever!

Well done Unite , you’ve fooled millions of people!

I have been a member of unite the union for years. I completed the standard email request form to request advice / assistance with very limited information provided.

Before even understanding my request I was emailed by a unite the union representative listing other people outside unite the union I need to contact because Unite the union can’t help.

Disappointed so cancelled my membership. Made me question exactly what I’ve been paying nearly £20 per month for all these years.

I joined this union for crucial support while dealing with a toxic workplace organisation. Instead, they made an already stressful situation significantly worse through shocking negligence, poor communication, and finger-pointing.The union completely dropped the ball on my ACAS Early Conciliation. They received my ACAS certificate but never informed me or engaged in the conciliation process. I only found out by accident after repeatedly chasing them for updates on Microsoft Teams. Because of their silence, I was left with less than a week to submit my ET1 form to the Employment Tribunal.Securing representation for meetings has been an absolute nightmare. I have literally had to beg for support. Representatives constantly pass the buck, telling me to contact someone else. When I finally get a rep on the phone, their first excuse is always that they have to rush off to another meeting. To make matters worse, the office secretary tells me one thing, while the reps contradict it completely.The entire experience has been incredibly stressful. The union happily deducts membership fees from my wages every month, but I am forced to manage my tribunal case entirely by myself. They failed me when I needed them most.

Mariusz was really helpful in talking me through what will be involved in my becoming a retired member of Unite the Union, I've been a member since 1996,and have enjoyed my involvement with my Union branch. It is good to know that for a small monthly sum, I can maintain my connection with my Union.

Worst union I’ve ever been with. I had an issue at work, and my union representative didn’t want to get involved because he didn’t want to damage the relationship between the company and the union. I contacted the main office for help, but instead of providing legal support, they just kept referring me back to him.

You pay money expecting support, but when you actually need help, you get nothing in return. Be careful and seek independent advice elsewhere if needed.

They also claim they contribute towards sick pay, but in my experience, they didn’t. Most of the advice they give sounds very different once you ask for it in writing, so always read your contract carefully, stand your ground, and if necessary, get ACAS involved.

I was with them for almost seven years, and the first serious issue went completely downhill.

the world should know this union is very bad they do not help or represent true genuine workerd they are fake and side with employers best to avoid at all costs cancel
your membership they will never represent you fairly and impartially but take your money you a number sold out to employers fight your own battles

Heineken Unite union is as much use as a chocolate fire guard with many of their members leaving to join the GMB union who are all for their members unlike Unite who are only representing the company over its members

I had been put on leave for mixed anxiety and depressive disorder, and I needed a bit of support. So I signed up and understood that they can't comment on anything prior to signing up but I wanted help for my return to work.

The rep I spoke to made it out like everything was against me. I asked him questions and tried to have a dialogue but he was just argumentative. Basically on the side of the business when I thought this was a process that helps the worker. I had all the answers given to me by AI. (Thank god for AI). And it proved I was right and he was wrong and I eventually got what I was entitled to at work.

Just don't bother with a union. Use AI. Simple as that. Thank god I did or I would have felt like it was all my fault for being ill.

I am so disappointed in the poor service I received. Literally a waste of time, I practically begged for help and support. The rep I was assigned was rude and obnoxious, took a week to respond to a time sensitive grievance, then said it looked quite long. Hopeless…

Had to give 1 star - couldn't give zero. An absolute disgraceful supposed trade union. They abandoned my 17 year old son who was dismissed from his engineering apprenticeship due to ill health. My son was bullied at work by an employee and the company did not deal with it well at all. The stress (doctors are sure it was) brought on IBS which made him weak and dizzy and made it a struggle for him to do his heavy fitting job. The company were not willing to adjust and provide another position or even change his apprenticeship to a technical position which he had the qualifications for. Prior to the bullying, in his 1st year he was even awarded apprentice of the year. Unite did not support him at all - when my son put in an official grievance against the bully - Unite provided the bully with the most senior representative, which is against their policies. The rep was also a friend of the bully and he got off scot-free. My son was dismissed without a job or apprenticeship and Unite were unwilling to help him get a position at another company so he had wasted 2 years and with no option but to take another, unskilled job route. My son asked Unite to support him in taking the company to court - but they refused!! I'm sure if his gender or race had been different it may well have been more willing. If I had known how Unite would let my son down and abandon him I would never have wasted 42 years of being a member in my similar line of work. Totally and morally poor - I would never recommend anyone becoming a member.

Reading other reviews, there really isn't much to add. The only thing that I would add is having your integrity called into question is utterly dispicable.

Tempted to sue them, as there isn't any evidence that I can trace that suggests they would bother to turn up at court.

Not sure exactly where my £190 a year has been going, but numerous historical media articles give some potential insight.

After c30 years of membership, they can shove it. If you need employment advice, go to the CAB, or pay a PROFESSIONAL, who may possibly give a toss.

No idea if Sharon Graham is embarassed, or even gives a toss herself. Maybe she does, but how will I ever know?I doubt that she's exactlybgoing to ring me.

My experience certainly isn't isolated. Much chance of a response to this review? About as likely as them trying to help someone who needs help.

Utterly disgraceful, and not fit for purpose.

I had the misfortune to get a rep who had only been with Unite for 4 months and lacked serious knowledge and training. Kept having to refer to other reps and books! First meeting seemed very optimistic but after that, his workload was too much and I didnt get the attention needed and it was as quick as he could to get off phone. Staff were useless and rude and really gave the ‘I can’t be bothered’ attitude. Avoid at all costs if you you are looking for any positive action taken

No use at all, save your contributions and represent yourself using chat gtp or copilot.

I would give this organisation less than one star if I could. We paid around £1250 for one years 'access' to members discount card holders. We received precisely zero sales as a result of our involvement. When we raised our concerns with them they responded aggressively and accused us of not using the system correctly. A system that is needlessly complicated and hard to understand and that we were in no way informed about when we paid the fees. Having spoken to two other businesses in our town who also paid £1250 that day and received nothing for it, I would avoid this borderline scam at all costs.