Looking to join a union? Here's why union membership is important for you
9 August 2022
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) reported in June that there had been a 700% uptick in enquiries surrounding union membership, after National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) announced strike action would take place.
TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said of the increase in interest that 'people can see trade unions defending the pay of their members.'
The cost of living, and now inflation crisis has put serious pressure on working people, and union membership is one way to push back.
The work of unions is the best form of protection that working people have against the uncertain economic times they face.
With real wages down as company profits go up, the best way to fight back is together, through union involvement, collective bargaining and campaigning. As the old adage goes 'we are stronger together.'
Nautilus executive officer Martyn Gray stated on the crises facing maritime professionals: 'The fact is that maritime professionals need to be with Nautilus now more than ever.
'Nautilus supports our members both industrially and legally and continues to defend and enforce the rights of those we represent. We campaign globally, nationally and locally for the best possible outcomes for maritime professionals.'
Nautilus campaigns for and negotiates wage rises for maritime professionals across the industry. On top of this, legal assistance, events and resources provide seafarers with a network of help and protections that could prove vital amid a tough economic landscape.
Nautilus campaigns for Maritime professionals from the most experienced, to those just starting out. Cadets have found themselves exploited and overlooked many times in recent years, especially regarding issues such as sea time.
Recently Nautilus stood up for cadets who were denied sea time by Evergreen and continues to work with organisations such as the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) to help secure sea time, bursaries and more for cadets.
If there was ever a time to join a union, now is the time. Increased union membership means stronger unions and greater bargaining power. On top of this, in many cases more active union members receive better outcomes in terms of pay and conditions.
Join a union.
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