Pay freeze figures prove value of trade union membership

The value of trade union membership was underlined by the publication of figures today (Thursday) showing that two out of three workers are suffering a pay freeze, with 15 per cent not having received a pay rise in three years. This contrasts with workers represented by the CWU, many of whom will receive pay rises of 3 per cent or more this year in deals negotiated by the union.

The report from comparison site uSwitch.com found that only three in 10 workers expect an increase this year, with the average rise being just 2.1 per cent. Inflation is presently running at 5 per cent.

CWU general secretary Billy Hayes took the chance to emphasise that although the figures make for grim reading they do also underline the value of trade union membership.

"Members of the CWU working for BT are receiving a 3 per cent pay rise for this year, while Royal Mail workers have seen wages rise by 3.5 per cent. This proves the value of trade union membership," said Billy.

"The research shows that union members in the UK receive 12.5 per cent more due to union membership. They also get better sickness and pension benefits, more holiday and more flexible hours than non-members."

So although - as this report proves - times are tough, workers are likely to do better if part of a trade union.

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Source: CWU