The power of trade unions: real stories from young workers
Why joining a union matters
Being part of a trade union is an incredibly empowering experience. It teaches the importance of solidarity, collective action, and standing up for what’s right—both in the workplace and beyond.
One young worker shared their experience:
Being part of a trade union is an incredibly empowering experience. It has taught me the importance of solidarity, collective action, and standing up for what’s right both in the workplace and out of it.
I got my first job aged 17 at a popular fast food chain. It quickly became clear how essential unions are in ensuring fair treatment for all employees. So when was when I was treated unfairly myself at work, I took the plunge and decided to join a union.
For young workers across the country, trade unions provide a sense of community. Being in a union connects you with people who share the values of fairness, and a drive to create positive change - not just for themselves, but for everyone - both in the workplace, and out of it.
Wider campaigns outside of the workplace also serve as a reminder of the commitment that unions have towards addressing the many injustices in our society. This sense of belonging, shared purpose, and commitment to fairness and tackling injustice, serves as an inspiration to get involved, get organising, and get campaigning.
To all young workers, my advice is simple. Join a union.”
– Oli from Unite the Union
For young workers, trade unions provide a sense of community and connection. They bring together people who share values of fairness and a drive to create positive change - not just for themselves, but for everyone.
Taking action on campus
Fraser, a hospitality worker and student at The University of Manchester, took matters into his own hands:
“Running a stall last year was really fun - but also felt practical and important to speak to young workers about their rights at work and the need to join a union. Doing it as a group made it a lot easier. And having so many 1-1 conversations really built our confidence!
At a time when many young people are working on zero hours contacts, it’s especially important to encourage them to join and become active in a union - and HeartUnions week is a great opportunity to do this!”
- Fraser from Unite the Union
Get Involved!
For any worker wondering what they can do to make a difference, the advice is simple: Join a union, get organised, and start campaigning! That’s exactly what HeartUnions Week (10-16 February) is all about. Whether through workplace activities, student-led initiatives, or wider social movements, it’s an opportunity to highlight why unions are vital for everyone at work and encourage those who aren’t yet members to join.
Here are a few ways you can get involved:
❤️ Attend a HeartUnions event near you – there are plenty happening across the UK.
❤️ Send a free e-card to friends and colleagues, letting them know why joining a union matters.
❤️ Encourage others to join – there’s strength in numbers. Speak to your colleagues and friends about joining a union together. Use the Join a Union tool to find the right union for them.
❤️ Order your HeartUnions merchandise and share it with friends and colleagues to spread the message.
Unions make workplaces fairer, safer, and stronger. Get involved this HeartUnions Week and help make a difference!
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