For free advice on any of this, contact the Labour Relations Agency.
Quick facts
- Joining or leaving
- Your choice, no unfair treatment
- Hearings
- Right to be accompanied
- Union duties
- Reasonable time off
- Political fund
- Only if you contract in
- Picket lines
- You can choose to cross
Your right to choose
Employers and employment agencies must not treat you unfairly because you decide to join, decide to leave, refuse to leave or refuse to join a trade union. You can exercise your right to choose at any time.
Hearings and time off
Union members have the right to be accompanied to a discipline or grievance hearing by a trade union representative. Employees who are members of a trade union that is recognised by their employer have a statutory right to take a reasonable amount of paid and unpaid time off for certain union duties and activities.
Industrial action and picketing
The trade union can only call on members to take industrial action where the majority of those who voted, voted 'yes' to taking action. Detailed notice must be given to the employer at least seven days before it starts.
You have the right to cross a picket line if you don't support the industrial action being taken.
Subscriptions and the political fund
Northern Ireland trade union members are legally exempt from contributing to a trade union’s political fund. If you do choose to contract in you must give written notice to the union of your willingness to contribute to that fund. You can also ask your employer to stop taking union subscriptions from your pay at any time.
Information and consultation
Employees can ask for formal information and consultation arrangements. At least 10 per cent of the employees must ask, subject to a minimum number.
Common questions
Do I have to pay into my union's political fund in Northern Ireland?
No. NI members are exempt unless they choose to contract in, in writing.
Can I be treated badly for not joining a union?
No. Employers must not treat you unfairly for joining, leaving or refusing to join a trade union.
- nidirect: Trade union membership: your employment rights
- nidirect: Introduction to trade unions
- nidirect: Time off for trade union duties and activities
- nidirect: Industrial action
- nidirect: Picketing and picket lines
- nidirect: Trade union subscriptions
- nidirect: Discipline by your trade union
- nidirect: Trade union elections
- nidirect: Information and consultation of employees
- nidirect: Industrial action - your legal right to prevent disruption