GMB

 YOUR RIGHTS AT WORK 

You have many rights when you go to work. These rights are backed up by laws that apply wherever you work and whatever job you do. The GMB trade union enforces these rights in the workplace. If you are working in a skilled industry such as engineering, shipbuilding or construction, or anywhere that is covered by national bargaining agreements then you are entitled to the rates of pay, holidays, overtime, bonuses and other premia set out in those agreements. You must be paid at least £5.05 for each hour you work.  This is the National Minimum Wage and is set by the Government. This figure will rise to £5.35 in October 2006. You must have at least 20 days (four weeks) paid holiday each year. You must have a 20 minute break after six hours work and 11 hours break between shifts.

You cannot be forced to work more than 48 hours a week if you do not want to. You must have a written contract of employment that includes details of your job, your hours, pay and holidays. You have the right to work in a safe and healthy workplace You have the right to be paid the correct amount, on time that you have earned. 

You have the right to join a trade union to represent you and negotiate on your behalf. You have the right to be represented at work by your trade union to represent you and negotiate on your behalf. You have the right to be represented at work by your trade union at a disciplinary hearing - even if your employer does not recognise the union. You have the right not to be victimised for joining a trade union. It is against the law for you to be sacked for being in a union or for contacting a union. 

You have the right to get a union recognised where you work - if a majority of the workforce agree. You have a right against being sacked unfairly. Your employer could be made to pay you up to £50,000 if you are unfairly sacked. You are more likely to get these rights if you belong to the GMB trade union. We are Britain’s General union. Our members work in many industries including engineering, shipbuilding and repair, construction, the health service and local government.  

Please use the contact details below for more information on the GMB and how to join:

Telephone: 07976212319, 0794209799
Address: GMB Midland and East Coast Region, 542 Woodborough Road, Nottingham, NG3 5FJ
Email: jurgita.pranculyte@gmb.org.uk; konrad.rozenkiewicz@gmb.org.uk
Website: www.gmbmidandec.org.uk