About us
What is a trade union?
An organisation of workers who collectively fight for better pay and conditions
A trade union is a membership organisation made up of workers in a particular industry or profession. Unions exist to protect and advance the interests of their members: negotiating with employers on pay, working hours, holiday entitlement, health and safety, and much more.
Unions are democratically run by their members. That means you have a say in decisions that affect your working life, and the collective strength of thousands of workers behind you when it matters most.
People joined a union last year
Workers in our branches
Union branches
About us
Why should you join a trade union?
Union members are better off:
The evidence is clear - union members earn more, work in safer conditions, and have stronger job security than non-union workers. Here's why joining a union matters.
Better pay:
Union members earn on average higher wages than non-union workers in comparable roles.
Safer workplaces:
Union reps hold employers to account on health and safety - reducing accidents and protecting your wellbeing.
Rights & representation:
If things go wrong at work, your union has your back - from informal advice to full legal representation.
Training & development:
Many unions offer free or subsidised training, helping you develop skills and advance your career.
A voice that's heard:
Unions give workers a formal channel to raise concerns - and employers have a legal duty to listen.
Community & belonging:
Being in a union connects you to a wider movement working for a fairer society for everyone.
About us
What is a trades council?
The local voice of the trade union movement - in Derby we hold a monthly meeting to coordinate between industrial trade union branches, and regular social and educational events.Trades councils are local bodies that bring together union branches from across different industries and workplaces in a given area.
They are some of the oldest institutions in the labour movement — providing a forum for unions to coordinate, share information, and campaign together on issues that affect working people in their community.Derby Area TUC is the trades council for Derby and the surrounding region. We work with affiliated union branches to raise awareness of workers' rights, support local campaigns, and represent the trade union movement in civic and community life.Trades councils act as a bridge between individual unions and the wider labour movement — ensuring that local workers have a strong, unified presence in their city and region.
About us
Who do we support?
A trade union is a membership organisation made up of workers in a particular industry or profession. Unions exist to protect and advance the interests of their members: negotiating with employers on pay, working hours, holiday entitlement, health and safety, and much more.
Unions are democratically run by their members. That means you have a say in decisions that affect your working life, and the collective strength of thousands of workers behind you when it matters most.
About us
What do we do?
We hold regular meetings and events for affiliated union branches, host public campaigns and demonstrations, participate in national TUC events such as May Day and Trades Union Congress, and support new and emerging union activity in the Derby area.
Not sure which union covers your industry? The TUC's union finder can help you find the right one.
About us
Who can affiliate?
Any trade union branch operating in the Derby area is welcome to affiliate with us. Affiliating gives your branch a collective voice in local matters, access to our network, and the opportunity to work alongside other unions on shared campaigns
Already a union branch in the Derby area? Get in touch to find out how to affiliate with Derby Area TUC.
