What is the difference between CILIP and a trade union?
CILIP is a personal membership organisation. We support our Members in terms of qualifications, careers, professional practice, information, advice and continuing professional development.
The main service a union provides for its members is negotiation and representation. The purpose of a trade union is to protect and improve pay and conditions of employment, and to offer legal representation if their members have a problem at work.
It is advisable to be a member of a trade union as well as a member of CILIP. However, some employers do not encourage trade union membership.
Which trade union should I join?
Our Members belong to a wide range of unions, including:
- Unison - the public service union
- FDA - the union for senior civil servants
- UCU - the University and College Union, formed by the amalgamation of the AUT - the Association of University Teachers and NATFHE - the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education
- Prospect - the union for engineering, scientific, management and professional staff
- GMB - the general workers' union
- NASUWT - the National Association of Schoolmasters / Union of Women Teachers
- ATL - the Association of Teachers and Lecturers
The trade union you should join is the one that is recognised by your employer.
Updated: 29 November 2006