Community (trade union)

Community is a general trade union in the United Kingdom, representing workers across a variety of sectors, with a particular focus on industries like steel, textiles, fashion, footwear and leather, secure call centres, and logistics.

History:

Originally founded in 1917 as the National Union of Vehicle Builders, the union underwent numerous mergers and name changes throughout the 20th century. Key predecessor unions included:

• The National Union of Vehicle Builders (founded 1917)
• The British Iron, Steel and Kindred Trades Association (BISAKTA)
• The National League of the Blind and Disabled (NLBD)

The union we know today as Community formed in 2003 following a merger of ISTC (the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation) and the Knitwear, Footwear and Apparel Trades Union (KFAT). The union has continued to evolve, absorbing other organizations and expanding its scope.

Objectives and Activities:

Community's primary objectives revolve around improving the working lives of its members. These objectives are generally pursued through:

• Collective Bargaining: Negotiating wages, benefits, and working conditions with employers.
• Representation: Representing members in disciplinary hearings, grievance procedures, and other workplace disputes.
• Legal Support: Providing legal advice and representation to members on employment-related matters.
• Education and Training: Offering training programs to help members develop their skills and advance their careers.
• Political Lobbying: Advocating for policies that support workers' rights and promote social justice.

Membership:

Membership is open to workers in the sectors the union represents. Community offers different membership levels to cater to diverse needs, including options for employed individuals, apprentices, and students.

Structure:

The union is structured with a national executive council and regional structures to represent members across the UK.

Affiliations:

Community is affiliated with the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the national trade union center in the UK.

Key Issues:

Community actively campaigns on a range of issues affecting its members, including:

• Fair wages and decent working conditions.
• Job security and protection against redundancy.
• Skills development and lifelong learning.
• Equality and diversity in the workplace.
• Health and safety.