TUC on union membership and pay figures

Commenting on the ’Trade Union Membership 2005’ figures published today by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) showing a slight increase in union density and the union pay benefit but slight fall in overall membership, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

These are mixed figures. While this is only the second year that they show an increase in union density, continuing job losses in manufacturing have hit union membership among men.

But unions are continuing to do well in recruiting women and women workers are now more likely to be union members than men.

And the figures show conclusively that workers are better off in a union. Union members earn 18 per cent more than non-members an hour - worth 72 over a 40 hour week.

The full ’Trade Union Membership 2005’ figures are available at: