Who are Accord? Find out about us, how we operate, and why you should choose Accord as your union.
Being independent means that Accord does not receive funds from employers which would come with restrictive ties on what we can do or say. We're funded through our membership subscription - nothing else. That's an important consideration for members when choosing a union, and it means that we can focus our efforts on supporting members without constraints.
We're not affiliated to any political party and we don't have a political levy. All our membership subscription fees are used by the union to represent our members' interests and provide them with membership benefits and services.
Accord is affiliated to the TUC, the Scottish TUC and the Wales TUC. Through our work with the TUC, we're involved in campaigns and negotiations with the government of the day on matters that affect workers within our recognised employers and beyond. Accord's General Secretary, Ged Nichols, has been elected to the TUC General Council for over 20 years and was elected as TUC President for the 2019-2020 term.
Everything we do is centred around the interests of our members and our collective objectives.
Our aims are incorporated into the rules that govern us and explain how the funds we receive can be spent. A primary aim for the union is to protect, promote and represent the interests of our members.
To do this, we have agreed with employers the matters on which we consult and negotiate. Communication and the collation of feedback from members underpins this.
The union also seeks to promote equality in all our work. We actively oppose all forms of harassment, prejudice and unfair discrimination.
There are many good reasons why you should join Accord. Hear more from us in the below video.