IWGB Charity Workers Branch

Charity workers often face bullying, over-work and short-term contracts as part of the job. But it doesn’t have to be like this.

The IWGB Charity Workers Branch is a worker-led, democratic trade union that represents and advocates for the rights of workers in the charity sector across the United Kingdom. As charity workers, we see our interests as aligned with the interests of people who use those services. We believe in solidarity, not charity, as the basis of a better society.

We were formed in January 2020 by workers from different charities who wanted a dynamic and member-led alternative to larger mainstream unions. Since then, we’ve expanded quickly and now have members in over 200 different charities, large and small, working on homelessness, mental health, climate, education, migrant rights, poverty/inequality and more.

We’re committed to building a democratic, anti-racist and inclusive union movement; developing active members who can lead in their workplaces; and connecting workers across charities to fight for improvements across the sector.

We campaign on the following issues:

● Low pay, insecurity, and overwork. Within the charity sector, there is often a culture and an expectation of self-sacrifice. This expectation is used to justify long hours and unpaid overtime, often leading to burnout. Low pay, and the widespread use of fixed term contracts has also created a situation of almost permanent insecurity for many workers.

● Wellbeing at work. Workers in the charity sector are at serious risk of mental health related issues – both as a result of burnout and the sometimes traumatic nature of our work. Unfortunately, bullying and harassment in the charity sector are not uncommon, often concealed beneath the outward display of benevolence in the organisations we work in. The lack of mental health support or adequate process within the charity sector means these issues remain addressed.

● Seeing our work as political. Charity workers are often on the front line of the fallout from political choices like austerity, and the hostile environment for migrants. Frontline charities, whilst providing vital lifelines, can at times paper over the cracks in state support, enabling the erosion of government support where we believe it should take responsibility. We want our work to focus on addressing the root causes and ending these injustices.

We have worked with our members to win significant victories, including:

● A 4-day working week with no loss of pay

● Better sick pay policies, including full-wage sick pay from day one

● More progressive and transparent pay progression structures

● Permanent contracts for all staff, and an end to short, fixed-term contracts

● Cost-of-living payments and salary uplifts in line with inflation

As a union, we back our members if they are facing problems at work. We can provide support and advice on how to grow the union and build a collective voice against discrimination, bullying, overwork, unfair pay, and more. After you’ve been a member for two months, and provided your case does not predate your membership, you can access legal representation from the IWGB legal department.

Becoming a member is easy – all you need to do is complete the online form at iwgb.org.uk/join. The monthly fee depends on your income and ranges from £8 up to £30 per month.

If you have any questions, get in touch with us at charityworkers@iwgb.co.uk and one of our committee members will be happy to have a chat!

Keep up to date

Follow us on Twitter @IWGBcharity.

We've put together a resource to help YOU reach out to your colleagues to join the union! Check out these flyers, add your org name, and share with your workmates.

By coming together and organizing you have the power to create real change 🙌 🙌 pic.twitter.com/0F6eB13aQH

— IWGB Charity Workers Branch (@IWGBcharity) June 5, 2020