Frequently Asked Questions
Why is DIDU connected to the T&G union?
By Alan Wood - Branch Secretary
A few weeks ago a member who joined back in the heady days of 2004 phoned me to ask about the benefits available to DIDU members as members of T&G (part of Unite – the Union). He thought he was entitled to all the benefits given to normal full members of T&G including incapacity, sickness and convalescent benefits.
I explained that DIDU joined T&G in 2005 under very special interim conditions which reflected the situation under which ADIs worked ie. self employed and as such some of the benefits would not be required. This also reflected the fact that the subscription rate needed to be competitive with other ADI organisations.
T&G agreed to accept an arrangement whereby in the shorter term a nominal, but increasing fee would be accepted with the aim of eventually incorporating DIDU fully into T&G. This would mean full subscriptions and benefits would then be available to DIDU members. Presently T&G benefits to the extent of £4.00 and £2.50 respectively for cash payers and Direct Debit payers respectively. I am sure you will appreciate that for these small sums T&G could not include all the normal benefits available to full members paying around £120 per year.
I should therefore like to clarify what our very small contribution to T&G entitles us to.
- General advice to the DIDU Committee regarding problems and if necessary help from T&G in the way of guidance.
- The help and advice of T&G negotiators in any discussions with DSA.
- Representation at Parliamentary level and the ability to appeal directly to the relevant Minister.
- The use of the T&G system to collect members subscriptions by Direct Debit.
- The use of T&G office facilities for meetings with DSA etc. including video link.
- Free initial legal advice on relevant matters with a local solicitor.
- Inclusion in all T&G offers for services by external companies ie. house insurance etc.
- Use of T&G convalescent facilities for themselves and a family member at their Eastbourne hotel charged at the subsidised rates available to full members.
I hope that this will clarify the situation and avoid future misunderstandings.
Alan Wood - April 2008