Trade union official

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a regional secretary of your union or work at its national head office. You could also move into politics as a councillor or MP.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of human resources and employment law
• knowledge of English language
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Law - Trade union officials advise members on employment law, interpret legal policies and agreements, and represent workers at industrial tribunals and court proceedings. A strong understanding of legal principles and how legislation protects workers' rights is central to the role.
• Politics - Trade union officials negotiate with employers, political parties, and government to influence policy and protect workers' interests. Understanding how political systems, power structures, and policy-making processes work is essential for effective campaigning and lobbying.
• Economics - Trade union officials need to understand economic concepts like wages, inflation, labour markets, and productivity when negotiating pay deals and working conditions. They also carry out research and develop policy that responds to broader economic trends affecting workers.
• English Language - Trade union officials write policy documents, research reports, and legal submissions, and must communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences. They also need strong verbal skills for negotiations, public speaking at conferences, and media relations work.
• Sociology - Trade union officials deal with issues of social inequality, workplace discrimination, and equal opportunities on a daily basis. Understanding how social structures, class, and power dynamics affect people's working lives helps them advocate effectively for members.

Also relevant

• History - Trade union officials benefit from understanding the history of the labour movement, workers' rights, and how industrial relations have shaped modern employment law. This context helps them draw on past struggles and successes when making the case for change.
• Psychology - Trade union officials mediate disputes, support members through stressful situations, and need to remain calm under pressure during negotiations. Understanding human behaviour, motivation, and conflict resolution techniques helps them handle sensitive casework effectively.
• Business - Trade union officials negotiate with employers and management, so understanding how organisations operate – including HR practices, management structures, and business decision-making – helps them engage more effectively on behalf of their members.
• Philosophy - Trade union officials regularly engage with ethical questions about fairness, justice, and workers' rights. The ability to construct and evaluate logical arguments is valuable when developing policy positions and making the case for better working conditions.