GMB Union Anmeldelser 

Awful experience I have been a member for over 4 years, they refuse to help you, I have a very serious discrimination case going to the Tribunal courts, the Union and even worse Unionline have never helped me, I was refused to submit documents for my case and recieved not only awful advise if there uneducated solicitors but also recieved extremely rude and refusals to submit my documents, they then went onto claim they did a merits test with no evidence and that I have no case, which they never have given me a merits test AS THEY DONT HAVE MY EVIDENCE!!!! TO DO A MERITS TEST.

Absolute scam report and don't waste your hard earned money, they definitely are not here for us normal working folk.

Backed up the company rather than me and after I told them I’m no longer a member they said if I joined again they wouldn’t help me so stay away

Rob has been truly exceptional given our trust has offered nothing during this consultation.
Rob is thoughtful, knowledgeable and really, really approachable.
It is an added benefit too that he has such great clinical experience that aligns with us in urgent care setting.
We could not have done this without him and we are truly grateful to all at the GMB during this stressful time.
All staff at the GMB go that extra mile, compared to other unions and they keep their members at the heart of everything they do.

The GMB are EXCEPTIONAL

Thank you

I have been a GMB member for years, paying my membership and being told that they are totally on the side of the poorly paid social care worker of which I am. I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and reached out to the union for help as I knew I would have been out of work for several weeks and they told me they were unsure about benefits in my situation but they would drop my subscription to 22 pence for the next couple of months. How thoughtful. At least they are still getting money from me. Support my backside.

Needed help at work and union rep was very helpful

I joined GMB in May 2024 expecting proper support and representation, but my experience has been extremely disappointing.

My main issue was with my employer refusing to accommodate my disabilities, despite occupational health recommendations. I raised a grievance, but once the case became complex, GMB’s handling was very poor. I was passed between at least six or seven different reps, and each time I had to explain everything from scratch.

One rep hardly spoke in meetings and couldn’t communicate well in English, leaving me to do all the talking. Another avoided me once she realised how complex the case was. One even assumed I was just “after money” – which was both insulting and unprofessional. I had to make complaints just to be taken seriously.
Eventually I was passed to Sarah, who was much better. She spoke up in meetings and explained things properly. However, even she and the other reps prior failed to give me the most basic but crucial piece of advice: that I needed to raise my case with ACAS within three months if I wanted to take it further after exahausting all of the options with my workplace. Because of this, I completely lost my chance to take my case to tribunal. This is a serious failure on GMB’s part.

Honestly, unless you struggle with literacy or confidence, you’re better off representing yourself. I’ve already convinced three family members to cancel their membership. The only reason I haven’t cancelled mine is because my injury claim (a separate issue) is still ongoing with the legal team — a process that’s dragged on nearly two years — and I have to keep paying monthly fees for them to continue with it.

Moral of the story: Don’t be misled by positive reviews. In my experience, GMB has been unhelpful, disorganised, and ultimately a waste of time and money.

Joining Leeds GMB was the worst decision I’ve made. Moya Oneill, my Unison representative, consistently ignored emails and calls (except from hidden numbers) and gave contradictory guidance. She initially said she could not support me, then assured me she could—but even admitted that if it were found out she was representing me, she could get in trouble. When the case reached ACAS, GMB stated they could not assist because it predated my membership.
This misleading and unprofessional handling caused as much stress as my workplace issues. GMB, which should have been a source of support, only added to my stresses - AVOID THEM AT ANY COST.

Rob Solaini represented me during a recent issue. Rob is obviously a busy man, but this did not detract from the extraordinary level of expertise and professionalism he brought to my case. On top of that Rob seemed to genuinely care about me and my case and checked in regularly to ensure my wellbeing.

Rob's advice was spot on, he enabled me, and gave me confidence to take ownership of the issue and do some of the work myself, but was always on hand to guide me.

I can honestly say that the service provided by Rob was more than worth every penny of over 20 years of Union subs.

Thank you Rob!

I am absolutely aghast at the preamble submitted by GMB under 'company details'- 'on every workplace issue, from individuals facing disciplinaries, to bullying at work .. making sure that your workplace is a safe place to be–GMB is here for our members'!This description SURELY contravenes the Trades Descriptions Act. My situation came to a head in January 2024.It is incredibly interesting to read all the reviews on this website.None of which have been responded to by GMB which is very tellling.I suspect GMB want me to crawl under a stone and disappear.It is not going to happen GMB.I just need to try and get better mentally before I pursue my total dissatisfaction with the GMB workplace representative and the organisation as a whole.I did contact Barbara Plant, the President of GMB in regard to my concerns.I received absolutely no response whatsoever which I find totally unacceptable/disrespectful.I complained to GMB about the workplace representative.They consistently supported him even though I put forward he was a liar.He denied conversations we had held and failed to act in my best interests.I would consistently urge people. PLEASE,DO NOT,JOIN THIS UNION.I agree with another reviewer that some of the 'positive' reviews do lack some detail around the circumstances of involvement, but I do not wish to appear disrespectful to the reviewers in question.I would not wish for anyone to be in the situation I am currently in, suffering a mental health condition and unemployed. In essence, after dedicating my whole adult life(45 years)to working for Local Government, I think it would be fair to say, I am on the scrapheap.Hence my additional review.My financial and future plans in total ruins. Notwithstanding the work issues (I was summoned to a Disciplinary Hearing) the lack of appropriate guidance and support from the so called GMB Workplace Union Representative (DP) whilst I was suffering from what I can only describe, as a mental breakdown was pivotal leading to my current situation.I was suicidal due to the distress I was under, when I submitted my notice. The workplace representative was employed by the same employer as myself within Local Government.The matter was so serious, it led to me mistakenly handing in my notice as I was so unwell at the time. My opinion is, due to his relationship with the same employer as myself and what I can only describe as quite an amenable relationship with employees in HR (one in particular) my situation SHOULD NOT under any circumstances have been dealt with by an incompetent workplace representative who failed to seek advice from more senior GMB colleagues, following my concerns about potentially losing my pension and other benefits accrued over many decades of working for Local Government should I have got dismissed (reflectively, I don't think I would have done as there was significant collusion amongst some delightful colleagues and the manager)Rep went off sick after I handed in my notice.I believe he cited a mental health condition/stress,so therefore I would question if he was mentally/cognitively capable at the time of my demise of being involved in the first place!His incompetence is reflected in the fact that after mistakenly handing in my notice, he contacted another GMB Workplace Representative(SF)again, employed by the same employer as myself but he was off sick at the time,for advice! I believe this may contravene GMB rules? Why not liaise with a Nottingham GMB full time employee rather than in essence, a work colleague who was on long term sick leave.Shambolic practice.My issues should have been passed to more senior, knowledgeable, FULL TIME, PAID EMPLOYEES of GMB (Nottingham Branch).The Regional Organiser(MC)informing 'that he would never allow/encourage an employee to hand in their notice', whatever the circumstances. Sadly, MC's involvement in trying to unsusuccessfully encourage my employer to retract my notice, came too late.As did the subsequent involvement of another full time organiser, CW.MC or CW should have been appointed the lead in the first place to afford me the protection, knowledge sharing and support I so desperately needed. Please,please, DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES,join this union that encourages the recruitment and retention of a 'cheaper' sub standard workplace representative option - ill informed on employment matters (eg pension rights), lacking integrity and a blatant liar,only concerned about covering his back Step forward DP. How I'd just love to have a face to face conversation with you and tell you exactly what I think of you.SHAME ON YOU GMB. A ps-located this on the Indeed website-11 6 24-Organiser,Nottingham'Motivated by the members but a toxic support system in place.Nepotism rife

Useless, asked for help about Tupe transfer and no one called me back or replied to numerous calls and emails…. Didn’t help at all. I’m now in a very tricky situation which could have been a avoided if someone from here could have replied to offer help

GMB were amazing during a very difficult time at work, particularly Rob Solaini. He acted as my GMB representative and was incredibly knowledgeable,helpful and gave me the confidence to address a certain situation at work. You never know when you may be in need of employment advice and I would strongly reccomend GMB.

Joining GMB has been one of the worst decisions I’ve ever made. Their service is beyond pathetic — completely unprofessional, unaccountable, and a total waste of time and money.

For three months I paid membership fees and reached out multiple times for help with an employment issue, yet I received zero support, zero response, and zero accountability. When a union fails to stand by its members in their time of need, it defeats the very purpose of existing.

This organisation takes your money but provides nothing in return. GMB has shown me nothing but disregard and incompetence, and I would strongly warn others to avoid wasting their money and trust on them.

Rob Solani has been outstanding in helping me solve my grievance. He took control of the situation when I felt I was on my own against the world, asked the right questions, and ensured I felt heard and understood. Thanks to his guidance, I finally have a voice and a clear path forward.

The representative doesn't respond, he's not helpful at all, you can't get any advice or support from him, and he doesn't even respond to emails sent. Waste of money. I don't recommend it.

If it could be zero stars, that’s what it would get. Diabolical.
I joined GMB with the belief that it was a union that stood for its members. One that valued grassroots involvement, representation, and collective strength. Based on that belief, I encouraged several colleagues to leave our original union and join GMB alongside me. They did so in the knowledge that I’d been an Outstanding rep for them for seven years and wanted that to continue. That belief in GMB has since been entirely eroded.
We joined GMB with hope and expectations and GMB has not only failed to meet them, it has actively damaged trust in union representation.
Unions exist to protect, support and empower their members. They should foster solidarity, offer guidance and encourage involvement. When a union cannot even respond to its own members or offer a path to participation, it ceases to function as a union in any meaningful sense.
Over a period of nine months, I have made repeated efforts to get involved. Despite following the required steps and demonstrating willingness to take on an active role, those applications were left unanswered. No help, no support in trying to do so, just silence, a vacuum.
In fact, the only time members appear to receive communication from GMB is when they’re being accused of bringing the union into disrepute, a deeply ironic and telling reality.
To ignore members when they try to engage constructively, and only contact them when issuing unfounded disciplinary threats, is not just negligent, it is entirely contrary to the ethos of a member-led union.
It’s difficult to avoid the conclusion that GMB’s internal culture seems more concerned with control and image than with genuine representation. When committed members, willing to put themselves forward and support their colleagues, are met with silence, something is fundamentally broken.
The broader problem here is not just administrative oversight or slow response times, it is a total lack of transparency, accountability, and respect for the members GMB claims to represent. Unions are built on trust, solidarity, and action. GMB, in my experience, has demonstrated none of these qualities.
As such, I have left GMB for a union that actively communicates with its members, follows through on commitments, and actually fosters participation rather than blocking it. I hope GMB takes this feedback seriously, though based on the lack of response to date, I hold limited hope.

Leeds City Council Coventry
Hashim Excellent
I had someone from GMB representing me alone with my Manager but then he went on sick so HR asked Hashim to take over my case as i was on sick
and it was taking long it was to do with Disability discrimination He did a brilliant Job from start to finish always kept In touched letting me know what was going on my manager and my first rep wanted me to take any Job as my main Job was Catering but could not do any Job because of my hands things kept dropping they wanted me take 3months pay and Holiday pay but once
again Hashim had fright my corner HR was taking there time by this time I was not getting paid as I had been on sick over a year HR had then Arange for me to see there Doctor who Examined me and said I could not work again my hand was damaged and gave me Tier 1 finished me on ill Health so I got what I was entitled to if it was not for this Hashim doing Brilliant job i would have come out with less than I was entitled to God send an Angel to flights my corner 40 years i wored for the Council and i deserve the best and got the best represented Hashim Excellent. Thank you for your Support.

Absolute waste of time. I paid into the union for years. When I needed them to help me with a grievance against my employer they left me fighting for justice on my own. The rep was good but not good enough. For 12 weeks ive been through sham grievance hearing, unlawful suspension and finally took the grievance to tribunal myself. GMB solicitors have sat on my mountain of evidence for 6 weeks and not even looked at it! Meanwhile I've been retaliated against by the employer for raising the grievance. Sit back and trust the process when meanwhile my union rep is going through his own disciplinary process and I'm guiding him! I'm a nice person but my patience has run out. I cancelled the direct debit this morning after raising a complaint to GMB themselves and the Regional Rep without a response. Wouldn't bother wasting your money if I were you.

Requested a cancellation of membership as been dismissed few months ago, but couldn't even be bothered why I've been dismissed. That says everything, they just want our money. Glad that I can represent myself and I've managed to make my disability being recognised by the judge. TU are just useless.

I had Hashim from L37 Branch represent me at a disability discrimination meeting over pay, he put every argument to the management, but they would not move on there stance, he requested that a formal legal response was given, as HR were just advisors in the case. We received the formal response from legal which was clear and concise. Fantastic service from an amazing conveyor at Leeds City Council, would always go to him over some of the others.

0 stars . They're happy to take your money. But as soon as you need something from them
They don't wanna help. Don't wanna give you the information that you rightly have access to.