Frequently Asked Questions

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	How much does it cost to be a member of the IDU?
Posted 21 July 2008   A Like most other UK organisations we have finally had to face the realities of increasing costs and for the first time in 3 years the IDU are to increase subscription rates. However after close scrutiny the National General Council believe that with continuing care and sound financial judgment the increase can be kept to an absolute minimum and will be less than 1.4%. From the 1st of August 2008 IDU subscriptions will move to £7.60 per month for full time and £3.80 per month for part time Part time is defined by anyone working 20 hours a week or less   Contact National Office - 01256 841153

	Why is the AADU changing its name?
Posted 02 January 2008   A This was decided due to the AA’s merger with SAGA. It will enable your union to approach them with a view to having union recognition throughout the SAGA Group which will increase our strength and voice. The only change that you will notice is the title Independent Democratic Union replacing AA Democratic Union, the rest of the union structure, support and reps on the ground remains the same.   Contact Sarah Hamlin - AADU Coordinator - 01256 841153

	How can I become a member of the IDU?
Posted 25 May 2006   A There are several ways you can join the Independent Democratic Union. You can contact your local IDU Representative - a list of your local reps is on the Branches page of this website. Alternatively you can download an application from the website and post to the National Office using the FREEPOST address. Telephone or email the National Union Office on 01256 841153/sarah.hamlin@idu.org.uk to request an application form.   Contact National Office - 01256 841153

	Who can I contact if I have a problem in work?
Posted 01 February 2006   A If you are an IDU member, contact your local IDU Representative. A list of your local reps is on the Branches page of this website. Alternatively you can call the National Union Office on 01256 841153 or email the National Office at sarah.hamlin@idu.org.uk   Contact National Office - 01256 841153

	How can I pay my union subs?
Posted 03 October 2006   A If you work for the AA, your subscriptions can be deducted from your wages by AA payroll. Alternatively you can pay by standing order. Please contact the national office on 01256 841153 if you wish to pay by this method.   Contact National Office - 01256 841153

	How long does it take for me to be covered once I complete a form?
Posted 03 October 2006   A Once your completed application form is received at national office you will receive full cover.   Contact National Office - 01256 841153

	Can the IDU represent me in a disciplinary hearing?
Posted 14 March 2006   A Employees have a right to be accompanied by a Trade Union Representative when they are required to attend a disciplinary, appeal or grievance hearing. The request to be accompanied must be "reasonable", so do not leave it until the last minute. If you have been notified that you have to attend a disciplinary hearing please contact the IDU immediately.   Contact National Office - 01256 841153

	As a part time worker, do I have the same rights as my colleague's who work full time?
Posted 16 February 2006   A The law states that part-time workers have the right not to be treated less favourably than comparable full-timers. This means they should:- * receive the same rates of pay * not be excluded from training simply because they work part-time * receive holiday entitlement pro rata to comparable full-timers * have any career break schemes, contractual maternity leave and parental leave made available to them in the same way as for full-time workers * not be treated less favourably when workers are selected for redundancy.   Contact

	Does the AA recognise any other Trade Union?
Posted 01 February 2006   A NO. The IDU is the only Trade Union that is recognised by the AA to undertake collective negotiations on behalf of AA workers.   Contact National Office - 01256 841153

	Is the IDU a 'proper' Trade Union
Posted 01 February 2006   A YES The Certification Officer maintains a list of trade unions and of employers' associations. Any trade union may apply to the Certification Officer to have its name included in the public list, or it may choose to be 'unlisted'. Entry in the list means no more than that the body concerned satisfies the statutory definition of a trade union. Regardless of whether a union is 'listed' it must still comply with all the legal requirements. Listing is an essential preliminary to any application for a certification of independence. The Certification Officer is responsible for : maintaining a list of trade unions and employers' associations receiving and scrutinising annual returns from trade unions and employers' associations determining complaints concerning trade union elections, certain other ballots and breaches of trade union rules ensuring observance of statutory requirements governing mergers between trade unions and between employers' associations overseeing the political funds and the finances of trade unions and employers associations certifying the independence of trade unions The IDU is listed with the Certification Office (number787T) and was issued a certificate of independence on the 7th March 2007   Contact National Office - 01256 841153

	Do I need to notify the union if my details change or will payroll do this for me?
Posted 01 February 2006   A It is imperative that we maintain an accurate database of our members. AA Payroll do not notify the IDU when members change address etc. so it is important you let us know direct. You can do this either by:- Contacting your local rep Calling the IDU national office on 01256 841153 By completing the change of details form on the `contact us` page of this website.   Contact National Office - 01256 841153

	Does the Union provide legal assistance for members?
Posted 01 February 2006   A The The Independent Democratic Union has a firm of solicitors who act on behalf of all IDU members. This provides the support and backup that our members may require should the need arise. These services are of course included in your monthly subscription. If you wish to pursue a personal injury claim please contact the National Office on 01256 841153 for the necessary paperwork.   Contact National Office - 01256 841153

	What is the rule book and am I entitled to a copy?
Posted 01 February 2006   A The Rule Book governs the way the Independent Democratic Union runs and organises itself. The rule book also outlines the responsibilities of IDU members and every member is entitled to a copy of the latest edition. If you are an IDU member and would like a copy this can be obtained by either writing to the national office at:- 21-22 Hart House Priestley Road Basingstoke Hants RG24 9PU By Phone - 01256 841153 By Email - sarah.hamlin@idu.org.uk   Contact National Office - 01256 841153

	Am I entitled to a written contract?
Posted 01 February 2006   A Employers must give employees a written statement of the main particulars of employment within two months of the beginning of the employment. It should include, among other things, details of pay, hours, holidays, notice period and an additional note on disciplinary and grievance procedures.   Contact National Office - 01256 841153

	Am I entitled to have a free eye test if I work on a computer?
Posted 24 January 2006   A The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 and an EC Directive that came into effect from 1993 require employers to minimize risks in VDU work and to ensure. One area an employer has to comply with is providing eye tests. The AA´s policy complies with this legislation reads: ¨All staff whose jobs entail the habitual use of display screen equipment should be encouraged to take advantage of the full Opthalmological test through the Association's appointed optician. 1. Spectacles are only granted to those employees requiring them for sole use on display screen equipment. 2. Staff are entitled to a free re-test as detailed below:- * For staff over 40 years of age, every three years from the date of the previous test. * For staff under 40 years of age, every five years from the date of the previous test.   Contact National Office - 01256 841153

	What is the minimum and maximum temperature in a workplace?
Posted 20 January 2006   A The Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992 lay down particular requirements for most aspects of the working environment and states that during working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable. (However, the application of the regulation depends on the nature of the workplace i.e. a bakery, a cold store, an office, a warehouse.). Although there is no legal definition, the Working Regulations Approved Code of Practice states the minimum temperature should normally be at least 16 degrees Celsius. However there is no recommended maximum temperature.   Contact National Office - 01256 841153

	What breaks am I entitled to at work?
Posted 18 January 2006   A The Working Time Regulations (1998) govern the hours people can work. An adult worker is entitled to a 20 minute rest break for every 6 hours worked. The details of the rest break are to be set out in any collective or workforce agreement which applies.   Contact National Office - 01256 841153

	What should I do if I feel am I am being bullied by my manager?
Posted 10 January 2006   A Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect at work. Bullying and harassment of any kind should not be tolerated. If you feel you are being bullied you should immediately contact either your local IDU Representative or the National Office on 01256 841153.   Contact National Office - 01256 841153

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