04-11-18, 12:27 AM
Yes, it is a bit cynical to join a union only when you discover you need one, you'll probably hear the phrase "deathbed conversion". Nonetheless they'll gain more from your subs than they expend if you're only asking for advice rather than representation.
In my case the subscriptions were debited from my bank account, not deducted from salary... and that was for a union recognised by my employer. Since my initial dispute I remained a member and continue to be one despite having been made redundant 4 months ago. I'll cease that once i'm satisfied that my former employer has finally paid what they owe me, but the union won't have lost out on my account.