Established in 1919
Why Join Us?
We hope and expect that you can go through your working life without having problems, but they can and do occur. It is at these times that membership of the Union is vital, as we do not look after non-members. One thing is for certain - if you are unfortunate to be faced with a problem at work, we will be there for you, making things better.
The RBA is a democratic organisation, and every member has a voice on issues concerning union policy, pay and conditions and the election of officials.
The main day-to-day activity of the union is in representing individual members in hundreds of hearings a year, covering warnings, dismissals, absence management meetings, and grievances.
The RBA works for you:
...and works harder than you would imagine!
Easy for us to say, but true, nevertheless.
Skilled and experienced Central Office staff & Officers are available 12 hours a day, seven days a week, to advise and represent members wherever they work.
The RBA’s volunteer force of elected Branch Representatives and Delegates also work tirelessly on behalf of members, in individual grievance and disciplinary casework, and on committees dealing with collective issues.
They are just like you, working full time or part time in retail; they know what life in retail is like, and without their work the union couldn’t function. They don’t do it for the money (it’s unpaid), they do it because they care, and they are truly the unsung heroes!
Application Form
Download your form:
We need a paper application form as it contains authorisation for subscriptions to be paid by bank standing order, or if you work for W H Smith or Waterstones , authorisation for us to receive subscriptions via deductions from your monthly salary.
Once completed , please post to us.
Once we have received and processed your application form, we will send you a new members welcome pack including your membership card and you can start taking advantage of your membership benefits.
Membership Benefits
Help When You Need It Most
Individual Representations
We accompany members in disciplinary and grievance hearings all over the country. We make sure that no member stands alone at such times, and we really do make a difference.
Health & Safety Focus
Collective Representation
Ensuring policies and procedures are maintained to look after the safety and health of our members and of any other persons such as non-members and customers on premises where we have members.