I can�t agree with aristotle�s rose-tinted view of trade unions and the assertion that extremism is not alive and well in the movement today. And not all employers are determined to undermine the rights of workers. The legislation we have in place today is around for a variety of reasons and I certainly would not credit unions with being the driving force behind it.
However, you have 2 extreme views here and I think the reality is somewhere between the two.
Don�t let pro-union propaganda frighten you into believing that you will not be able to defend yourself against the big bad employer. There are other mechanisms in place to do this, such as grievance procedures, industrial tribunals and even the Courts in some cases. Employers know that employees are much more aware of their rights than they used to be, and also that poor employers lose staff.
It is very rare for a union to be involved in an individual pay negotiation and where a union is recognised for collective bargaining over pay, the Agreement is applied to all staff who hold the jobs they negotiate for whether they are union members or not.
In all honesty, in my opinion, for fighting battles a union is only as good as it�s local Shop Steward. Which can sometimes be very poor indeed.
But have a look at the other things the membership will get you. Discounts, access to cover for your family etc. Personally I think �120 a year sounds a lot.