Business Details
Your Voice in the Food Industry Since 1847
Established in 1847, we are the only independent trade union dedicated to the food industry in the UK. Our mission is to protect workers' rights through advocacy, legal support, and campaigns on critical issues like fair pay, health and safety, and climate action. With over 150 years of experience, we provide members with access to financial services, education programs, and workplace representation. Our union prioritises inclusivity, supporting diverse communities through targeted initiatives for BAME, LGBTQ+, women, and young workers. We actively engage in national policy discussions, including our recent Year of Climate Action launched at TUC Congress.Our trained health and safety representatives ensure compliance with legal standards, while our regional offices offer localised support. Through workplace organising and member-driven campaigns, we empower food workers to collectively address workplace challenges. Our services extend beyond employment issues, including free accidental death cover and partnerships with financial advisors. With a strong digital presence featuring educational videos and resources, we continue evolving to meet modern workforce needs while maintaining our founding principles of solidarity and fairness.
Services
Legal Representation
Financial Services
Health & Safety Advocacy
Workplace Training
Climate Campaigns
Inclusivity Programs
Member Education
Accidental Death Cover
Highlights and features
- We have over 150 years of specialist experience in food industry worker representation
- Our union provides free 5,000 Accidental Death Cover to all members
- We campaign on critical issues including climate action and 15 per hour wage
- Trained health and safety representatives operate in workplaces nationwide
- We offer exclusive financial services and legal support for food workers
Services
Legal Representation
We provide comprehensive legal support for workplace issues including unfair treatment, accidents, and contractual disputes. Our trained representatives advocate for members' rights through formal grievance procedures and employment tribunals. This service ensures workers receive proper legal protection and fair treatment in both unionised and non-unionised workplaces.
Financial Services
Our financial services offer guidance on budgeting, debt management, and future planning. Through partnerships with financial experts, we help members navigate personal finance challenges including cost-of-living pressures and back-to-school expenses. This support includes access to PayPlan resources and tailored advice for food industry workers' specific financial needs.
Health & Safety Advocacy
Trained health and safety representatives conduct workplace inspections, investigate accidents, and consult with employers on risk management. Our national committee supports local reps with specialist knowledge across regions. This service ensures compliance with legal standards and protects workers from hazards in food industry environments.
Climate Action Campaigns
We lead industry-specific climate initiatives through our Year of Climate Action program. This includes workplace energy audits, waste reduction strategies, and policy advocacy at national climate talks. Our campaigns connect environmental sustainability with workers' rights, promoting green job opportunities within the food sector.
Inclusivity Programs
Targeted initiatives promote equality across five key areas: BAME, LGBTQ+, women's rights, young workers, and disability access. Our programs address workplace discrimination through education, policy advocacy, and support networks. This includes specific campaigns for equal pay, safe working environments, and career development opportunities.
Questions
What benefits do BFAWU members receive?
Members gain legal protection, free accidental death cover, financial advice services, health and safety representation, and access to educational programs. We also provide workplace campaigning support and inclusivity initiatives.
How does the union support climate action?
We run a 12-month Climate Action program with workplace energy audits, waste reduction strategies, and policy advocacy at international climate conferences like COP.
What historical significance does BFAWU have?
Founded in 1847, we are the UK's oldest independent food industry trade union with a continuous history of fighting for workers' rights across three centuries.
How can workers get involved in campaigns?
Members participate through workplace reps, regional meetings, and national conferences. Our organising model encourages collective action on issues like fair pay and workplace safety.
What legal protections does the union offer?
We provide representation for workplace accidents, unfair treatment claims, and contractual disputes through trained legal advisors and formal grievance procedures.
How does the union support diverse workers?
We operate targeted programs for BAME, LGBTQ+, women, and young workers including specific campaigns for equal pay and safe working environments.
