FAQsFAQs
I can look after myself, why should I join?
FDA members are skilled professional people. Over 18,000 of your colleagues recognise that if they come across problems at work, they need the professional assistance of the union. A good example of this is that a third of the FDA's membership is made up of Lawyers. Although they can represent others in their day job, they want help from the experts when they need to be represented themselves. The FDA has a wide range of experience in representing the most senior staff in the civil and public service.
How much does it cost?
The monthly subscription to FDA varies depending on how much you earn. Each year the membership itself decides the subscription rate at our Annual Delegate Conference.
Don't I get the benefits anyway?
To have a say or to influence vitally important issues like pay, promotion, policy and pensions you need the FDA and the FDA needs you. You should recognise that on these topics your department will not discuss matters individually with staff, but instead with the trade unions. As a non union member you have no part in the process of deciding what your pay rise will be each year.
Can't I just wait to see if and when I need to join FDA?
You are welcome to join FDA at any time in your career. However, if you decide to join us only when you have an issue at work we will not be able to help you on any pre existing matters.
Does FDA go on strike?
Trade union members have the option of looking at strike action when negotiations break down. While FDA has not had a general members strike since 1981, we would not rule out this action if our members requested it. An example of this was when we balloted members in 2005 for strike action against the proposed changes to the Civil Service Pension Scheme. Before the strike was due to take place the proposals were amended and the reasons for the strike were taken away, so members did not have to take the action.
The FDA specialises in representing senior staff working in civil service departments, agencies, quangos, public bodies and the National Health Service. Generally speaking anyone working in these areas at a level comparable to civil service grade 7 or above, or the fast stream training grades, should join the FDA. For full details click here.
What is ARC?
The Association of Revenue and Customs, to give it its full title, is both a section of the FDA and an independent trade union in its own right. ARC represents all FDA grades in Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, the Contributions Agency and the Valuation Agency.
If I join ARC, am I still an FDA member?
Yes. Members of ARC are also full members of the FDA, with access to the same benefits and service. ARC members receive their own specialist publication, ARC News, as well as Public Service Magazine.
I am on secondment. Can I still be a member?
Yes. Staff on secondment can remain members of the FDA for as long as they are employed in the UK public service.
If I am moved overseas, can I stay a member?
Yes. If you are posted abroad, we will be happy to mail FDA correspondence to your new address for as long as you remain employed in the UK public service. Remember to let us know your full address.
I am a fast streamer. Do I have to pay the full sub?
Usually no. Anyone earning less than £31,000 pays subscriptions at the lower rate. This is currently £9.95 a month for FDA members and £10.20 for ARC members. And if you are a fast streamer joining the FDA for the first time, you pay nothing for six months!
I work part time. Do I get a reduction?
If, as a result of working part time, your gross salary is less than £15,000, you can take advantage of the new band 0 rate of £5.40 per month. If you are going part time, please let our membership section know as soon as possible on 0845 470 1111.
Can I pay my subs direct from my salary?
No. Unfortunately, changes to employment legislation and the high charges levied by government pay offices make this impractical. We can only accept payment from new members by monthly direct debit.
When will the payments be collected?
Subscription payments will be collected from your nominated bank account on, or shortly after, the first of the month.
What should do if there is a mistake with my direct debit?
If you think we have made a mistake in collecting your subscription payments, contact our membership section immediately on 0845 470 1111. If anything is wrong, you will get a full refund.
I am leaving the public service. Can I stay a member?
If you are retiring, you can take out life membership for a one-off payment of eighteen times your monthly subscription. If you are leaving the public service for the private sector, you can take out associate membership for just £2.50 a month in the FDA and two-thirds of the annual subscription in ARC. For more details, click here.