GMB - A brief guide to a modern union The GMB, Britain’s General Union, has over 55,000 members across the Birmingham and West Midlands region, who work in all occupations across both the public and private sectors. Around 30% of GMB’s women members are in part-time employment. The particular strength of a general union is that it gives any workers in any industry, however large or small, the combined support of all its members in all industries and services. Union members enjoy better terms and conditions of employment than non-union members and can feel safe in the knowledge that they’re part of a national network of over 700,000 members. GMB’s purpose is to improve the quality of life of our members and their families. We actively encourage and support members wishing to pursue further education or develop their skills locally and also have a national college, based in Manchester, offering a wide range of courses.     The GMB provides advice and guidance on employment law, health and safety at work, pensions, Human Resource Management, pensions and terms and conditions. Members are supported by shop stewards, local representatives and full-time officials who negotiate, represent, listen and advise on our members’ behalf. Through GMB and its solicitors, members recover millions of pounds in compensation – a staggering £3,416,477 has been awarded to Birmingham and West Midlands regional members in personal injury compensation between January and June 2002 alone. The GMB offers a Legal Freephone Service on 0800 100 9119 - further information can be found on the Legal Department's page. The GMB regional office is based in Halesowen, with area offices in Cheltenham, Tamworth and Stafford, ensuring all members receive local representation across the West Midlands region.