A Guide to RMT rules regarding Membership Contributions

The Rules regarding your membership contributions are covered by Rule 2 (Conditions of Membership), Clauses 7 to 22. Furthermore, the Union’s full Rule Book can be found online by visiting: https://www.rmt.org.uk/about/rmt-rule-book/

In summary:

1)     The Union has two rates (Full and Low) which are usually paid monthly or 4-weekly. 

2)     The Low rate is 43% of the Full rate under Rule.

3)     To qualify for the Low rate, your annual basic salary or equivalent earnings must be below the annual threshold set each year.

4)     The annual threshold for 2025 is £24,964 per annum.

5)     The Union has specific Rules to support members with changes to their employment circumstances. Any change may require an alteration to your contribution rate or even an exemption from contributions, depending on specific circumstances and the appropriate supporting documentation. 

 

The contribution rates for 2025 are shown below:

            

Rate	Monthly	4-weekly
Full	£24.74	£22.84
Low	£10.66	£9.84

 

While it is recommended that you read the Rules regarding contributions in full, some examples of circumstances that may arise during your membership are shown below to make you aware of the supporting arrangements in place should a change occur: 

 

• Moving from full-time to part-time (and vice versa) – This could mean a reduction (or increase) to your contribution amount.

 

• Being in receipt of zero company pay while still employed (due to sickness/ill-health and maternity leave) – This would enable an exemption from contributions to apply for the period of zero pay.

 

• Becoming unemployed - Which would enable an exemption from contributions to apply.

 

• Being on an unpaid employability or work experience placement scheme - Which would enable an exemption from contributions to apply during the placement.

 

• Ceasing employment in the transport industry and seeking a return to work in the industry – If you find alternative work outside of the industry, you may pay the Low rate to retain your continuous years of membership while seeking a return to the industry. Upon your return to the industry, your contributions will be reviewed in accordance with our Rules and the annual threshold determined each year.

 

• Redundancy - Members with not less than 52 weeks' full membership may pay the Low Rate if redundant to retain full continuous membership in the event of returning to employment.

 

• Retirement – upon your retirement from the industry, after submitting an application for retirement benefit, you will receive honorary membership which does not require you to pay contributions.

 

PLEASE NOTE: All exemptions from contributions shall be limited to twenty-four months, during which time they will retain full entitlement to benefit.

 

LEGAL CLAIMS - If you are unfairly dismissed and pursue a legal claim, for reasons other than redundancy, an exemption from contributions will apply until the conclusion of the case if you remain unemployed during this period. The Low rate is payable if made redundant.

 

Should any changes as outlined above occur, please call freephone 0800 376 3706, or email membership@rmt.org.uk, so that we may advise you accordingly.