Cancel Unite: Step-by-Step Guide

What is Unite

Overview

Unite is a New Zealand trade union that represents workers across multiple industries, offering representation, collective bargaining support, and member services.

The union collects membership fees and provides benefits such as workplace support, legal advice in employment matters, and optional insurance upgrades.

Membership context

Membership is usually paid by payroll deduction where there is an employer arrangement, or by direct monthly payment for those without payroll deduction.

Fee schedules and options (including a small optional annual insurance upgrade) are set by Unite and published on their official fees page.

How to cancel Unite

Decide how you joined

Identify whether your fees are deducted by your employer or you pay directly by card each month.

This determines whether you need to contact your employer, Unite, or both to stop payments.

Step-by-step cancellation

• Contact your employer/payroll and request they stop Union payroll deductions from the date you specify.
• Send a signed written cancellation notice to Unite; include your full name, membership number (if known), employer, and the date you want cancellation to take effect.
• If you pay direct by card, cancel the payment method via Unite’s membership portal or request cancellation in writing by post or the union’s official contact channel.
• Keep copies of all correspondence and confirmation from both your employer and Unite showing deductions have stopped.

What happens when you cancel

Access to member services

After cancellation you will generally lose access to member-only services such as representation and member legal assistance from the cancellation date.

Some services for issues that arose before cancellation may still be available; check with Unite.

Renewal and data handling

Unite will retain membership records in line with its privacy policy and legal requirements.

You can request confirmation of data retention or deletion from Unite under New Zealand privacy law.

Will I get a refund?

General refund policy

Refunds depend on how fees were paid and the timing of your cancellation request.

Fees are set as of 1 April 2024 and refunds are not automatic; you must request a refund and provide supporting details.

Common exceptions and steps

• Payroll-deducted fees: Employers usually remit amounts to Unite; refunds may require employer and union agreement and proof of overpayment.
• Direct payments: If you paid by card and cancel mid-period, ask Unite for a pro rata refund - outcomes vary by circumstance.
• Keep records (payslips, bank statements, confirmation emails) to support any refund claim.

Unite plans and pricing

Fee table

Notes on pricing

Fees apply as of 1 April 2024 and differ by payment method and hours worked.

Weekly fees are payroll-deducted where applicable; otherwise direct monthly card payments apply, including a 25c/week transaction cost.

Your consumer rights in New Zealand

Relevant laws

Your dealings with Unite are covered by New Zealand laws including the Privacy Act, Employment Relations Act, and consumer protection statutes such as the Fair Trading Act where applicable.

Payroll deduction disputes can also involve employment law and payroll obligations under employment agreements.

How to escalate a dispute

• First, request written resolution from Unite and your employer with timelines.
• If unresolved, complain to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (Employment New Zealand) for payroll/employment issues.
• For privacy concerns, contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner; for misleading conduct, contact the Commerce Commission or Consumer Affairs bodies.

Customer experiences

Positive feedback

Many members report useful workplace representation, helpful negotiation support, and good value for the level of membership fees paid.

Members often value the availability of legal advice and collective bargaining results achieved by Unite.

Common complaints

Some members report difficulties stopping payroll deductions or delays in receiving confirmation of cancellation.

Others note confusion over fee tiers or the small transaction cost on direct payments; keeping good records helps resolve these issues.

Documentation checklist

What to include when you cancel

• Your full name and contact details.
• Membership number (if known) and employer name.
• Statement that you wish to cancel membership and the effective cancellation date.
• Preferred refund method (if requesting a refund) and copies of relevant payslips or payment receipts.

Suggested supporting documents

• Copies of recent payslips showing union deductions.
• Copies of bank or card statements showing direct payments.
• Signed letter or email confirming cancellation request.

Common mistakes

Not informing payroll

Failing to tell your employer to stop deductions can mean payments continue even after Unite receives your cancellation request.

Always confirm both employer and union have actioned the stop.

Missing documentation and deadlines

Not providing a signed cancellation or neglecting to specify an effective date can delay processing.

Assuming an automatic refund without requesting one is another common issue; always ask and provide proof.

Comparative recap

Fee and payment comparison

Key takeaway

How you pay (payroll vs direct) affects cancellation steps, refund chances, and processing time.

Notify both employer and Unite, and keep documentation to speed resolution.

After cancelling

Confirmations to expect

Request written confirmation from Unite and your employer that deductions have stopped and the effective cancellation date.

Keep those confirmations with your records in case of later disputes.

Helpful links

• Unite (official site) - membership and contact information.
• Employment New Zealand - information on payroll deductions and employment rights.
• Consumer Protection (MBIE) - consumer rights and dispute steps.
• Office of the Privacy Commissioner - privacy and data retention queries.
• Citizens Advice Bureau - free advice on resolving disputes.

Address

Postal address for cancellation

Send signed cancellation notices and supporting documents by post to the official mailing address:

PO Box 96233, Balmoral, Auckland 1342, New Zealand

What to include with posted cancellations

• Signed letter stating your request to cancel, membership details, and effective date.
• Copies of payslips or payment receipts if requesting a refund.
• A return address and preferred contact method for confirmation.