ONLINE enquires into trade union membership have soared by 700 per cent since RMT workers launched strike action this week, the TUC said today.

And searches for “join union” on Google have increased by 184 per cent, according to an analysis by Workello.

The data also revealed that searches for “how to strike” have exploded by 135 per cent since the strikes began.

“Seeing workers defend their jobs, pay and conditions has reminded people just how important it is to be in a union — especially during this current cost-of-living emergency,” a TUC spokesman said.

“Banding together with your workmates is the best way to get a fair deal at work.

“If you’re in a union, your employer will have to sit down and negotiate with you. But if you’re not you have little bargaining power.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said more workers are joining unions as they see it is the only way to fight attacks on their living standards.

“The system is rigged in favour of profiteering corporates who get fat by driving up inflation and holding down wages and politicians are unwilling or unable or to stop it,” she said.

“Unions are now setting the agenda.”

To find and join a union, head to the TUC’s union finder: www.tuc.org.uk/join-a-union