** update 2 Oct 2017**
phd students who teach/GTAs can join UCU for free by phoning on 0333 207 0719 from Monday 2 October. Our online portal www.ucu.org.uk/join will open for free membership from Thursday 5 October. We are doing it this way to make sure we pick up any issues in the first set of new applications before we go fully online.
Existing members who believe they are entitled to free membership will receive individual instructions by email this week.
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The future of the profession: GTAs get free UCU membership
From 1 October 2017 all phd students who teach can apply for free membership ie GTAs. Contact Essex UCU if you have further queries.
https://www.ucu.org.uk/article/8916/Future-of-the-profession-free-membership-FAQ