On my money how can I afford the subs?
You can't afford not to pay the subs. The subs pay for full personal representation if any problem comes up. For less than the price of a drink you get legal protection. If you have an accident just one claim through the union’s Legal Department would probably repay the cost of your subscriptions.
Your subs pay for a network of full-time staff whose job is to look after you and the other union members. Your subs pay for the professional services the union needs to work on your behalf. It pays to help keep you informed. In short, subs pay for all the essential things that you need if you want the best you can get at work.