Union

[greenjack]

A union is only as good as your representative. Unfortunately you may not know how good they are until you need them. 15 years in schools and as yet not needed them.

[TheTaker]

the first thing my first head told me was to join the union as they could not protect me if an accusation was ever made. i am with unison but i wish the rmt sorted our pay negotiations then we might not of gone backwards for so many years

[Swatch]

Hmm, never been in any union and I've seen lots of union members in warehouses, schools etc over the years. I've never seen a single example of a union getting involved never mind getting a favourable outcome for anyone. Invariably there isn't a rep on a smaller site and if there is they tend to be ...... 'lacking in in depth knowledge of the law or union workings'. Which isn't surprising given the part time nature of the job. Actually I tell a lie, there was one instance, a union rep asked me (not in the union) if I could help him with the European working time directive (now WTD) over a colleague who felt forced to work beyond their contracted hours in fear of relocation or overtime being withdrawn. I researched it in depth, told the rep exactly what part of the regulation to quote in the meeting and under no circumstances to opt out. He didn't even turn up at the meeting, the colleague was pressured to opt out which he did and was subsequently moved onto a different shift and eventually left.
IMO keep your money in your pocket, don't break the rules and if there is an unfounded allegation get your own proof and do your own research. Union reps (in smaller workplaces) are far from experts, you'd be better off employing a solicitor?

All that said, I'm not against the concept of unionisation and it has generally been a good thing in the past.

[AndyCornwall]

My advice is to always join a union, but make your own mind up, talk to them see what they can offer.

As clever as we are, specialists are better. If your rep is rubbish, or you think he is, ask for another...

Working in a school is one of the most vulnerable places to work, so cover that vulnerability.

Just because you don't see anything happening doesn't mean there aren't things happening. Stuff the union might be involved in would tend to be something you wouldn't be informed about. Confidentiality etc.

[Gazza]

Firstly, ABSOLUTELY join a union.
You need the protection and backup in case of an accusation against you.

I'm in a small non strike union called community it is good for me but not for everyone.

ahhh community thats who i with (changed from the voice.... i have to admit, i dont find much of a use for them tbh

[Vera]

ahhh community thats who i with (changed from the voice.... i have to admit, i dont find much of a use for them tbh

Neither do I Gazza and I intend to keep it that way but It's a bit like house insurance if you find you need it and don't have it then there is a problem.

When I was in my early years as a caretaker I always thought " I don't need a union.." well the academy thing came up and things went bad, low and behold I needed a union. in the end I just moved jobs but I immediately took up membership of a union.

[Drone]

I have a reasonably comfortable retirement. Would never have got it without help from UNISON. They did a fantastic job for me. But generally, I would suggest that you ask colleagues what union they are in & join the same one.

[Jeeh]

I would whole heartedly suggest joining a Union!
I have been in post for 11 years and was informed by my Head after my first year to sign up for one.
I went with GMB and I'm lucky to have a very good rep in my area.
Last year I found out just how good when I needed their help and they pulled me out of a very deep hole dug the by the same Head who advised me to join in the first place!
As someone else said here, "Its always better to have them and not need them, than need them and not have them"
Truer words were never spoken!

[Buffer]

My cards on the table I was an active member of Unison up to the year 2000 but left and never joined another Union, just my opinion and other people will disagree of course but a union is not an insurance company it is a political movement and that is what you are joining if you agree with the politics of the union you are joining that is great but for instance a number of years ago on this site their were people who were members of the BNP party that is fine and was their right of course but then they would mention that they was in Unison and everyone should join and support it the problem though Unison did not want members of the BNP or people who supported it.. So do not join a union and not get involved at all and expect them to run to your aid for anything and everything it will not happen but I will say getting involved at branch level getting supported training etc can be very rewarding so have a good look through at their sites and appreciate and understand them better and see if they are right for you.

[greenjack]

And don’t forget when you join a Union check if any of your membership fee goes to a political party. They don’t tend to advertise that