FabSwingers.com forum: Union representation at work

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Thinking of joining a union at work, due to certain issues regarding my employer.

Not going to go into any more other than that.

But am wondering if it's actually worth it?

Will it cause me more problems than it can solve, will my employer take a dim _iew of this and then try to get rid of me?

Don't want to get into a whole political debate please, this isnt question time.

Just asking.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I joined a union to protect myself as we were losing a lot of time ourselves due to an ongoing national dispute.

After the dispute was over I had an issue for them to help me with. They didn't want to know. Like trying to get an appointment with the scarlet pimpernel.

I'd give them a wide berth.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

"Thinking of joining a union at work, due to certain issues regarding my employer.

Not going to go into any more other than that.

But am wondering if it's actually worth it?

Will it cause me more problems than it can solve, will my employer take a dim _iew of this and then try to get rid of me?

Don't want to get into a whole political debate please, this isnt question time.

Just asking. "

As long as your boss isn't breaking any employment laws then there is nothing a union can do.

They are handy and inexpensive if you need advice or someone to speak to your boss if he/she is breaking the law.

Shouldn't ruffle his feathers you can't be sacked for being in a union.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

I've always been in a union. It is what it says on the can. The united strength of the workers. We cannot accomplish anything alone.

Too many people think the union can move mountains they can't.

They are bound by legalities too.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *avebi48Man
over a year ago

Lordswood

you may also find that if you've just joined then they will be less interested in helping out, check if there's any conditions on membership before you commit.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 22/07/15 15:47:27]

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You should join the union, the union will be able to give you support and advice if needed, they will be able to look into certain problems for you, the union is about agreements that are in place with the company that you work for and can advise on employment law. If a manager is going outside of the agreements in place with the union in other words making his/her own bullshit up you need to speak to the union, everyone should be in a union.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A lot depends on the industry too.

Shop workers, particularly in the larger stores benefit from USDAW. Construction workers union tends to be as useful as a chocolate kettle

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Give it 4 years everyone will be crying for the unions

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *LCCCouple
over a year ago

Cambridge

I would say join. Your boss is a lot less likely to try to pull a fast one when yiu have a union rep that knows hr legisation better than he does sitting next to you.

I have had problems in the past, sometimes when i was in a union, sometimes when i wasnt, i would pick union every time.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

Join. If unions weren't so successful, the Tories wouldn't be in such a panic to try to emasculate them.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Thinking of joining a union at work, due to certain issues regarding my employer.

Not going to go into any more other than that.

But am wondering if it's actually worth it?

Will it cause me more problems than it can solve, will my employer take a dim _iew of this and then try to get rid of me?

Don't want to get into a whole political debate please, this isnt question time.

Just asking. "
lm a union rep and trust me they are good if nothing else you won't get screwed

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Or look at Acas, depending on the nature of your problem. They are free.. Have web and phone lines.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"A lot depends on the industry too.

Shop workers, particularly in the larger stores benefit from USDAW. Construction workers union tends to be as useful as a chocolate kettle"

That's the problem I work in construction!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *drianukMan
over a year ago

Spain, Lancs

Jools and mr...good luck with your grievance. Too many employers are bullies.

I've been in a union most of my working life. Some are good, some bad. A lot depends on the quality of the union rep or fulltimer.

On balance, I'm sad to say, you eould be better seeing a lawyer. A lawyer will cost money but so will a union. At least with a lawyer you will get accurate and prompt advice.

As I say I have been a union member for nearly 30 years but I can only report what I have seen. I was once cheated out of £70,000 by an employer and my union lost my paperwork! By the same token we eere once on strike and the union rep will remain a hero to me for ever.

I hope you get things fixed

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

In my opinion only a fool would not join the union, they are there to help and protect people and they usually do it very well.

A company cannot discriminate in any way against someone in the union.

A union is only as good as its members and reps, if you have problems with the union, vote another rep in!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If you work for a company got to your union branch office, discuss the matter with a union officer

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I've always been in a union. It is what it says on the can. The united strength of the workers. We cannot accomplish anything alone.

Too many people think the union can move mountains they can't.

They are bound by legalities too. "

Well said I am a life long union member and ex shop steward.we do our best for our members and collectively represent them . The new laws and regulations from the government tie our hands in knots

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *anejohnkent6263Couple
over a year ago

canterbury

yes look at the union fees ....then look at the union bosses salaries etc...you will then find out how much they care about you...or is it themselves.....more greedy bastards

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *oodmessMan
over a year ago

yumsville

I looked into it for an issue myself, it may be different depending on your profession, but the few I contacted said they would not take on any disputes that had already arisen. They likened it to 'no point touching an issue once the horse has bolted'. Seemed odd as this would mean any employer could continue doing what they are doing - which I thought surprising.

The benefit is, they do know the ins and outs employment rights, if your employer is taking the piss.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"yes look at the union fees ....then look at the union bosses salaries etc...you will then find out how much they care about you...or is it themselves.....more greedy bastards"
it's not the union bosses that will be helping out it will be the reps and officers at the local branch who get paid fuck all, like me wtf???

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Your employer sounds like a cunt

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Or look at Acas, depending on the nature of your problem. They are free.. Have web and phone lines."
GMB are worth trying too, both offer first class advice

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ouple in LancashireCouple
over a year ago

in Lancashire

"yes look at the union fees ....then look at the union bosses salaries etc...you will then find out how much they care about you...or is it themselves.....more greedy bastards"

would you want someone representing thousands of workers with all the responsibilities that entails being on the minimum wage..

besides, all salaries are accountable to the members and will have been voted through by the members..

if they are happy with it whats your beef..?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *heBirminghamWeekendMan
over a year ago

here

"yes look at the union fees ....then look at the union bosses salaries etc...you will then find out how much they care about you...or is it themselves.....more greedy bastards it's not the union bosses that will be helping out it will be the reps and officers at the local branch who get paid fuck all, like me wtf???"

They should contact their union to highlight this situation of not getting paid, while the big bosses are creaming the workers fees.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ouple in LancashireCouple
over a year ago

in Lancashire

"I've always been in a union. It is what it says on the can. The united strength of the workers. We cannot accomplish anything alone.

Too many people think the union can move mountains they can't.

They are bound by legalities too.

Well said I am a life long union member and ex shop steward.we do our best for our members and collectively represent them . The new laws and regulations from the government tie our hands in knots "

agree with the above..

am an ex union official and now an 'out of trade' member..

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 22/07/15 16:54:02]

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

They should contact their union to highlight this situation of not getting paid, while the big bosses are creaming the workers fees. "

I don't think you understand how it works

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *heBirminghamWeekendMan
over a year ago

here

They should contact their union to highlight this situation of not getting paid, while the big bosses are creaming the workers fees.

I don't think you understand how it works "

Oh I do!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn

some outstanding union reps who will offer great support and advice.

some shockingly bad union reps than will drive their agenda, not yours....

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn

that*

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ouple in LancashireCouple
over a year ago

in Lancashire

"some outstanding union reps who will offer great support and advice.

some shockingly bad union reps than will drive their agenda, not yours...."

would agree, it can be a thankless role to commit to hence why sometimes someone will step in because it suits them and not the members position..

the answer is with the ones giving the mandate..

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Wow what have the unions ever done for us???? Our multibillion pound companies are so fantastic they just decide to give us extra training programmes, sick pay if we get sick, maternity pay for men and women, holiday pay, time of for bereavement, risk assessments, working welfare, somewhere to have where to make a brew, tea breaks, dinner breaks, WOW arn't our employees so kind to us, yeah fuck the unions they do fuck all

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *avebi48Man
over a year ago

Lordswood

"some outstanding union reps who will offer great support and advice.

some shockingly bad union reps than will drive their agenda, not yours...."

sooo true

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ouple in LancashireCouple
over a year ago

in Lancashire

i often smile when people bash the unions given that most of the Health and Safety they benefit from in their workplaces has been because the unions led campaigns for the implementation of such usually on the back of people dying at work..

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *inaTitzTV/TS
over a year ago

Titz Towers, North Notts

A union is like work insurance and you spend a third of your life at work. I've always joined a union when available.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Many people up here were tempted to leave their union following their obnoxious interference at the referendum. The Labour Party too.

Many of us opted out of the Political Levy. Judas had received more than their 30 pieces of silver.

I remember phoning the USDAW office in Aberdeen. The lady i spoke with said that the phones had been ringing continuously in all the Scottish branches since the interference.

As an aside, i stopped shopping at ASDA when they interfered. Many of us will never ever give them a single penny again

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Many great responses on here as to the benefits of joining a union, I applaud them all.

Your employer can't single you out for being a union member and if they did well good luck to them let's see how that would work out for them in court, case law shows courts tend backed the employee if that's happened.

Look for a union that has knowledge of your industry they will be better placed as to what's right and wrong.

If the above comments as to why you should join aren't enough to convince you look at the cost of hiring a lawyer to take on your employer then add in specialist (if needed) and court fees you would need a pretty big bank account to pay for that, or for between £10-£20 you can have access to all of the above should you need it via a union.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Unions aren't what they were and have very little pull depending on who is on the committee. if it's anything like the union at my place as long as the committee members are happy and have their deals you will be fucked over what ever the weather.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *arkstaffsMan
over a year ago

Rugeley

Every working person should be in a Trade Union. Unions are the only support workers have. They are there for legal advice, to hold companies and bosses to account and see that agreements are adhered to.

Despite what the press want people to think Unions are not the enemy and want strikes all the time. All they want is fairness and the best deal for their members. The members are the Union and there are some fantastic reps out there who do a superb job representing members.

If you fight you might lose. If you don't fight you will always lose.

- Bob Crow.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Speak to ACAS. Very very helpful .

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

"Many people up here were tempted to leave their union following their obnoxious interference at the referendum. The Labour Party too.

Many of us opted out of the Political Levy. Judas had received more than their 30 pieces of silver.

I remember phoning the USDAW office in Aberdeen. The lady i spoke with said that the phones had been ringing continuously in all the Scottish branches since the interference.

As an aside, i stopped shopping at ASDA when they interfered. Many of us will never ever give them a single penny again"

Heaven forbid that a trade union or a political party should take a political stance over a matter of national importance.

Something the SNP would never contemplate, eh?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *bi HaiveMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Cheeseville, Somerset

" Every working person should be in a Trade Union. Unions are the only support workers have. They are there for legal advice, to hold companies and bosses to account and see that agreements are adhered to.

If you fight you might lose. If you don't fight you will always lose.

- Bob Crow."

I've never been in a union. They're not the only support workers have. I've had issues before that I was able to go to line management and HR about with no problems at all. I've helped non union members who've been through disciplinary procedures as a colleague at meetings.

If I've ever had cause to raise a concern I've been capable of arguing my own case and discussing my own issues without the need to call on others who don't know me from Adam.

Unions may be right for some people. They are not right or needed for everyone and saying that all employees should be in one is both wrong and misleading.

Legal advice can be obtained freely from a variety of non Union related sources.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *cottishsexgoddessWoman
over a year ago

Glenrothes

I was a full time union rep for several years and helped many colleagues over that time from small issues right up to disciplinary hearings and appeals. Sometimes the members were in the wrong, but often it was managers who.just couldn't seem to follow policies and processes. I lost count of the number of times I had to take issue with HR and managers. It was a hard, stressful and emotional job but I loved it because I felt as though I was helping to keep members safe and ensure the management kept to the law, policies etc. Some unions are better than others unfortunately, and some officers seem to be more interested in what the Union can do for them, rather than what they can do for the Union/members, however if anyone has an issue with their employer, having the advice and assistance of the union can help.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Thinking of joining a union at work, due to certain issues regarding my employer.

Not going to go into any more other than that.

But am wondering if it's actually worth it?

Will it cause me more problems than it can solve, will my employer take a dim _iew of this and then try to get rid of me?

Don't want to get into a whole political debate please, this isnt question time.

Just asking. "

They may take our jobs but they'll never take our frrrreeeeeddddooooommmmmm.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *andom2chatMan
over a year ago

A Galaxy Far, Far Away & Spain

"Give it 4 years everyone will be crying for the unions"

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Was a union rep for ten years in my old contract. I am still in the Union, it's a safety net - someone to offer support & they have the knowledge which some employees don't have when it comes to disputes & law - all reps are trainered to a high standard & also have the support of a full time official should it become out of their territory - would you buy a house with out buildings insurance ...it's there if you need it & can be worth it's weight in gold - I have saved many jobs & even had staff reinstated when my company made got the wrong outcome! For the sake of £15 a month ...it's well worth it x

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *andom2chatMan
over a year ago

A Galaxy Far, Far Away & Spain

There are some very good Unions out there but depends on the industry you work in. Some are far stronger & capable than others, & for the small amount you pay in can greatly benefit from the collective bargaining & representation they provide. Unions are not like the 70's where they didn't work WITH & FOR the mutual benefit of both worker & the good of the company. Most respectable Unions negotiate with employers, & more progressive employers recognise this rather than demoralise their union employees. They are there to negotiate the best practice for both but primarily the employee.

It's only when the sh1t hit the fan that most employees today suddenly find themselves in need of union representation.

For the small cost I would advise people are always far better having the "insurance" of protecting their rights at work through union representation - the longer the better.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *andom2chatMan
over a year ago

A Galaxy Far, Far Away & Spain

"i often smile when people bash the unions given that most of the Health and Safety they benefit from in their workplaces has been because the unions led campaigns for the implementation of such usually on the back of people dying at work..

I agree with you on this. H&S laws are already on the agenda with the current Govt (& even EU with the TTIP debacle). Paid holidays, sick pay, & many other benefits came about through Union influence. In the age of "austerity" & the wish to diminish Unions in the UK, how long before they wither & vanish before today's employees look round & wonder where their rights & benefits have gone?

On the subject of HR - nice if you're capable of fighting for yourself but I recall at least two HR Managers who weren't in Unions being first on the phone begging for Union advice, help & support when their jobs came under attack in the name of cutbacks. Having enjoyed years of being paid by their masters, the employer, they felt helpless when they had to fight for their own jobs. From my experience HR managers ultimately answer to the man writing the cheque every month & couldn't represent me when I needed them, so for me if rather pay the Union for ensuring my rights, benefits & job security before I'd trust HR.

Just my personal opinion.

(No offense to HR PERSONNEL)

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *andom2chatMan
over a year ago

A Galaxy Far, Far Away & Spain

"Many people up here were tempted to leave their union following their obnoxious interference at the referendum. The Labour Party too.

Many of us opted out of the Political Levy. Judas had received more than their 30 pieces of silver.

I remember phoning the USDAW office in Aberdeen. The lady i spoke with said that the phones had been ringing continuously in all the Scottish branches since the interference.

As an aside, i stopped shopping at ASDA when they interfered. Many of us will never ever give them a single penny again

Heaven forbid that a trade union or a political party should take a political stance over a matter of national importance.

Something the SNP would never contemplate, eh?"

What on EARTH has the OP asking advice about a work dispute & joining a Union have to do with the SNP? The OP doesn't even reside in Scotland!

We GET that you're very anti SNP but for heavens sake, either offer the OP some advice that could be of help rather than turn each & practically EVERY thread into some anti SNP thread.

Seek help for this obsession. It's taking over your life man.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A think if you join at least you have someone that may help you web a situation arises

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"You should join the union, the union will be able to give you support and advice if needed, they will be able to look into certain problems for you, the union is about agreements that are in place with the company that you work for and can advise on employment law. If a manager is going outside of the agreements in place with the union in other words making his/her own bullshit up you need to speak to the union, everyone should be in a union."

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I would definitely say join a union. as for your employer looking dimly on your membership, you are legally entitled to join a union, therefore any problems with your membership that your employer tries to cause would be yet another thing the union themselves would help you with.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

"Many people up here were tempted to leave their union following their obnoxious interference at the referendum. The Labour Party too.

Many of us opted out of the Political Levy. Judas had received more than their 30 pieces of silver.

I remember phoning the USDAW office in Aberdeen. The lady i spoke with said that the phones had been ringing continuously in all the Scottish branches since the interference.

As an aside, i stopped shopping at ASDA when they interfered. Many of us will never ever give them a single penny again

Heaven forbid that a trade union or a political party should take a political stance over a matter of national importance.

Something the SNP would never contemplate, eh?

What on EARTH has the OP asking advice about a work dispute & joining a Union have to do with the SNP? The OP doesn't even reside in Scotland!

We GET that you're very anti SNP but for heavens sake, either offer the OP some advice that could be of help rather than turn each & practically EVERY thread into some anti SNP thread.

Seek help for this obsession. It's taking over your life man. "

I take it you either didn't read or chose to ignore the post I replied to.

Maybe I'm not the one with the obsession, eh?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ouple in LancashireCouple
over a year ago

in Lancashire

"Unions aren't what they were and have very little pull depending on who is on the committee. if it's anything like the union at my place as long as the committee members are happy and have their deals you will be fucked over what ever the weather."

And in some ways that's a good thing, the days of Red Robbo and downing tools over pettiness did nothing but alienate a lot of good people..

I'm ex army and it used to do my skull in when similar issue's occured..

upon leaving that and then becoming a rep in my new employment and over time representing members in several area's, discipline, pensions, grievance etc i saw some horrific cases whereby some 'managers' would invent their own version of accepted policies and operational procedures usually to cover up their own mistakes and this in a risk critical environment..

If that's your experience then its up to you and your colleagues to make changes to that committee, pointless moaning about it and accepting the status quo..

use the rule book and step up, its your union..

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

Post new Message to Thread