Unions: Worth it?

[Ingah]

I'm currently a member of union, as i joined it when i was having difficulties with a previous employer.

My current workplace, however, doesn't formally 'recognise' a union, so i was trying to work out if there's any significant benefit to continuing to pay my subs to this union as i'm not really sure what they can do for me?
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-- Ingah

[pinkyfloyd]

All that means is they do not negotiate with your union during disciplinary matters.

https://www.community-tu.org/information/100235/100504/employmentrights/

Have a look there. You, as a union member are still covered by the same rights in your workplace as every other worker and you can also request, should you need, a union rep to be present for disciplinary issues.

Stay in the union, they can be helpfull. While I was a chef I was within the bakers union. They gave me great advice when I had issues in a workplace and also offered extras like mortgage advice, legal advice for family matters. Pretty much everything. They had their own lawyers on board that could help with anything at a cheaper rate.
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[angryjonny]

They improve a bolognaise no end. And gravy is nothing without them.

Oh... unions.

[Slacker24seve...]

If its one with a decent legal team, then yes, stay in it.
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[t121anf]

imo no, but then I get all the benefits of one without being a member

they only argue about pay rises, generally expecting more than is realistic. if they succeed I get the rise the same as paying members.

[owl10]

Some unions are very very good. They recognise that in order to get the best deal for their members they have to bring something to the table as well. They challenge and create thoughtfull debate when needed but in equal measure improve employee performance recognising that the company has to perform well to be in a position to give their members what they demand.

A cooperative approach, which despite both sides not always agreeing, tends to deliver benefits to each side equally. This is more prevaent in Germany, and very rare in the UK.

In my experience the UK union model however tends to follow the UK tradition of making unreasonable demands despite piss poor perfomance to back it up. This type of union is run by self serving arrogant lazy dickheads who have no problem in selling out their memebers when it suits as long as the union reps dont need to do any work and continue the gravy train going for another 12 months, untill its pay negotiation time again. They will happily down tools because some idiot who never does any work has had a desrved disciplinary, just because he's their mate, but if you arent in the clique then watch out.....

Very much a them vs us approach. Ive known a few militant unionists like this.

This latter type of union made the British car industry the powerhouse it is today.

Only you can decide if its worth it as you know the union itself, and the employer youo work for. Can give you some protection in some circumstances, many emplyers are actually very reasonable however if you just let them know if you are having difficulties, personal or professional, before it becomes a major issue.

With regard to the latter type Im not Mansa material, Yet I've usually thought Im able to better represent my interests than some dosser union rep who only got the job because he cant be arsed to do a full days work and is in with the right crowd.
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[RPM]

Hi

I would advise that you remain a union member. In the current economic climate, there seems to be an increase in union membership, not surprising, I suppose.

The employer not recognising any union just means that they do not seek unnion advice or agreement when deciding on policies that affect their staff. In the event of any disciplinary hearings and so on, they are obliged to accept unions representing an individual.

I've never yet heard of any case involving a union, that proceeded without union representation, when an individual requested their presence.

There needs to be 51% union membership at any organisation for a union to request recognition, at which point, recognition usually occurs (see ACAS reg to understand why)

TL,DR Stay in the union, they have their uses

[alexknight200...]

No, from my experience a waste of time, ask scargill, he will tell you.
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Current stable: Yamaha XVS 650 1996 - Honda Super Magna VF750 1988.

[Llama-Farmer]

Depends on a) what the union is, and b) how much the subs are.

I'd say it's worth it because you may need them one day.

Personally I'd never consider working not being part of a union, particularly with the liability or accountability I could potentially face if there was an incident or accident, you would be hung out to dry if anything happened, but the union will fight your corner in that situation.

Added to that they're currently fighting for better employment T&Cs which will probably directly affect my job contract when I finish my TRT.

They're also pressurising the government on key points which are affecting the industry and the UK economy on the whole, and currently they seem to be getting ignored but people are starting to listen.

[Cunnington]

Unions saved Mrs C many thousands of pounds when her employer sought to claim wages back when she resigned from a temporary contract in the summer holidays, due to health issues. Had we not had union backing, we would likely have believed the sh*t they were spouting, and paid up, as they presented a good argument.

I joined a union when I started with my current employer - they are very corporate and my contract is numerous pages of them telling me how they can sack me if I dare transgress. The flier for my union had a quote saying membership is insurance for your career. It costs me a fraction of a night out every month to have someone standing in my corner should things go wrong - well worth it in my eyes, as it allows me to kick back at them a bit harder, knowing I've got someone standing behind me.

TL;DR How good is your knowledge of employment law? A few quid a month may be the best investment you make, should your employer decide they want to shaft you.
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[kitty kat]

[Easter Bunny]

Generally I would say stay in, the bad name unions have is due to people like Scargill and the current parasites union leaders that are drawing salaries in excess of £130-180K when reps for all the work they do get nowt???
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The light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train!

[daemonoid]

One other thing to consider is the number of union members at your employer and what would happen during a potential strike action. If you are a member of a union you may be compelled to strike, if you are the only member of staff at your office who is a member of the union then your employer may find it rather easy to make an example of you.
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[JonB]

[recman]

[Llama-Farmer]

[621andy]

When I worked in a factory making power steering units years ago we had a large union presence, although I never actually joined...I couldn't understand how so many people could be taken in by it all

Pay negotiations every year in the spring; Company would offer say 5%, Union would push for 10%...deadlock of course, so it was "all OUT!"
Then they'd all go on strike for several days, and end up losing more by being on strike than they'd have made if they'd accepted the company deal in the first place..,.then they'd accept 6% and make out they'd won against the management

The management must have been pissing themselves laughing every year

This was back in the 80's, but with a similar climate to now i suspect..So, in answer to your question, unless you know they're on YOUR side rather than THEIR side, think very carefully about whether it's worth it...


Oh, and our TU rep was a total knobend
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'93 Africa Twin RD07, C-90,MTX-125,H-100,XL-125, a 125UAG(CG copy!)

[fatpies]

[cheets650]

No - not worth it

Employment law has come on massively over the last 25 years with lots of laws now in place to protect the workforce

[Llama-Farmer]

[cheets650]

[J0Al1]

[BakesBeans]

I think it depends on your company; if you are paid exactly the same as the others you would benefit from any union action anyway. However, if you don't join and there is a strike it could make it difficult for yourself.

However, if it is one of the big unions (mainly public sector) you can join and request not to contribute to the political donations.
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[owl10]

[Llama-Farmer]