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Union Representative (Shop Steward)

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chris-red
Have you considered a TDM?



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PostPosted: 11:01 - 29 Mar 2018    Post subject: Union Representative (Shop Steward) Reply with quote

The head union bloke reckons I should put in to be elected as a representative.

I'm not sure any BCF experience of this? From what I have read the role is to liaise between staff, the union and the company. I like the idea, but am wondering what the downsides are, I have no problem given up my time to help people but don't want to lose time dealling with total bull shit.

Anyone done it?




BNP42 need not reply Laughing
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thx1138
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PostPosted: 11:08 - 29 Mar 2018    Post subject: Re: Union Representative (Shop Steward) Reply with quote

chris-red wrote:
but am wondering what the downsides are,


getting shot at from all sides
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Tracey Suntan-King
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PostPosted: 11:45 - 29 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Been there done that. NALGO branch convenor, me.

It depends on your temperament. You won't get thanked by the employer or employees. You'll be caught in the middle.

Often you'll get employees who quite evidently have been taking the piss expecting you to get them off. Also whatever workplace recognition is supposed to exist and whatever "consultation" is supposed to take place, the employer has the upper hand in all scenarios except maybe pregnant women.

It's up to you in the end. I enjoyed it mostly, but chucked in the towel when a number of strike-breakers (who crossed the picket line months before, virtually spitting on us as they strode in) applied to join because their jobs were under review.

In all conscience I couldn't represent them on account of them being SCABS!
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stinkwheel
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PostPosted: 12:05 - 29 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Didn't have you down as an actual red?

Good chance for a bit of nest lining and Bunterish junkets on union expenses I'd imagine. If it looks like there is going to be a strike, the done thing is to take a 3 week holiday on the Costas until the shitstrom's blown over.

I suspect you'll get rapidly frustrated by how utterly stupid some people are. But maybe you have the temprement to see someone almost deliberately going out of their way to get sacked, expecting you to sort their mess out and not tell them how much of a fuckwit they are.
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Kris
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PostPosted: 12:06 - 29 Mar 2018    Post subject: Re: Union Representative (Shop Steward) Reply with quote

thx1138 wrote:
chris-red wrote:
but am wondering what the downsides are,


getting shot at from all sides


I imagine you'll be like the girl knelt on the floor in a bukkake film...
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chris-red
Have you considered a TDM?



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PostPosted: 13:19 - 29 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

stinkwheel wrote:
Didn't have you down as an actual red?

Good chance for a bit of nest lining and Bunterish junkets on union expenses I'd imagine. If it looks like there is going to be a strike, the done thing is to take a 3 week holiday on the Costas until the shitstrom's blown over.

I suspect you'll get rapidly frustrated by how utterly stupid some people are. But maybe you have the temperament to see someone almost deliberately going out of their way to get sacked, expecting you to sort their mess out and not tell them how much of a fuckwit they are.


I was left wing 10 years ago, I don't feel like my views have changed particularly however now I'd say I'm center left.

I don't think I would have the problem pointing out the facts to a shitty employee. I'm not 100% backing the little guy against the 'man' but I firmly believe things should be played by the rules and fair. There have been a few dodgy things happen more by laziness and accident than on purpose, I think, that have made me angry here.

We have been through 2 consultations in the last 5 years both times losing out, being quiet outspoken, I feel I would possibly put up more of a fight. But at the same time I wonder could that make me a target to me binned.


TL;DR I want to get my inner Billy Bragg out. Laughing
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.
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Rogerborg
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PostPosted: 15:30 - 29 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

chris-red wrote:
I wonder could that make me a target to me binned.

Quite the opposite, you'll be the last out the door.

Automatically unfair reasons for dismissal - acting as a trade union representative

Of course, they'll say it was because you took a dump on the boss' desk, but really it's because they're well racist against trade unions.
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Ste
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PostPosted: 15:46 - 29 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

chris-red wrote:
I'm not 100% backing the little guy against the 'man'

So long, dental plan!
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chris-red
Have you considered a TDM?



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PostPosted: 15:51 - 29 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

LISA NEEDS BRACES
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.
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winz
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PostPosted: 17:16 - 29 Mar 2018    Post subject: Re: Union Representative (Shop Steward) Reply with quote

chris-red wrote:

BNP42 need not reply Laughing


mpd72 wrote:

"Chris-Red" certainly makes sense now.

Go for it comrade, they only ask out and out lefties, so now we know you even pick forum names to represent your extreme political views, you look well suited to the role. Thumbs Up


Ahem...
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hellkat
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PostPosted: 19:50 - 29 Mar 2018    Post subject: Re: Union Representative (Shop Steward) Reply with quote

chris-red wrote:

I have no problem given up my time to help people [who are too stupid or lazy to help themselves]

... but don't want to lose time dealing with total bull shit.


Then don't do it.
Rather like feminism, unions are a good idea in principal but they are almost completely about other people's bullshit that you will have to deal with.
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Jewlio Rides Again LLB
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PostPosted: 23:28 - 29 Mar 2018    Post subject: Re: Union Representative (Shop Steward) Reply with quote

winz wrote:
chris-red wrote:

BNP42 need not reply Laughing


mpd72 wrote:

"Chris-Red" certainly makes sense now.

Go for it comrade, they only ask out and out lefties, so now we know you even pick forum names to represent your extreme political views, you look well suited to the role. Thumbs Up


Ahem...


Yup, that's why dick features needed night school to get his IT GCSE. Struggles reading.
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biker7
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PostPosted: 23:51 - 29 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

We had a union rep for 20 years, same guy. Then he started losing it a bit and not towing the line at work, according to the boss. Tribunal - bloody union did not back him! Got the sack with a so so pay off. Be the union's go between but don't necessarily expect them to look after you. Do it for you or other workers by all means. But it's possible the hierarchies view all reps/stewards as a soft touch.
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BigTim
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PostPosted: 01:04 - 30 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hello

I've been a rep for 2 years now, I did it because I didn't like the way things were going and the then current rep was a yes man.

I've had an investigation reopened and the manager who fucked up the first investigation demoted. enjoyed that because he spoke to me like shit a few times and was very anti union.

I've watched some complete arsehole up to no good get escorted off the premises thanks to my efforts. he was being looked after by someone in management, but i went over them to HR.

you should be given training by your union, in company time, you should be released for union duties legally in company time, you may have to fight for the correct release, I did and won. you'll find your local management are crap and want to cut corners.

you will enjoy/hate it in equal measure.

you will get respect, some of it begrudgingly but respect none the less.

Managers smile and say hello but you know that they know you've just put a grievance in against them. fuck em!

it does open your eyes to how companies operate.

You won't please everybody all the time. yes some of the union members will be cunts just like the management.

I've never voted Labour in my life, I don't agree with the union on many political things, but I became a rep for me and the local staff.

I say go for it, give it a few months, you can always stand down if you really don't enjoy it.
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Shaft
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PostPosted: 02:05 - 30 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

BigTim wrote:

you will get respect, some of it begrudgingly but respect none the less.

Managers smile and say hello but you know that they know you've just put a grievance in against them. fuck em!



There's no such thing as begrudging respect, once you get into any position of power, you're either respected, or thought of as a cunt - the trick is, knowing which people are best placed to line your pockets and advance your career, then gain their respect (clue: it won't be the workers)

If you aren't respected by them, you aren't going anywhere.
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BigTim
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PostPosted: 10:11 - 30 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

[/quote]

the trick is, knowing which people are best placed to line your pockets and advance your career, then gain their respect (clue: it won't be the workers)

If you aren't respected by them, you aren't going anywhere.[/quote]

Holy Moly!!

Seriously?

I did not take on this role to do either of the above.

I despise people who do, please don't tar us all with the same brush.

Cheers
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MarJay
But it's British!



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PostPosted: 12:31 - 30 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bye Bye all opportunity to train as a manager, or to have any level of actual responsibility. Hello to the union gravy train, working to rule and having to deal with every little issue from the snot nosed newbies all the way up to the CEO.

A good way to get job stability I suppose, means you can get away with doing less work. However, you're basically setting your life on one path because like as not people will look at your CV and make assessments based upon the fact you're a union rep.

I've known a number of union reps over the years in varying capacities, and probably 90% of them had some weird ulterior motive for doing it. For example, one guy had a sign on his desk that read "If you talk to me during my lunch break I'll take the time off afterwards" or something along those lines. He was proud of that stuff. His basic motivation was to cause shit for management and to try to work to rule where possible because he felt he was owed a living by the company (a very very large ex 'British' labelled privatised service) and felt that management were out to get him. In my experience, seeing a few sides of the argument management are not out to get the more junior workers. It's more like they are indifferent to the resource. In most companies you are like a desktop PC. You sit there and you do your job, but as soon as you're obsolete you go in the electronic waste bin. There's no malice, and even perhaps a little disappointment, but it's never the way that the unions often paint it, which is that management is out to crush you or ride on your backs to some mysterious place of riches and luxury.

If you treat the overall organisation the way they treat you, it just means once they've outlived their usefulness you move on. Don't get invested in it. Becoming the union rep is pretty much getting invested, and that's another reason why I'd steer massively clear.

If union reps actually did their jobs for the reasons they are proportedly doing their job, then things would probably be a lot nicer for both management and worker alike and companies would function far more efficiently and profitably. However, in my experience the unions just seem to make shit for the overall company organisation and do very little good, normally because the reps have some chip on their shoulder, or are looking to advance themselves in some way through their role as union rep.
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Ste
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PostPosted: 12:36 - 30 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

MarJay wrote:
His basic motivation was to cause shit for management and to try to work to rule

That's how and why unions destroy industries. Thumbs Up
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Islander
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PostPosted: 14:21 - 30 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

MarJay wrote:
Bye Bye all opportunity to train as a manager, or to have any level of actual responsibility. Hello to the union gravy train, working to rule and having to deal with every little issue from the snot nosed newbies all the way up to the CEO.



Eh? I've been a steward, branch secretary and vice convener in our local branch. I've done alright moving up the ladder and have a job that entails huge responsibility. I was moving up satisfactorily when I was active as a branch member.

Yes, it can be a thankless task sometimes, you do have to deal with annoying problems that are created by the complainer, equally you deal with real complaints that need intervention and are very satisfying to deal with. There's no "union gravy train" that I know of. I've been away on various training courses, and went to conference once but that's about it.

Unions are necessary, don't let anyone try to tell you otherwise. Thumbs Up
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stinkwheel
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PostPosted: 14:46 - 30 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ste wrote:
MarJay wrote:
His basic motivation was to cause shit for management and to try to work to rule

That's how and why unions destroy industries. Thumbs Up


Indeed. There was a classic example in one of the Glasgow ship yards.

They had a machine for bending steel plates. Big ones that make up ship hulls. It dated back to the Victorian era. It was stupidly dangerous, people were losing body parts. The union eventually insisted it was replaced with something safer, no union members were to use it until it was replaced.

The company bought in a brand new, state of the art hydraulic plate bender at massive expense.

Thing is, the new one took three men to operate and did the job in half the time. The old one took 12 men to operate. 10.5 of those 12 men were now effectively redundant

The union decreed that no members were to use the new machine unless there were at least 12 men on the job and they made damned sure it took them just as long as it has with the old machine.

How many ships do they make in Glasgow now?
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MarJay
But it's British!



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PostPosted: 14:46 - 30 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Islander wrote:
MarJay wrote:
Bye Bye all opportunity to train as a manager, or to have any level of actual responsibility. Hello to the union gravy train, working to rule and having to deal with every little issue from the snot nosed newbies all the way up to the CEO.



Eh? I've been a steward, branch secretary and vice convener in our local branch. I've done alright moving up the ladder and have a job that entails huge responsibility. I was moving up satisfactorily when I was active as a branch member.

Yes, it can be a thankless task sometimes, you do have to deal with annoying problems that are created by the complainer, equally you deal with real complaints that need intervention and are very satisfying to deal with. There's no "union gravy train" that I know of. I've been away on various training courses, and went to conference once but that's about it.

Unions are necessary, don't let anyone try to tell you otherwise. Thumbs Up


There is definitely corruption within some unions. The benefits aren't necessarily always financial though, some of the laziest most feckless people I've had the misfortune to work with have been union reps, but nobody will say anything due to fear of invoking the ire of the union.

I'm not saying unions are a bad thing, but I think their structure is often geared towards encouraging people with an agenda that isn't necessarily in the best interests of the junior worker to become representatives and managers within the union.

It also depends on what you mean by responsibility or seniority. Certainly some union types I've known have been almost peculiarly satisfied with positions of minor responsibility with relatively small salaries. The union rep I mentioned above for example... his dream car was a brand new base model fiesta. His scale of ambition was different to a lot of people he worked with. Not saying that's always the case of course, but I've been left with a bad enough taste in my mouth to avoid unions wherever possible.
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grr666
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PostPosted: 14:51 - 30 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Twice in my working life I needed the union to fight my corner. Once on the buses (TGWU) and once on the council (GMB).
Both times I'd have had more useful help from next doors cat and decided leaving the employ of both organisations
rather than continue the way things were going was preferable. So that was worth all those deductions then. Never again.
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