Joining a union in a place with none

joeypesci · 19 February 2018 at 11:02PM

Is there any point? I'm just starting a role where the pay is super crap but using it as experience. But after the first year, because of the amount required to do I'll be requesting a pay rise. I know it's currently about £6k under the going rate for the role but I just needed something urgently

Yes people say "Be thankful you have a job" and "You're choosing to take it despite knowing the crap pay" but I still feel its an attempt for the organisation to exploit whoever they get in the role. I thought joining a union would help to negotiate the pay at the end of the year, but reading up on it, it appears they can't unless over 50% of the work force are in a union. Is that correct? If so and if I'm the only member is there any point to join because of this? HR never mentioned any union when started, but assume HR never do.

I'm useless at arguing my point so having a union rep to explain what we do means we should actually be getting over the UK average for the role would be helpful. I'm assuming the company would just say "Get a job elsewhere then" I assume others here would say the same

but its never that easy.

elsien · 19 February 2018 at 11:12PM

You can join a union regardless of whether the workplace recognises them or not. They are not going to come in and help you negotiate a pay rise.
But if you need advice, or end up in a disciplinary, then you may be glad to have someone on your side and the resources of a large organisation behind you.

ohreally · 19 February 2018 at 11:17PM

Speak with a trade union about using your issues as a potential for organising your workplace.

Re wages negotiation, the TU needs recognition for collective bargaining and a bargaining unit.

The process is found https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trade-union-recognition-how-to-apply-to-the-cac

https://www.gov.uk/working-with-trade-unions/collective-bargaining

kingfisherblue · 20 February 2018 at 9:23AM

joeypesci wrote: »

Is there any point? I'm just starting a role where the pay is super crap but using it as experience. But after the first year, because of the amount required to do I'll be requesting a pay rise. I know it's currently about £6k under the going rate for the role but I just needed something urgently

Yes people say "Be thankful you have a job" and "You're choosing to take it despite knowing the crap pay" but I still feel its an attempt for the organisation to exploit whoever they get in the role. I thought joining a union would help to negotiate the pay at the end of the year, but reading up on it, it appears they can't unless over 50% of the work force are in a union. Is that correct? If so and if I'm the only member is there any point to join because of this? HR never mentioned any union when started, but assume HR never do.

I'm useless at arguing my point so having a union rep to explain what we do means we should actually be getting over the UK average for the role would be helpful. I'm assuming the company would just say "Get a job elsewhere then" I assume others here would say the same but its never that easy.

Oh yes, there is definitely a point in joining a union. It's very short sighted to just think about whether they can help you to negotiate a pay rise or not. Think about how they can help if something goes wrong at work and you need advice. There are also other benefits, but for me, it would be the support if needed.

You just need to read some of the posts on here, asking for help. Many are not in unions. By the time a problem occurs, it is too late to join one and get help with that problem. It's a bit like house insurance - it's there if you need it, but you hope that you never do.

TELLIT01 · 20 February 2018 at 9:52AM

As your only reason for considering joining a union is to get them to negotiate better wages for you, there is no benefit in taking out union membership as they will not be able to do that.
It might also be worth bearing in mind that with under 2 years employment with the company they can get rid of you without giving any reason.

Sandy75 · 20 February 2018 at 3:18PM

I joined one recently and am already thinking of leaving it. My employer doesn't recognise any union and any additional help is covered by my home insurance.

Joining a union in a place with none

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