is it worth joining a union?

ohreally wrote: »

The non-member "personal decision" should be to think long and hard about working in an organised workplace where they enjoy the benefits paid for by the subscription paying colleagues.

These terms of service they enjoy are paid for by other people, they don't magically appear.

I'm not trying to be confrontational here, but what do you do if you have a dislike of unions and you work in an organised workplace?

As with john22, I've generally had good relations with my previous employers, one lot were miserable wotsits so I left, and none of the places have been unionised.

However, if I joined a place with a heavy union membership, what would I do - hell would freeze over before I joined one. I'd be happy to negotiate my own Ts & Cs, but I doubt management would want to.:)

As far as I know, only one of my 23 employees is in a union ( though that was years ago and I don't know for sure now ). Over the years various staff have suggested changes, sometimes those changes have happened if I think it's fair and sometimes not, though I always explain the reasoning behind. Perhaps that's the difference between small firms and big firms and why my staff don't seem to be interested in joining.

john22 wrote: »

If you're legally allowed to work for an employer and don't have to join a union then end of story. No one should be bullied or pressured into something that they have the right to say no to.

If you wish to be a parasite, your call. Your member colleagues must hold you in high esteem.

bugslet wrote: »

We cross posted john, that was one of my bugbears when closed shops operated. I can understand where ohreally is coming from, but closed shops are an anthema to me.

Since they've been illegal for 27 years you should be ok then

john22 wrote: »

Oh here we go name calling someone who has a different view point.

Real classy!

No, not name calling,

a person who receives support, advantage, or the like, from another or others without giving any useful or proper return, as one who lives on the hospitality of others.

ref: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/parasite

If the shoe fits.

readingfan wrote: »

That's an extremely unpleasant comment to make. I work in an organisation where Union membership is taken up by many people. I, however, do not feel the need. I have an excellent understanding of my rights and also enjoy a decent relationship with my employer. In fact, the last time I was a Union member and utilised their services, the member in question commented on how well I coped and stated that he wasn't really required. Further, I have successfully managed my husband's action against his previous employers - to great success.


I will not be hounded, or bullied, by people like you. As far as I am concerned, Union membership is a waste of money.

Yet like many Union bashers on this thread. You would be willing to accept improved benefits like salary negotiated by the Union or Perhaps you will refuse to take them.