Union Help

yellowlawn

My partner works for our local MBC she wasn't a member of a union but recently has been enduring bullying at work by her manager. She has joined the biggest Union only to be told after a few weeks of joining that she is not entitled to assistance from them as the issues happened before she joined.

Is this correct and if so what is the point of a Union?

cazziebo

To support its loyal members who have been paying their subs for years? Some unions will help new members with preexisting issues but there shouldn't be any expectation they will - bit unfair to the other members.

Your partner could raise a formal grievance through the company's procedures.

NigeWick

yellowlawn wrote: »

Is this correct and if so what is the point of a Union?

A union is like car insurance. You don't try and get cover after you've had a crash.

However, if the bullying is ongoing then the union should now get involved.

yellowlawn

NigeWick wrote: »

A union is like car insurance. You don't try and get cover after you've had a crash.

However, if the bullying is ongoing then the union should now get involved.

But how do you know your going to have a crash in advance? The union won't get involved because they say it's an ongoing issue.

crispy_chris

You don't know you're going to have a crash in advance, that's why you buy the insurance first.

I've been paying my Union subscription for years and never needed them yet. Think of it as 'work insurance' if that makes you feel better and makes it easier to understand how it works.

cazziebo

You don't. You pay insurance so that in the event you do have a crash, there is help available. Hopefully you don't ever crash but legally you need to be insured.

Generally, unions work to make employment conditions better for everyone, even non union members benefit from this. They will also support MEMBERS with specific employment or welfare issues. At the time of the complaint, the person was a NON-MEMBER.

Union membership is so worth it - too many people don't realise how valuable it is until it's too late.

NigeWick

yellowlawn wrote: »

But how do you know your going to have a crash in advance?

Probably the same way you know that you are not going to be bullied at work?

I still believe that if the bullying is still going on, the union should now do something.

yellowlawn

The reason she wasn't a member of her work Union is because those same people also work for the MBC. And in the past they have been bullied into keeping schtum at meetings were they are representing staff. The local chair person of the union branch socialises with Senior management. My OH has overheard conversations with management and other staff discussing personal conversations resulting from appraisals with other staff. She wants to put in a grievance but needs help with it, but cannot seem to get help from anywhere!!

Emmzi

she can consult an employment lawyer outside the workplace for guidance. She will need to pay for this. Or she can go on a waiting list to see someone at the CAB if they do a legal advice drop in where you live.

I am afraid I have no sympathy, you can't hire union reps as and when - you are in or you are out. She sounds like she does not respect her union rep anyway but was not prepared to do anything about it.

Sambucus_Nigra

I'd look at the terms and conditions of being a member. Had she actually complained against the bullying before joining, or not?

Uncertain

Emmzi wrote: »

I am afraid I have no sympathy, you can't hire union reps as and when - you are in or you are out.

Well you can actually - at a price.

You will find that a number of the big law firms can supply an accredited union rep to accompany you to a formal meeting for a fee - Often around £500!

I suppose it is a variation on "Money talks, client walks"!