Should I Join a Union?

InsanityLaughs

Hi,

I'm posting this under a new user as there's a possibility my current employer knows my existing username.

I'm thinking of joining a union because I feel that (in common with many others I expect ), my terms and conditions and employee rights are gradually being eroded, both by my employer and the government.

I know my current employers are very negative on the subject of unions as I have worked for them previously a few years ago and then worked elsewhere since before joining their new company just over a year ago - I rather wish I hadn't now as the job is definitely not as described and the salary is around half of what I was initially told was likely - at the time I was temping for just above min. wage but was reasonably secure and there was a possibility of it becoming permanent but I went with the "bird in the hand" idea of a permanent job being a better prospect than just the possibility of one in the future.

In their previous incarnation I once heard one of the directors state that he would find a way to get rid of anyone who joined a union, and he wasn't joking either...

The company I work for is relatively small and needless to say does not currently recognise any union. The Unions which best cover my type of work I have narrowed down to GMB or Unite - has anyone any experience of these unions and could give me any pros or cons of membership with them?

Am I right in thinking that if I join a union that my employer would have to know? (as far as I know I would be the only employee who works there who is a member) I suspect there's very little chance that my employer would recognise a union anyway...

I'm really thinking of joining to prepare for any worst case scenario if my employer decides to try and downsize me the unofficial way, rather than in the hope that membership would improve my pay and conditions (A pity because I'm comfortably in the bottom 10% in terms of full-time salaries according to the figures released today alas).

Reason I'm worried re working conditions/job security is that our office is being re-located at short notice and this will add an hour to my travelling time every day. They have said they will pay extra to allow for extra petrol but no figure has been specified - this is very much being presented as a fait accomplis with no real choice for us in the matter. This plus other changes to working hours to other employees that don't directly affect me but show a general lack of consideration have got me worried (some are being told they must work slightly over three weeks on the trot over Xmas with only xmas day off - is that legal?!)

The company, by the way, as far as I am aware is actually doing reasonably well, showing modest growth (particularly with the arm of it I work within). I've had no complaints from my bosses about my work, but have a vague sense of unease that they may be wanting to get rid of a few people to cut costs/increase profit.

I've always been slightly anti-union in a way, probably because of my family background/upbringing and semi-believing the usual Daily Mail type propaganda about the lazy striking union workforce bringing British industry to it's knees etc etc.... but with the current economic situation and the apparent complete apathy/lack of useful economic policy ideas amongst the three main parties, I'm rather disillusioned at present...

Anyway, who's in a union and can allay my fears of getting the sack on the spot for joining one? and are Unite or GMB the better bet? Or have you a horror story about how ineffective unions are?

In other news (as you may be suspecting) I am looking for work elsewhere, but with the way things are... I couldn't really blame anyone who took on someone who's currently unemployed at the moment (There's young people in our family who have been unemployed for a year or more and I hate to think I would be knocking back someone who's been going through that - I really do feel for them!)

Emmzi

I pay my dues by direct debit. If it's not payrol deduction how would the employer know? Tisn't like they publish a list.

kingfisherblue

I encouraged my daughter to join a union. She thought it was a waste of money, but has needed advice from them just last week. She's in Unison, which was the best union for her type of work. She pays a low amount (less than £10 a month) as it is on a sliding scale according to earnings. It is taken from her bank by Direct Debit and I don't know (or care) if her employer knows that she is in a union. It is her choice (with advice from me ).

As far as I am aware, an employer cannot just refuse to recognise a union. If there is an issue that you require union support over, the company cannot stop you from geting the union's advice. If you did seek union advice and your employer chastised you as a result, presumably your union would back you anyway.

stephent82

Yes, join a union and do it now.

The reason I say this is that I was working in an industry where very damaging allegations were made about me. This resulted in police involvement and despite being 100% innocent and being able to prove a this. The Union provided me with a great deal of support... including a solicitor. This would have cost me £thousands of which I couldn't afford.

Unions also work to protect you rights - yes they can be frustrating, but on balance they are better to have than not.

Bobl

The Company cannot take any action if you join a Union, that is your right. However, the Union will not be able to negotiate pay and conditions but will be able to offer advice and legal services if you need them. If you have home insurance you may find you already have legal cover, so could save yourself the subs.

**Juice**

Something else to consider is that unions sometimes need you to be a member for x number of weeks/months before they can offer you assistance on matters so if you think something is on the horizon you be best of joining sooner rather than later, should you need their advice.

I haven't joined a union because tbh the reps where I work are rubbish, but most of my colleagues are - they would get the regional reps on it for a serious issue.

bap98189

kingfisherblue wrote: »

I encouraged my daughter to join a union. She thought it was a waste of money, but has needed advice from them just last week.

Union membership is like an insurance policy - it seems like a waste of money until the day you need to make a claim.

ferrett100

I joined Unison a couple of months back - like you, my employer also made noises about getting rid of people that joined - but as far as I'm aware, there were 3/35 that had joined - although such was the fear culture there that no-one really openly discussed it.
I joined online, pay my monthly fees by DD an no-one is any the wiser.
I have had call to speak to them quite recently about some issues at work but because the troubles started before my membership, they cannot offer practical support.
I was tempted to cancel my membership, but as I am about to embark on a new job, there is a fear that they could be the same as my previous job, so I will keep it going.
Like you also, I was brought up to believe that unions were trouble but times have changed! More so in a job market that can pick and choose and even more so now that the rules and laws are about to be relaxed to make it easier for employers to dismiss us workers.
I'm sure the majority are good employers, but I always seem to attract the baddies like a fly to flypaper!

InsanityLaughs

Many thanks for all the replies above - definitely helps me make the decision to join a union, especially considering the valid point raised above about it being like an insurance policy against times of trouble!

Only question now - Unite or GMB?

hcb42

Personally I have never felt the need to join a union, and never have ,but then I can also stand up for my rights in the employment sector in the unlikely event I need to.

LadyMissA

What union can office/accounts staff join and what is the real purpose of a union when you have no pay scale and have to fight for salary and benefits as everyone gets something different?