implication of not striking (UNITE)

Chris_P_2

I think Im right in saying that UNITE can not force a member to strike. Can they kick a member out for not striking (not sure how they would find out)?

ohreally

You can't be forced to strike, however why work in a unionised environment and join a TU if you are not prepared to stand with the rank and file who have mandated strike action in accordance with law.

Do you really think it would be difficult to identify strike breakers?

A TU can take disciplinary action against a member. http://www.unitetheunion.org/contact_us/faqs_and_enquiries/unite_rule_book/Logon.aspx

SarEl

If you want to work longer and pay more to get less of a pension, then don't strike. You won't be disciplined for not striking (although it may not win you friends amongst your peers). But I would echo the question - why join a union if you don't want to be a part of it? It's a package deal - the union and your collegues don't just fight for what is dear to you (aklthough I am amazed anyone doesn't think this is an issue important to them). A collective is about what is or ought to be important to all of you.

Bobl

But if only 1/4 of the members voted for the Strike Action you would assume that the rest are against it, therefore they should not have to stand with the minority. I am aware of several Public Sector workers who will work as usual on Wednesday because they feel this is the wrong action at the wrong time.

USM

Am I alone in being completely confused by the concept of unions and striking which seems to be hot at the moment?

If I don't like something about my job - let's say I don't think I'm paid enough or my employer's pension contribution isn't what I would like it to be... surely I would just go and find another job with a better package? If I just stop working surely they are going to fire me.

How does a union change things?

asparagusnextleft

Bobl wrote: »

But if only 1/4 of the members voted for the Strike Action you would assume that the rest are against it, therefore they should not have to stand with the minority. I am aware of several Public Sector workers who will work as usual on Wednesday because they feel this is the wrong action at the wrong time.

No, you would not assume that they are against it. If they are against it then they would have voted no.

I know several who did not vote but are taking part in the strike next week.

saintjammyswine

Bobl wrote: »

But if only 1/4 of the members voted for the Strike Action you would assume that the rest are against it, therefore they should not have to stand with the minority. I am aware of several Public Sector workers who will work as usual on Wednesday because they feel this is the wrong action at the wrong time.

I work in the public sector but am not in the union (not anti-union though) and so will be working as normal on Wednesday. Having felt the impact of public sector strikes at work and home I'm afraid I am against the strike this time. I do, however, support the right to.

Chris_P_2

SarEl wrote: »

If you want to work longer and pay more to get less of a pension, then don't strike. You won't be disciplined for not striking (although it may not win you friends amongst your peers). But I would echo the question - why join a union if you don't want to be a part of it? It's a package deal - the union and your collegues don't just fight for what is dear to you (aklthough I am amazed anyone doesn't think this is an issue important to them). A collective is about what is or ought to be important to all of you.

My pension is very generous, and I feel striking is 100% wrong as the unions are basing it on false information. And I have morals. I'm not a sheep

Evilm

A family member was able to work from home during a strike day before to avoid getting involved with the strike. If you have a suitable set up and you have worked at home occasionally before could you ask if you could do that?

Torry_Quine

SarEl wrote: »

If you want to work longer and pay more to get less of a pension, then don't strike. You won't be disciplined for not striking (although it may not win you friends amongst your peers). But I would echo the question - why join a union if you don't want to be a part of it? It's a package deal - the union and your collegues don't just fight for what is dear to you (aklthough I am amazed anyone doesn't think this is an issue important to them). A collective is about what is or ought to be important to all of you.

It is a very important issue but I think that an individual has the right to come to their own decision as to whether or not it is right to strike over it.

Many have joined unions but that doesn't mean that they blindly follow the leadership whatever they decide.

Oldernotwiser

Torry_Quine wrote: »

It is a very important issue but I think that an individual has the right to come to their own decision as to whether or not it is right to strike over it.

Many have joined unions but that doesn't mean that they blindly follow the leadership whatever they decide.

That rather negates the purpose of collective action though.

If the OP doesn't feel that s/he wants to strike, the best thing would be to leave the union.