Join Union or not

sarah_id1

Hi

I work for top 50 UK based private company in London for a long time (5+ years) now. I am doing a good job and recognised for it. Unfortunately I am not getting any career growth opportunity and that's because my manager who is 2 layer is the main blocked for me and he decides everything.

I am really feeling helpless and alone, unable to represent myself strongly. Please can someone suggest if I should join any union who could help and represent me.

I am also concerned if I do end up joining a union
>Will it be a problem for my current employer?
>Will be a problem for my future employer?
>Will are recurring and any other cost implication?

Any other alternative would be appreciated

Southend1

sarah_id1 wrote: »

Hi

I work for top 50 UK based private company in London for a long time (5+ years) now. I am doing a good job and recognised for it. Unfortunately I am not getting any career growth opportunity and that's because my manager who is 2 layer is the main blocked for me and he decides everything.

I am really feeling helpless and alone, unable to represent myself strongly. Please can someone suggest if I should join any union who could help and represent me.

I am also concerned if I do end up joining a union
>Will it be a problem for my current employer?
>Will be a problem for my future employer?
>Will are recurring and any other cost implication?

Any other alternative would be appreciated

If you join your union you should be able to access training which may benefit your career progression via your ULR (union learning rep).

You will also be part of a collective movement which should help with the feeling of being helpless and alone.

Union subscription rates depend on the union you join and normally how much you earn (you should join the union recognised by your employer to represent workers in roles like yours or if none is recognised the most appropriate union for your industry/type of work).

How would a future employer know you were a union member in a previous job?

Many employers recognise the benefits to their organisation of trade union membership among their staff e.g. Better health and safety at work, fewer voluntary departures, fewer dismissals, better change management, etc.

Go for it!

agrinnall

Without knowing what type of job you do in which sector it's hard to answer your questions. Some unions are much stronger than others, primarily due to the varying levels and proportions of membership. If you are in a white collar job then the chances of a union relevant to that job having much influence are quite small.

I'm also doubtful that most unions would get involved in career progression for an individual, responsibility for your career lies with you, and I don't think you can reasonably expect anyone else to sort it out for you. My suggestion would be to find a mentor in a different department of your employer and use their advice and experience to improve your own position in the company.

One other thing: if your post is a typical example of your standard of written English, and if that is a relevant factor in your job, then you should consider doing something to improve it.

Takeaway_Addict

Unless you are being discriminated against in the eyes of the law a union will do buggger all to change your promotion aspects.

Often you need to jump companies to move up the ladder.

As for joining a union, overall it is better for the employee to do it than not, however be aware its not a perfect answer to all problems.

sarah_id1

Southend1 wrote: »

you should join the union recognised by your employer to represent workers in roles like yours or if none is recognised the most appropriate union for your industry/type of work

I am an IT professional working for a top 10 media company. searching for the word "Union" in the company intranet website did'nt return anything.

Southend1 wrote: »

How would a future employer know you were a union member in a previous job?

By means of reference or LinkedIn.

Southend1

sarah_id1 wrote: »

I am an IT professional working for a top 10 media company. searching for the word "Union" in the company intranet website did'nt return anything.



By means of reference or LinkedIn.

Try here.... http://www.worksmart.org.uk/unionfinder/

You don't need to advertise via linked in that you are a union member!

It is unlawful to discriminate against you because you are either a member of a trade union or are not a member.

ILW

Top 10 media company and Union do not sound very compatible if you wish to work your way up the greasy pole. Most of these type jobs , you will only get promoted by going to the competition. (Or threatening to)

sarah_id1

Southend1 wrote: »

Try here.... http://www.worksmart.org.uk/unionfinder/

Thanks for this link. I am able to find union for competitor's but not for my company.

Takeaway_Addict

sarah_id1 wrote: »

Thanks for this link. I am able to find union for competitor's but not for my company.

You do know that companies don't have unions?

Southend1

sarah_id1 wrote: »

Thanks for this link. I am able to find union for competitor's but not for my company.

The guidance on this page will help you find the most appropriate union for you... http://www.worksmart.org.uk/unionfinder/choose.php?pg=iny&mar=27

Southend1

Takeaway_Addict wrote: »

You do know that companies don't have unions?

Actually, some do!

E.g. NGSU (Nationwide group staff union) represents only staff within the Nationwide building society.