Is it worth being in a union?

LittleVoice

elite wrote: »

My OH isn't a member at hers (there are only two member signed up in the entire manchester branch . . . Of course if she joined they would be a little bit stronger...

50% stronger! :rotfl:

jonesMUFCforever

gf3 wrote: »

I think a lot of people are in the union. we get little feed back on what goes on. it's all rumor and hear say. just wondered if anybody can say they saved their !!!! or if they were totally useless. after a divorce £11 seems a lot of money. it only costs me £20 to feed myself for a month. I am trying with the aid of this site to cut my out going to the core so i can have some money to enjoy myself. i reckon i have save £4 a month by getting a gas tumble dryer instead of electric this is an easy £11. but is it a cut to far?

First of all if you only spend £20 per month on food then you need a much healthier diet! There's only so much baked beans your insides can stomach:D
What if BT suddenly decide your job is surplus to requirements but say that a Polish firm is taking it over because it is cheaper (just saying this because there are so many Poles in the country now it could be any country really)for them - would you think that is fair? Would you want the union to fight your corner or do you think you could handle you own negotiations - would BT take any notice of you? etc etc.
Believe me £11 is cheap!!

A_Nice_Englishman

gf3 wrote: »

I think a lot of people are in the union. we get little feed back on what goes on. it's all rumor and hear say. just wondered if anybody can say they saved their !!!! or if they were totally useless. after a divorce £11 seems a lot of money. it only costs me £20 to feed myself for a month. I am trying with the aid of this site to cut my out going to the core so i can have some money to enjoy myself. i reckon i have save £4 a month by getting a gas tumble dryer instead of electric this is an easy £11. but is it a cut to far?

A_Nice_Englishman wrote: »

Finally, members of my union get all sorts of discounts on products and services (e.g. 15% off at Homebase next weekend). These can easily save more than my union subs, making membership effectively free.

Are there any discounts you can advantage of as a member of your union? Assuming you are in the CWU, there are a number listed on their website. http://www.cwu.org/default.asp?Step=4&pid=10

gf3_3

I know there are a lot of pole in this country I stick 2 more in the ground each day (only wooden ones). but if bt did decide to employ a polish firm could the union stop them? has the union stuck up for you in the past, or do you know someone who would have been lost without them. i think i may goto the next union meeting to see what goes on. i think i would like to hear some more union success story's. so far theres only one who said they used them and as a result hate unions.

ceridwen

YES!!! in a word.

I often say - you insure your house, so insure your job (ie belong to the relevant union).

I know - having said that, that some Union reps are all too "human". I honestly cant understand - oh yes, I can (other reasons besides wanting to help their fellow man/woman) why some people are Union reps.

BUT..... having said that, it is absolutely well worthwhile/essential to belong to one. At an individual level - your employer will think twice (probably a lot longer than that in fact..) before trying it on to treat you in a way they shouldnt. If, despite that, they still land on you with their hobnail boots on - then you have the means to hand to check out your legal position and fight back. On your own you are nothing and nowhere - unless you have an exceptionally high level of skill and there is a a large demand for your skill (in which case - you can name your price). For 95% of us though that is not the case - and you need to have that cover.

A_Nice_Englishman

gf3 wrote: »

I know there are a lot of pole in this country I stick 2 more in the ground each day (only wooden ones). but if bt did decide to employ a polish firm could the union stop them? has the union stuck up for you in the past, or do you know someone who would have been lost without them. i think i may goto the next union meeting to see what goes on. i think i would like to hear some more union success story's. so far theres only one who said they used them and as a result hate unions.

In my previous job, the part of the company I worked for was sold to another company (just the sortof thing BT might decideto do with Openreach?). Most of your benefits are protected by something called TUPE* but some, in particular pensions, are not. Our union negotiated compensation for this and as a result I am about £12,000 better off.

* Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment

gf3_3

well i make that one all at the moment. may be we don't hear what a good job the unions do. i have been in the union 18 years now it just recently I've started. to question their value.

Jennifer_Jane

I am in my union at work (Amicus/Unison). I have had a will done free, cheaper conveyancing, free accident insurance. Apart from that, they have given me advice and generally been helpful with a matter that I'm discussing with my management at the moment. They have also helped a friend of mine with various stress issues of her work, and have given her helpful advice and even attended a meeting with her line manager, where numerous points were conceded because she had an experienced, objective, third-party there.

Well worth the money to my mind - insurance as mentioned above.

Good luck
Jen

POSSETTE

im the president(grand title isnt it?) of Unity at our work. I had 2 months ago, a young lad on staff job(not shop floor factory) enquire about joining,he didnt do so thinking he wouldnt need it.....he has acquired a new job and handed his notice in,giving only 2 weeks of his contracted 4 weeks notice to his "bully" boss.
Apparantly his manager and supervisor had him in office slamming forms in front of him to sign,adding that they would retract the great reference they just gave his new employer, threatened suing him for breach of contract etc afetr he came out he had tears in his eyes telling his friends...thank god they came to me..i went in yesterday, and told them to stop being pathetic bully boys, they cannot sack him,and to not contact the new employer about his reference because that is just sulking and they are supposed to be professionals..it was dealt with straight away and we came out of that with a 2 week notice period even though e should give 4!!..i also reported the manager to HR as he has done this before.
The look of shock on managers face when i turned up with the lad was a picture..he said "is he in the union?" i didnt lie,(because he isnt) i just said." you'd be surprised by the amount of staff who work for you, who have joined lately!"My advice to him in his new job? if there is a union.JOIN IT!
YOU NEVER KNOW.

i also had people who were very good workers,attend well ect and thought they would never need us..one found out his wife was having affair with co worker, and proceeded to thump him in works time!:eek: Got him off too!!..need any more reasons?

PS Unity union is based in Stoke and takes on any firms in any walks of life..+ its only £6.40 for 4 weeks...:beer:

i also have had free wills done and have solicitor free in some cases and cheaper in others.

gf3_3

well three one to the unions. Is nice to hear some union success story.I still think i will go to a union meeting to see what i really think.