Best union to join for potential problems

Nohopeharry

Hi,
I have been thinking of joining a Union for a while, but not sure which one to join. I work for an NHS trust as a domestic assistant (1 1/2 years) and maybe facing disciplinary (someone has been stealing, I'm being blamed) and also going to be subject to TUPE soon, so I was just wondering which union is best (Unite or Unison) and what has been your experience with them, including disciplinary hearings?

Thanks

Masomnia

No experience with Unison, but in a previous job where I worked as an HR manager the employer recognised Unite and they used to give some of our employees very dodgy advice. Obviously when I gave them correct information regarding our policies they rarely trusted me, but what can you do?

So I vote Unison, I suppose!

kingfisherblue

My daughter is in Unison and has found them to be supportive, although she has never had a disciplinary. I think they have a sliding scale of fees, according to earnings, which is helpful if you don't earn much.

If it is an existing problem, though, you might find that a union cannot support you. If they did, people would just join when they have a problem, then leave once it is over.

FBaby

Be aware that if an investigation has already started, they might not take you on. They expect people to pay monthly so they can get the service if required (a bit like insurance) rather than people wanting to join just when they need them. Contact them first and ask.

usefulmale

I am a domestic and I am in Unison. I doubt, though, that any union will help with ongoing problems but join up anyway, just in case you do survive.

If there is a rep in your workplace, they may give you off-the-record advice.

TELLIT01

FBaby wrote: »

Be aware that if an investigation has already started, they might not take you on. They expect people to pay monthly so they can get the service if required (a bit like insurance) rather than people wanting to join just when they need them. Contact them first and ask.

It's more likely that they'll let you join because they want your money. Only then will they tell you that they can't support you over an issue which was active or pending when you joined.

-taff

I'm with Unite, they've been good for me, I've used them a few times, always with good results.

usefulmale

Additionally, if you do get called to a disciplinary, they should present their evidence BEFORE the hearing.

Go through this with a fine toothcomb and do the same for any trust policies they refer to. Often, the managers don't know their own policies and you can often hang them by their own petards.

At my previous trust, I faced a disciplinary with my manager piling on accusation after accusation, saying "resign now because you will be fired".

Out of 10 accusations, I batted away 8 of them in as many minutes and only two minor ones were upheld. I made a counter accusation of bullying against the manager in question afterwards and boy, did she get into bother.

All without union help and down to my own legwork, so try not to worry.

Nohopeharry

FBaby wrote: »

Be aware that if an investigation has already started, they might not take you on. They expect people to pay monthly so they can get the service if required (a bit like insurance) rather than people wanting to join just when they need them. Contact them first and ask.

I know, I really wish I had joined ages ago. As far as I know, there is no formal investigation going on as I haven't received written notice of one, but I do know they are investigating the situation generally. So by joining, I would hope to only need them if I get personally investigated, or if I needed help because of TUPE.

Nohopeharry

usefulmale wrote: »

Additionally, if you do get called to a disciplinary, they should present their evidence BEFORE the hearing.

Go through this with a fine toothcomb and do the same for any trust policies they refer to. Often, the managers don't know their own policies and you can often hang them by their own petards.

At my previous trust, I faced a disciplinary with my manager piling on accusation after accusation, saying "resign now because you will be fired".

Out of 10 accusations, I batted away 8 of them in as many minutes and only two minor ones were upheld. I made a counter accusation of bullying against the manager in question afterwards and boy, did she get into bother.

All without union help and down to my own legwork, so try not to worry.

Hi fellow domestic Well done on fighting back, and thanks for the heads up. I don't think I am under formal disciplinary procedures as I have not received notice if it, but the situation itself is generally, if you get me, with the finger pointing at me.

I am in a similar situation as you were though- manager doesn't like me that much (im a very shy/quiet person and it seems to give people the willies) and with all the stealing going on I have a feeling they will try and get rid of me through TUPE instead of a disciplinary. But hey, I'll have to wait and see on that one :undecided

If you don't mind me asking, what region do you work in?

usefulmale

Nohopeharry wrote: »

Hi fellow domestic Well done on fighting back, and thanks for the heads up. I don't think I am under formal disciplinary procedures as I have not received notice if it, but the situation itself is generally, if you get me, with the finger pointing at me.

I am in a similar situation as you were though- manager doesn't like me that much (im a very shy/quiet person and it seems to give people the willies) and with all the stealing going on I have a feeling they will try and get rid of me through TUPE instead of a disciplinary. But hey, I'll have to wait and see on that one :undecided

If you don't mind me asking, what region do you work in?

I'm in Yorkshire.