Unison- lump sum payment on joining

f.castle

Hello,

I know in general unions won’t represent you if you have just joined them, or you join mid way through an issue.

I’ve just joined a union in the last 24hrs. I’m in a situation where a a group grievance is to be submitted in a few weeks. I happen to be the knowledge holder of the work situation and terms and conditions/ the nuances of this work dispute but my colleagues do not. A few other colleagues are a member of the union too but aren’t so confident on the issue. 

My worry is the union won’t represent me, or allow me to lead the group grievance and instead ask another member to speak for the group. It might sound silly, I know. I’ve done a lot of the groundwork to organise the grievance and some may say it’s selfish, but the group recognise my effort and I’d like to be involved in the further stages.

Do unions such as unison take a lump sum payment (some might say it’s a bribe but it isn’t) to then act on my behalf as if I had been a member for longer?

thanks,

FC

Marcon

f.castle said:

Hello,

I know in general unions won’t represent you if you have just joined them, or you join mid way through an issue.

I’ve just joined a union in the last 24hrs. I’m in a situation where a a group grievance is to be submitted in a few weeks. I happen to be the knowledge holder of the work situation and terms and conditions/ the nuances of this work dispute but my colleagues do not. A few other colleagues are a member of the union too but aren’t so confident on the issue. 

My worry is the union won’t represent me, or allow me to lead the group grievance and instead ask another member to speak for the group. It might sound silly, I know. I’ve done a lot of the groundwork to organise the grievance and some may say it’s selfish, but the group recognise my effort and I’d like to be involved in the further stages.

Do unions such as unison take a lump sum payment (some might say it’s a bribe but it isn’t) to then act on my behalf as if I had been a member for longer?

thanks,

FC

If they did, wouldn't anyone with a brand new grievance/issue where union support is needed be trying a similar tactic? The situation may be exacerbated because you've obviously known about this group grievance for some while and still didn't join the union until now. Only the union itself can give you their view, so asking them would surely be the logical way to find out rather than asking for speculation here.

What I'm sure they will do is welcome support and input from any knowledge holder, so working in tandem with a longer-standing member of the union who is part of the group grievance might be the best way forward if the answer is 'no'.

Savvy_Sue

Second the advice to talk to them. As it's a group grievance, your recent membership may not prevent your full involvement, especially if longer standing members support you.