Getting union recognised at small workplace

Jude57

Savvy_Sue said:

With a small employer, I've always thought the main benefits of union membership are for the individual rather than for the staff team as a whole.

It shocks and surprises me how many people are prepared to work in frontline, public facing roles, without joining a union.

A child or vulnerable individual makes an allegation, you're suspended, your colleagues won't know why, you won't be able to speak to them: it's a lonely place.

Even without that risk, if your employer wants to re-grade your job and reduce your salary, the knowledge that you can get support from the union is priceless. 

I did several training courses in my own time, they ran online activities during Covid, I got free advice on my father's will, I'm now a retired member for a single low payment. 

Exactly. I always thought of it, and encouraged others to think of it like any form of insurance. You pay your premiums (union subs) in the hope you'll never need to claim but having the reassurance that you're covered in the event you need it. I share your bafflement that anyone in a public facing or manufacturing role wouldn't join a union. 

Grumpy_chap

Jude57 said:

Exactly. I always thought of it, and encouraged others to think of it like any form of insurance. You pay your premiums (union subs) in the hope you'll never need to claim but having the reassurance that you're covered in the event you need it. I share your bafflement that anyone in a public facing or manufacturing role wouldn't join a union. 

That is quite a good way to think of it.

I also understand why people would not join a Union - there is a reputation going before some Unions and it lingers form the militant years of 1970's and 1980's.  When I had my first job, Dad advised against joining the Union as it was akin to a political statement / membership plus, back then, employers could and did discriminate against Union members.  Remember, that was against the time of one of Thatcher's key platforms being to "break the Unions".

Times (and the Unions) have changed and those views should not be common amongst younger people.  Though, I understand, the political levy to Labour remains in many Unions and not everyone will support that.  It may be that the political levy is voluntary.

I remain not a Union member, though not from any particular reason other than lethargy.  I never worked for a Unionised company (other via non-Unionised out-source partners).  I did once make some (possibly weak) steps to join a Union as a personal member, but not an affiliated / recognised workplace, and I found the people I contacted rather indifferent as to whether I got involved or not, so "not" won the day.

If my Nieces or Nephew asked, I suggest it was worth joining.  They may feel that finances are too tight with the cost of running a house to have any unnecessary expense.  It is not something I have ever discussed with them - if I were to guess then there is one I suspect would have joined (workplace recognises Unions), one will not have joined (small employer) and the other is hard to guess (American company in an industry that would typically have recognised Unions in the past).

Savvy_Sue

The political levy is voluntary. 

simongregson

Savvy_Sue said:

The political levy is voluntary. 

Not all unions are affiliated to the Labour party -Trade union legislation means that funding for any sort of political activity requires a separate voluntary payment. Unaffiliated unions will need this too in order to lobby politicians effectively of whatever party, in their member's interest.

Grumpy_chap

Savvy_Sue said:

The political levy is voluntary. 

Thanks for confirming.
Has it always been voluntary?  Remember, I am referring back to 1970's (and before) when my Dad had his opinions on Unions.

Savvy_Sue

Grumpy_chap said:

Savvy_Sue said:

The political levy is voluntary. 

Thanks for confirming.
Has it always been voluntary?  Remember, I am referring back to 1970's (and before) when my Dad had his opinions on Unions.

No, but I'm afraid I don't remember when that changed. Also see simongregson post above mine.

 Just found https://labourunions.org.uk/what-is-a-political-fund/ if it helps.