Unions for IT people

Dakta

Emmia said:

Dakta said:

I totally agree on that, and to be fair to Unison my criticism may have bene premature as they did process my application yesterday, so in that sense we've progress though I'm surprised you didn't get some kind of welcome email after registering just so you know the process is in the motions.

I've had a very rough year at work, though those issues were supposed to be resolved at Christmas, I have a new role (better) and manager etc, but I've generally been left unsupported and I'm struggling to be a self starter (due to my health, unknown new role, lack of access etc), I'm getting some kickback from requests for support despite occ health, so whilst I do actually really get on with leadership at a social level (they're just busy, not malicious) given my health, lack of training and so forth and my need to be functional to maintain my health, I think being in a union might be a good idea as I guess the waters still potentially choppy. 

Being in a union doesn't solve any of those issues - if you're unsure then you need to talk to your manager about getting you up to speed / the role adjusted if possible to what you can do.

It won't solve the issues but it will help protect me legally if they try and come back on me for capability or some other consequence, which isn't far off something I've recently been through. The new role in my case was constructed off the back of lack of support so the agreement I have actually emphasises support being made available.

I'm hoping management will fix it, but you know, if I end up having to leave or if things get worse I would want that Union support. I can go it alone, and previously I have with success but it is hard work. Plus you have to devote a lot of time to learning/researching stuff that really isn't part of my day job. 

Savvy_Sue

Dakta said:

I totally agree on that, and to be fair to Unison my criticism may have bene premature as they did process my application yesterday, so in that sense we've progress though I'm surprised you didn't get some kind of welcome email after registering just so you know the process is in the motions.

I've had a very rough year at work, though those issues were supposed to be resolved at Christmas, I have a new role (better) and manager etc, but I've generally been left unsupported and I'm struggling to be a self starter (due to my health, unknown new role, lack of access etc), I'm getting some kickback from requests for support despite occ health, so whilst I do actually really get on with leadership at a social level (they're just busy, not malicious) given my health, lack of training and so forth and my need to be functional to maintain my health, I think being in a union might be a good idea as I guess the waters still potentially choppy. 

I think in your position I'd be clicking around the Unison website, and looking at some of the free webinars that might be available covering disability, reasonable adjustments etc. Of course I don't know if your health issues amount to a disability, but it would be worth your while being clear in your own mind. I have a feeling that if I registered for a webinar, I'd be sent the recording, even if I didn't manage to attend in real time. 

I'd also read the emails they send (!) and see if there are things you could be involved in - attending local branch meetings and generally being 'seen'. And it might not be too soon to touch base with the branch office and find out who your local branch officers are - along the lines of "if I needed some support in a couple of months, who would I speak to?"

They won't normally support someone who's only just joined, but you may find them receptive, especially if there is any likelihood of increasing membership / getting union recognition in your workplace. 

Dakta

I get the impression you read my mind

One colleague who I do get on with has a chronic condition, and has had reasonable adjustments for about 5+ years and management is having talks about trying to remove these (were not actually sure why as the reason is apparently just to align team working hours, so we're struggling to find a business impact as everythings getting done) so we've actually discussed joining together, so the prospect of people coming with me is high - though it might be too late for him given the wheels are in motion.

Regarding my own condition, due to my previous issues I did get another occ health assessment (prev manager ignored advice from one previously) and their opinion from my condition, the impact and the length of time is that I would likely be classed as disabled under the act.

I like the idea of getting involved, whilst I've not done it at union level i have reached out to our inclusion team (I didn't realise we had one) and they've actually offered to have a call with me, so I'm wondering if a good tack might be ask them if they can do some sort of initiative or campaign or even management training (though I probably won't say that explicitly) because I don't think our company actually knows how to provide support.

I don't think I'll need their support imminently, but I do feel increasingly isolated at work and whilst I actually get on with my manager really well, my needing support doesn't marry with his hands off 'manage yourselves team, ive a lot on today' approach.