Unions at work

[CiderMonkey]

There is a Union at work and the guy has been asking if i would like to join (no pressure, in a nice way).

IIt will cost �10 per month. Is it worth it? How many of you are union members?

[RATTER15]

I would have no part of any union, they are the scum of the earth!! remember the 70s when they brought the country to its knees nearly.

I fight my own battles or change jobs, I would certainly not pay those parasitic unions a single penny!!!

Spleen vented!!!!!!!!!!

[aristotle]

It is Trade Unions we have to thank for all the rights that workers now have to time off, paid leave, not being sacked without a valid reason, an enforceable contract; the list goes on and on. If you are treated unfairly at work, it is the union that will support you against the might of your employer with legal and financial advice. It is also the Union you will have to thank for negotiating a better pay deal than you would otherwise have got.
My advice is, join the Union. Just because a few extremists behaved abysmally 30+ years ago is no reason not to.

[antiguru]

I can�t agree with aristotle�s rose-tinted view of trade unions and the assertion that extremism is not alive and well in the movement today. And not all employers are determined to undermine the rights of workers. The legislation we have in place today is around for a variety of reasons and I certainly would not credit unions with being the driving force behind it.

However, you have 2 extreme views here and I think the reality is somewhere between the two.

Don�t let pro-union propaganda frighten you into believing that you will not be able to defend yourself against the big bad employer. There are other mechanisms in place to do this, such as grievance procedures, industrial tribunals and even the Courts in some cases. Employers know that employees are much more aware of their rights than they used to be, and also that poor employers lose staff.

It is very rare for a union to be involved in an individual pay negotiation and where a union is recognised for collective bargaining over pay, the Agreement is applied to all staff who hold the jobs they negotiate for whether they are union members or not.

In all honesty, in my opinion, for fighting battles a union is only as good as it�s local Shop Steward. Which can sometimes be very poor indeed.

But have a look at the other things the membership will get you. Discounts, access to cover for your family etc. Personally I think �120 a year sounds a lot.

[jake-the-peg]

Forget all the pro and anti- spleen venting and look at it as if you were buying a service/ insurance policy/ etc.

See what they're offering you and decide whether you think it's worth it.

Unions vary a lot between themselves and the industries in which they operate

A average of �2 per week is claimed here:
http://www.worksmart.org.uk/health/viewquestio n.php?eny=279

[makemesmile]

Unions were instrumental in a lot of safety measures, rights etc. (and not 'scum of the earth') but now, with so much legislation in place to ensure our safety and so on, I do feel they are rather defunct, in many industries. But as jake-the-peg says, maybe they have something to offer in the way of friendly support. There may even be the odd get-together and a chance to meet new people. Do some research : )