Joining a Union

[Stewart Finneran]

Hi All,

Just wondering what people's thoughts are of joining a Union whilst undergoing a first year Apprenticeship? I'm a mature student (37) and have secured an apprenticeship through JTL. They mentioned about joining a Union, and I was wondering if you think it's worth joining whilst undergoing an apprenticeship, and if so any recommendations on which one? Unite, EWB etc... I've not been part of a Union before as I'm ex military, so I've never had the need to join one. Any constructive comments is greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Pete999]

Hi All,

Just wondering what people's thoughts are of joining a Union whilst undergoing a first year Apprenticeship? I'm a mature student (37) and have secured an apprenticeship through JTL. They mentioned about joining a Union, and I was wondering if you think it's worth joining whilst undergoing an apprenticeship, and if so any recommendations on which one? Unite, EWB etc... I've not been part of a Union before as I'm ex military, so I've never had the need to join one. Any constructive comments is greatly appreciated. Thanks

As an ex TU Rep I would strongly advise a yes, which company are you serving your Apprenticeship with?

 

[KennyKen]

I would. See it as a voice for the lads. We have a lot of ex forces who work for our firm who don’t agree or understand it.

 

[Pete999]

Hi All,

Just wondering what people's thoughts are of joining a Union whilst undergoing a first year Apprenticeship? I'm a mature student (37) and have secured an apprenticeship through JTL. They mentioned about joining a Union, and I was wondering if you think it's worth joining whilst undergoing an apprenticeship, and if so any recommendations on which one? Unite, EWB etc... I've not been part of a Union before as I'm ex military, so I've never had the need to join one. Any constructive comments is greatly appreciated. Thanks

There should be some sort of TU representation at your place of work, if it's a multi trade workforce, find out from your colleagues which is the largest membership and apply to join, you don't have to become involved in Union/Management policies, just the greater the membership the more weight for any negotiations, I was a member of "PROSPECT" the union for professionals, if that's any help to you.

 

[Risteard]

Hi All,

Just wondering what people's thoughts are of joining a Union whilst undergoing a first year Apprenticeship? I'm a mature student (37) and have secured an apprenticeship through JTL. They mentioned about joining a Union, and I was wondering if you think it's worth joining whilst undergoing an apprenticeship, and if so any recommendations on which one? Unite, EWB etc... I've not been part of a Union before as I'm ex military, so I've never had the need to join one. Any constructive comments is greatly appreciated. Thanks

You should join.

Unite will be the only one open to you.

 

[Robson689]

Personal opinion here they're useless. I got wrongfully dismissed about a month before my apprenticeship ended and the same week that 2 new apprentices started and the union manager for the area knew the company director and took his side straight away and that's as far as their support went.

 

[davesparks]

Personal opinion here they're useless. I got wrongfully dismissed about a month before my apprenticeship ended and the same week that 2 new apprentices started and the union manager for the area knew the company director and took his side straight away and that's as far as their support went.

That doesn't mean that all unions are useless, just that the particular person is not doing their job properly.

 

[Pete999]

Personal opinion here they're useless. I got wrongfully dismissed about a month before my apprenticeship ended and the same week that 2 new apprentices started and the union manager for the area knew the company director and took his side straight away and that's as far as their support went.

What was the reason given to you for dismissal, was it verbal or in writing ??? What Union was it?

 

[Zerax]

From my experience... modern Unions are largely political organisations. There's plenty of employment law in place to protect 'workers' these days.

 

[Pete999]

What was the reason given to you for dismissal, was it verbal or in writing ??? What Union was it?

No answer to this question as yet!!!!

 

[Robson689]

No answer to this question as yet!!!!

Sorry it was verbal dismissal, 7 days notice, previous weeks pay and outstanding holiday paid the week after. Union was Unite. I did have an appeal meeting with the directors but it arrived on a Friday and the meeting was for the following Monday but because of the way Unite was with me I was already on holiday when I got the letter...

Got a new job 2 weeks later and finished my apprenticeship only 6 months late

 

[AJ3209]

Unite the union are recognised for collective bargaining etc so if you want a say in the industry, would advise going to them. Think they do a discounted rate for apprentices as well but not sure what that is now. Good to be a member and have the advice when needed

 

[Deleted account]

Sorry it was verbal dismissal, 7 days notice, previous weeks pay and outstanding holiday paid the week after. Union was Unite. I did have an appeal meeting with the directors but it arrived on a Friday and the meeting was for the following Monday but because of the way Unite was with me I was already on holiday when I got the letter...

Got a new job 2 weeks later and finished my apprenticeship only 6 months late

And the reason for the dismissal?

I am not a fan of unions for reasons I’ve gone into other threads, but if the union though the dismissal unfair they would have backed you to the hilt.

You should have stuck with it and appealed.

 

[Pete999]

Sorry it was verbal dismissal, 7 days notice, previous weeks pay and outstanding holiday paid the week after. Union was Unite. I did have an appeal meeting with the directors but it arrived on a Friday and the meeting was for the following Monday but because of the way Unite was with me I was already on holiday when I got the letter...

Got a new job 2 weeks later and finished my apprenticeship only 6 months late

OK but what had you done or not done to illicit a verbal dismissal that's against all employment law, were you given a warning verbal and in writing, must be a reason for such action, a Union would have backed you all the way to the eventual tribunal.
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And the reason for the dismissal?

I am not a fan of unions for reasons I’ve gone into other threads, but if the union though the dismissal unfair they would have backed you to the hilt.

You should have stuck with it and appealed.

Sorry it was verbal dismissal, 7 days notice, previous weeks pay and outstanding holiday paid the week after. Union was Unite. I did have an appeal meeting with the directors but it arrived on a Friday and the meeting was for the following Monday but because of the way Unite was with me I was already on holiday when I got the letter...

Got a new job 2 weeks later and finished my apprenticeship only 6 months late

What do you mean, "the way the Unite was with me"? don't understand if you weren't going away traveling to your Holiday, I would have attended the meeting, if you were just taking a break from work a day would neither be here or there, after all it was your job on the line.
Sorry if you couldn't be bothered about the meeting, then you only had yourself to blame, good you managed to find someone else to take you on as an Apprentice.

 

[Deleted account]

I’m really curious to know the reason, but it’s your prerogative not to inform us.
it would however make your comment more credible it you told us.

We may agree with you.