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

 

[Robson689]

I was about an hour late the day after working 20 hours... I don't care for a job where I'm not respected and neither should anyone else.

 

[Pete999]

I was about an hour late the day after working 20 hours... I don't care for a job where I'm not respected and neither should anyone else.

Working life can be hard mate. take it on the chin and move on.

 

[KennyKen]

After working 20 hours? Wow that company obviously never had a duty of care.

 

[arch stanton62]

I'm also thinking of rejoining a union,with the pay deal running out end of 2020,I'm wondering if they are gonna try and sneak in another lvl of unskilled worker like they did last time.

 

[andyb]

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

What experiance is that Zerax?

 

[PEG]

Working life can be hard mate. take it on the chin and move on.

....the Miners didn't like this advice,in the eighties.... (Only joking,pal)

The Unions,in my experience,are one of those institutions,where in theory,there are no downsides.....like Communism...

The practical outcomes,are always contrary. Without doubt,some good comes out of these things,and then human nature takes over.

I am old enough to have seen the "club" system in operation...jobs-for-the-boys,applied by union officials,in the same way,the company men would do it...fit-ups,carve-ups....and how active,possibly well intentioned union officials,could be easily placated,by merely promoting them till they had a job they couldn't lose.

These days,there are more political reasons for joining,than practical ones...advice and discounts,aside.

Let's make a long post,longer,with two examples,one old,one new.

A great many years back,in one of my few PAYE jobs,i was told,nay,instructed,to join the union,and divvy up my monthly subscription....for the greater good (see "Hot Fuzz)

I needed some advice regarding pay rates,which were union set,on site,and i rang up the union headquarters. They told me i had to speak to my company rep,who was an alcoholic driver,with a particularly horrible disposition...i explained of my issues with this man,and was told "we will look in to it..."

I got no advice.....and he didn't get any more sober...

So,with a lot of whinging and whining....and even a warning of trouble from the wages clerk....i cancelled my subscription and that was me done.

Forward to last week...a good pal has been offered work at the airport,and part of the requirement,is for some safety cert,a days course,which is mandatory.

The course seems to be run by the unions,and if you join,by way of subscription,it was free and the day after...if not,40 odd quid,and 2 or 3 weeks later.....

Anywho,i can barely contain my excitement and wonder,over the anticipation of only having to work a 32 hour week....really? come on,Len...i spend longer than that,typing boring posts...