Time for a new Electricians' union?

[Ernie Bevin]

Is it time a skilled trade like ours started our own union? Not part of Unite, not Unison, or any of the other other general unions but something that only accepts skilled C&G qualified sparks into membership?

 

[Pete999]

Is it time a skilled trade like ours started our own union? Not part of Unite, not Unison, or any of the other other general unions but something that only accepts skilled C&G qualified sparks into membership?

What in the same mode as the American Electricians TU?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Is it time a skilled trade like ours started our own union? Not part of Unite, not Unison, or any of the other other general unions but something that only accepts skilled C&G qualified sparks into membership?

You mean, like the competent electrician schemes? What would be the point/advantage of your “union”?

 

[Pete999]

You mean, like the competent electrician schemes? What would be the point/advantage of your “union”?

Well for large multi Electrician companies TUs offer protection against missuse bt Management, but I can't see a use for one man bands

 

[Pete999]

an ex TU rep I can see the benefits in large firms that recognise TUs for negotiating Pay, etc, the one I was repping for was "PROSPECTfi" a union for Professionals they were good but not specifically for Electricians

 

[SparkyAndGeorge]

You couldnt have just city and guilds it must recognise the other JIB recognised qualifcation namely EAL.

 

[Toneyz]

There used to be EPTU or something like that which was for electricians which merged and become Amicas that become UNITE.
I did see a youtube video with two blokes talking to Paul Meadem? of E5 who had started up a union for electricians I think.

 

[AJshep]

Yes thinks its called something like the Electrical workers branch.
IWGB:EWB

 

[Nigel]

EWB is primarily for SE electricians.

 

[westward10]

Still have my EETPU book somewhere. The Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications and Plumbers trade union.

 

[ipf]

Still have my EETPU book somewhere. The Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications and Plumbers trade union.

Bring back Frank Chapple!!!!!

 

[Deleted account]

No to unions.

They had there day and they where needed then.

We pay for high paid union officials and they achieve nothing.

All they do is destroy industry and the jobs that go with them.

 

[Des 56]

The ETU, my union,was responsible for one of the biggest betrayals of worker by fellow worker in the history of unions

Wapping was the name and shame was the game,I resigned from that union after their actions in cutting the throats of their fellow workers and was ashamed to admit it had at one time represented me

 

[Ernie Bevin]

Interesting responses -the sins of former organisations are not an argument against a future organisation. I think the big general unions we've ended up with have lost all focus in representing trades. For example, as a sole trader I think the lobbying on behalf of the industry with government is hopeless. I am mug enough to pay to be in a CPS. I am commercially undermined all the time by people who do electrical work without carrying this cost. These people are breaking the rules (arguably the law). I want this stopped. Is this too much to ask? Contrast with the rights of lawyers, pilots or doctors, who have hung on to their TRADE union.

 

[Deleted account]

You don’t need trade unions to stop the undermining. Just better policing. ( I don’t mean the actual rossers)

As for sins of the former organisations. Yes I may not be being fair on future organisations, but I will need a lot of convincing.

Traditionally Trade unions demand more money, more holidays, higher pensions, better working conditions.

The only one I agree with is better safer working conditions.

Money and holiday demands without any thought to the business model and wether the business can afford to trade with these demands have always destroyed business.

Wages should be dictated by demand and availability.

If you don’t like you lot in a company leave go elsewhere. If there isn’t anywhere else to go stay and stop moaning, you’ve got a job be grateful.