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]

It is my thought that for a TU for Sparkies it has to have 100% involvement otherwise it won't work, TUs are perfect for large conglomerates and should be involved with Senior Management, for things like Pay, Holidays, H&S, T&Cs etc, for Sole traders I can't in all honesty see being a member of a TU being of any use to the Trader.
I personally believe that a Professional body is needed with the involvement of the IET, SCAMS sorry Schemes, JIB, examination bodies, C&Gs as an example, to monitor and look after the needs of the many.
Thereby comes to the problem with my idea, there are far to many Sole traders who, don't belong to a Scheme, or don't have the relevant qualifications to be called electricians, there needs in my opinion a radical upgrade of the CPSchemes and others to make representation for Electricians, or any other Trade for that matter work, to be of use to anyone, a very good idea OP but not something that is viable in the age of pick up some tools and become an instant Tradesperson.
With due respect to Paignton Pete, and I understand his frustration, his statement is so far from the modern way of working in todays climate, having a job and keeping it is a laudable idea, but employees need protecting otherwise we will end up back in the dark ages, sorry Pete.

 

[Jim Cartledge]

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

I still have my original EETPU card (somewhere). Date on it is 1974.

 

[Deleted account]

Hi pete999
I respect your opinion.
I just feel the pendulum has swung too far in the employees direction.
The employers and industry are the ones that need a bit of protection now in order for them to give employees jobs.
If it swings back the other way I may come out on the unions side.

 

[Pete999]

Hi pete999
I respect your opinion.
I just feel the pendulum has swung too far in the employees direction.
The employers and industry are the ones that need a bit of protection now in order for them to give employees jobs.
If it swings back the other way I may come out on the unions side.

Fair enough PP

 

[Pete999]

Fair enough PP

In addition to my Fair enough Petem from my experiences as a TU rep, many Unions especially the larger, more well known ones, are also wised up n Employers' right, I can see tour point though, in the cases I dealt with, it was quite a few, some disciplinary, some Ts&Cs some pay issues, the Union always involved management in all issues, and the outcome of many of these cases, weren't sympathetic to the individual, in fact in some cases I dealt with it was often the case of the individual being told to abide by the rules set out by the company, and stop being so childish, or words to that effect. Yes I agree companies need protection as well, which is why, in my opinion ALL parties, Employers and Employees need to be involved at all times.
I guess where you are coming from (only a guess) involves the smaller Companies 1 Man Bands and the like, where disputes are quite often of a personal nature.
Employees' need protection at times but some how I don't think Unions for Employees would work, after all they are more than likely the reason why Employees seek TU help, I reckon in the case of Employers; needing help should come from some sort of Directors Professional bodies, as well as help and advice from the CP Schemes. Like I said these CP Schemes along with the industry as a whole need a shake up, I guess you can see from the tone of my post, I'm not a great fan of these CP Schemes, far to many to be any good, one licensing body is all that is needed, funded and Managed HMG and not Money grabbing leaches, funding their lives by leaching money from hard working Electricians, sorry for the Rant, my juices are flowing, time for another Coffee methinks.

 

[snowhead]

There are a few basic hurdles to overcome in setting up a new Trade Union.

It's a Business, so it will need initial investment for setup costs, whoever invests will want to see a return on their investment.

The Business is basically protecting rights of members, so will need to employ experts in employment Legislation, Health and Safety Legislation etc.
It will also need to retain the services of Legal Professionals in those fields.

It will need local representatives, who will need paying for thier time, transport and admin costs whilst on Union work.
They'll need Phones and computer equipment.

It will need a membership to pay subscriptions.

It will need agrement with employers to act on thier employees behalf.

It will get resistance from other Unions representing the same sector.

The list goes on and on but fails at the first hurdle, who is going to want to invest in it with little or no return.

 

[KennyKen]

I’m in the ETU in Australia and Pay Dues.

Being a part of a Union is generally a good thing. I don’t like elements where lazy workers whinge about menial things to stop the job but I do agree on fair pay above award rates. The ETU fight for fair wages and Holiday pay and Big companies sign an enterprise bargain agreement (EBA) that outlines rates of pay. OT rates etc... if the companies had it there way they would pay dog biscuits and have negotiated wages and conditions. All of which create animosity between colleagues.

I don’t agree with “You have a job, be grateful” mindset. I’ve seen too many companies who enjoy the race to the bottom especially in the UK. Where they would rather employ a non licensed sparky because he charges 50 quid a day.

At least here to be awarded a large contract you have to abide by paying fair wages and employees who are union based are fully licensed and abide by there duty to perform an excellent standard of electrical work.

 

[Toneyz]

I’m in the ETU in Australia and Pay Dues.

Being a part of a Union is generally a good thing. I don’t like elements where lazy workers whinge about menial things to stop the job but I do agree on fair pay above award rates. The ETU fight for fair wages and Holiday pay and Big companies sign an enterprise bargain agreement (EBA) that outlines rates of pay. OT rates etc... if the companies had it there way they would pay dog biscuits and have negotiated wages and conditions. All of which create animosity between colleagues.

I don’t agree with “You have a job, be grateful” mindset. I’ve seen too many companies who enjoy the race to the bottom especially in the UK. Where they would rather employ a non licensed sparky because he charges 50 quid a day.

At least here to be awarded a large contract you have to abide by paying fair wages and employees who are union based are fully licensed and abide by there duty to perform an excellent standard of electrical work.

Sounds like it works well for both parties everyone knows where they stand and what they are getting paid.

 

[ian.settle1]

Bring back Frank Chapple!!!!!

No thanks he'd be a bit of a mess now