O/T Union Representation

Hi Guys,

Wondering if anyone can suggest a union based on previous experience of use. Got a potential employment issue arising that may potentially require representation or the advice at least from a union.

Thanks in advance!

 

In my experience, totally depends on the quality of the rep. Some are fantastic and others useless. Send me a PM if you need any specific advice.

 

I can't recommend my union because I've never used them, but as far as I'm aware they won't help you with any pre-existing issues you're having? Someone might be able to give clearer guidance but that's what I was told. Nobody would sign up beforehand otherwise, it'd be a bit like insuring your house whilst it's burning down.

 

Yeah that makes sense, I'll be honest I'm totally clueless when it comes to this thing, I'm 90% the employer is in the wrong, just need it confirming but if it is confirmed they're in the wrong I think it could escalate and felt a union would be best to help. I didn't know if there was anything like pay however much upfront for the representation or advice etc. Thanks anyway!

 

You could try acas or Citizens Advice.

 

Hope you get it sorted, mate. Worth a try speaking with the rep anyway.

 

Save your money, ACAS can advise you free of charge and carry much more clout than any union

 

I'm sure you can get a free 30 minute consultation with a solicitor for this. You will just need to check which ones do employment related work...

 

I've no axe to grind with the OP and I hope things turn out ok for him, but IMHO you either believe in the trade union movement and sign up accordingly or you don't. There's a bit more to it than covering your arse when something hits the fan.

 

100% Correct Sir.

 

I know people at Unite. PM me.

 

ACAS gave me some sound advice when the location of my job was being moved what I considered to be an unreasonable distance, and the employer was dragging its feet in attempting to find me something else.

Free, as well. They were very good with me.

 

That's certainly not the case where i work (hospital nhs). I'd say 97% of my colleagues are in a union incase 'something hits the fan'.

 

Yes, but at least they're already in, not trying to sign up when things go bad. Where I worked, we had a similar level of membership. The union was top-notch and handled loads of stuff - bullying, health and safety, job protection, equal pay claims, T's & C's, pay negotiations, etc, etc. We would have been much worse off without them. Yet still some people moaned about the union, and some refused to join (although they were happy to receive a union-negotiated pay increase).

 

Iy depends on the occupation as to what union you would need too. No good joining post office union if your a train driver for instance.

 

I’m a Unison rep. You should be a member for a min of 3 months as a rule though I represent people from sign up.

 

I'm a TU rep with PCS, we usually only represent members who've joined minimum 3 months prior to issues arising. However we pass on advice to other members who attend meetings as advocates. Any new issues arising will initial meetings are addressed by reps.

Always happy though to give advice on work issues. Be careful when calling ACAS they'll advise you on the basics, they won't tell you how to be strategic. It's all about planning 3 steps in front and setting traps for your employer and HR advisors. Most employers stick are rigid with policy and unfortunately for them, policy doesn't trump employment law.

 

Nothings hit the fan and I don't need any covering, based on my own findings it could be handled purely from myself, sadly the union issue in reference to an employment perspective is now I believe a generational thing and I've never been in one. I was purely wanting a bit of information. Thanks for your input anyway.

 

You're welcome. I deliberately didn't "reply" to your post because I didn't really think you fell into the category I was aiming for. Some of my non-union co-workers spent almost their whole working lives rubbishing the union, then came running to join when things got sticky. You were, I believe, just after some advice. And there's nothing wrong with that. Like I said previously, I hope things work out ok for you.

 

Just an update for you on this, the matter has now been resolved. I won't go into details regarding it but one employee other than myself will now be getting a large amount of money paid through the companies failings. Thanks for all your advice on this!