1st December 2008, 12:53 PM
So who are you thinking (exactly) should be represented? I've worked both in and out of the field for years. Last time I was regularly working in the field I was told I couldn't join the Diggers Forum because I was 'a boss'. Never mind that I was probably doing as much actual fieldwork as most of the people in it. I think that you exclude people who have moved up through the ranks at your peril, after all it's easier to convince them if they come and talk and listen with you than if you shout at them and they are probably both the ones most likely to listen and also the ones that actually might have some power to do something about it! (Out of interest, IPMS/Prospect also weren't sure if I should be able to be a member once I was part owner of a company. Sigh.)
On Prospect; I was a member when it was IPMS. I was also a branch committee member for a while. On the whole I think they were worth the money, not least because of the 'side' benefits like access to a counselling and support service. However, I was working somewhere that recognised a union. If you argue it right, you can probably 'persuade' an employer that union represenation is useful, as the skills that the union brings to the organisation can be very helpful.
In the meantime though, are you actually talking about setting up a new trade union? Or a 'staff representation' type organisation?
On Prospect; I was a member when it was IPMS. I was also a branch committee member for a while. On the whole I think they were worth the money, not least because of the 'side' benefits like access to a counselling and support service. However, I was working somewhere that recognised a union. If you argue it right, you can probably 'persuade' an employer that union represenation is useful, as the skills that the union brings to the organisation can be very helpful.
In the meantime though, are you actually talking about setting up a new trade union? Or a 'staff representation' type organisation?