29th November 2008, 03:55 PM
Oz, You've hit the nail on the head there. Which union does your current employer recognise? For understanding of our work conditions I'd go for prospect every time, but if you tend toward local authority jobs Unison is the better choice. You could join both, but that's a big whack and the results when asking for help can be pretty disappointing 
A few years back I was at a local authority who were going through growing pains (it all turned out well) and a meeting was called to discuss various issues. Of course the Unison man from the local chapter had to be present. Forty minutes late a pony-tailed, leather-jacketed man arrived to grumbles (we wanted to get tothe drinking bit) waving his arms like a rock star announcing that now that he was there we could begin.
The first thing he asked was who was a member. All the management raised their hands, none of the diggers (PO's included). He haragued us about our failure to belong and when somebody later pointed out to him that the going monthly rate was the same as a week's food (and many of us kept a permanent home elsewhere) he got really hostile and not so quietly implied that none of us could budget.
Actually, as the meeting progressed it became painfully clear that he had no idea in practical terms what we actually did for a living, what we were happy to do (like get muddy) and what actually concerned us (contract length and training).
That episode really put me off joining a union. Some employers later, when I did and needed advice I was told that there wasn't really anything to be done because as a meticulous as I am with record keeping I never kept a close enough eye on the one area I never thought I'd have to cover (my employers). I realise that unions need concrete facts to work with, but the very least I expect is some good advice and suggestions on how to procede with one's working life.
Yes, I'm all for solidarity, but from now on I'll only give my money to a union I feel gives a damn.
A few years back I was at a local authority who were going through growing pains (it all turned out well) and a meeting was called to discuss various issues. Of course the Unison man from the local chapter had to be present. Forty minutes late a pony-tailed, leather-jacketed man arrived to grumbles (we wanted to get tothe drinking bit) waving his arms like a rock star announcing that now that he was there we could begin.
The first thing he asked was who was a member. All the management raised their hands, none of the diggers (PO's included). He haragued us about our failure to belong and when somebody later pointed out to him that the going monthly rate was the same as a week's food (and many of us kept a permanent home elsewhere) he got really hostile and not so quietly implied that none of us could budget.
Actually, as the meeting progressed it became painfully clear that he had no idea in practical terms what we actually did for a living, what we were happy to do (like get muddy) and what actually concerned us (contract length and training).
That episode really put me off joining a union. Some employers later, when I did and needed advice I was told that there wasn't really anything to be done because as a meticulous as I am with record keeping I never kept a close enough eye on the one area I never thought I'd have to cover (my employers). I realise that unions need concrete facts to work with, but the very least I expect is some good advice and suggestions on how to procede with one's working life.
Yes, I'm all for solidarity, but from now on I'll only give my money to a union I feel gives a damn.