14th January 2010, 11:02 AM
One of the main reasons for joining a union is in case things go badly wrong, but it is important to realise that unless there is an existing union structure in place in your workplace, and a formalised relationship between the union and management, then it will be harder for union membership to make a massive difference at such times of crisis. Whilst we all need to acknowledge that the union cannot conjure jobs out of thin air, it can work with managent to see whether all redundancies are necessary. I know of at least one case where several posts were retained after the union successfully argued that there was in fact sufficient work to keep the staff. This does however require members and reps to work hard, unpaid, to formulate alternative strategies; union HQ cannot do it on their own, you need members on-site.
This does all of course mean that unions 'work better' in larger units where there is a branch or sub-branch structure that can focus on day-to-day issues and have a voice at the table with management, rather than in the rather disparate 'archaeologists' group, but to an extent that is down to people standing as reps once recognition has been won. There is a separate Museum of London Branch, but is there any reason why other large units cannot have their own branches should there be the membership? I can remember joining one unionised unit and after signing away my life, a rep came in and told us about the union, what it did, and asked us to consider joining.
As with everything in life, you have to put in to get out, one reason why the archaeology branch has 'gone quiet' is that many reps have retired after long years of service (thankyou!) and there has been a lack of volunteers stepping forward to replace them. As has been pointed out Dave Allen has many many more responsibilities than just archaeologists, and he probably spends a disproportionate amount of time helping archaeologist members. I do think it is a bit tight to make apparently sarcastic comments about him not replying to this thread within a few days. Not very constructive really David. Yes the website should be updated, yes it all needs more work, yes things are out of date but maybe he is busy working for Prospect members?
As I've said before, the union is not Dave Allen or a the Prospect staff, it is all of us. If the union is inactive then it is up to all of us to fix that. How can Union HQ do anything if people don't join or stand to be reps?
......its also worth pointing out of course that union membership and recognition can actually be good for the employer as well as the employees and shouldn't be seen as a negative....
This does all of course mean that unions 'work better' in larger units where there is a branch or sub-branch structure that can focus on day-to-day issues and have a voice at the table with management, rather than in the rather disparate 'archaeologists' group, but to an extent that is down to people standing as reps once recognition has been won. There is a separate Museum of London Branch, but is there any reason why other large units cannot have their own branches should there be the membership? I can remember joining one unionised unit and after signing away my life, a rep came in and told us about the union, what it did, and asked us to consider joining.
As with everything in life, you have to put in to get out, one reason why the archaeology branch has 'gone quiet' is that many reps have retired after long years of service (thankyou!) and there has been a lack of volunteers stepping forward to replace them. As has been pointed out Dave Allen has many many more responsibilities than just archaeologists, and he probably spends a disproportionate amount of time helping archaeologist members. I do think it is a bit tight to make apparently sarcastic comments about him not replying to this thread within a few days. Not very constructive really David. Yes the website should be updated, yes it all needs more work, yes things are out of date but maybe he is busy working for Prospect members?
As I've said before, the union is not Dave Allen or a the Prospect staff, it is all of us. If the union is inactive then it is up to all of us to fix that. How can Union HQ do anything if people don't join or stand to be reps?
......its also worth pointing out of course that union membership and recognition can actually be good for the employer as well as the employees and shouldn't be seen as a negative....