What Next?

 

Well which one is best?

UNITE!

(That was easy).

(What was that..?  Favouritism? Well I am a UNITE rep….)

Ok…OK Properly then;

Working for the University you will find that three unions are keen to represent you.

If you are Academic or Academic related staff (Over grade 5 for research staff and 6 for academic related, and academic.), then you are represented by UCU.

For everyone else the choice is between UNITE and UNISON.

So how do you pick a team?

Well if you have any strong feelings about union politics (you probably aren’t reading this) then you can always look at the websites and see which one suits your perspective.

But from my point of view at the workplace level a union is for support and solidarity, so find out who your workmates are with and join that one, see if you like the reps, or the more active members and go for the one that you think will give you the most support in YOUR workplace.

So now what?

Well the web site of your chosen Union is one place to go to join and find out about joining and subscription fees.

Subscriptions!? I don’t want to give my money to a load of politicians or end up in the Labour party!!!!

You don’t have to, just be sure not to tick those boxes.

Will my subs come off my wages?

No, while you can pay in your wages (check off) you can also pay via Direct Debit. (For UNITE, filling in another union’s application form to see how to do it is above and beyond the call of duty).

What if I don’t like websites?

Have a word with your rep, if you want to join UNITE get in touch with me (Robert Arrowsmith) or Vernon Schlegel, I’ve got a pile of membership forms.

Published:19/11/2020