What union to join??

[edie209]

Hello all

I have just recently joined a school as Network Manager after quite a few years working outside Education.

This morning in the staff room there was alot of talk about next weeks proposed strike action, when I mentioned that I was not in a union. I have been told that its in my best interest to be part of a union.

So I would like to hear your opinions and advice, on which is the best move forward for me.

Thanks

[indiegirl]

I am a member of the GMB, on the suggestion of my previous Network Manager, and because in my old school almost all of the support staff were members. The GMB is incredibly expansive and covers just about everyone, which is why I ended up with them.

I've continued to pay my £10 a month to cover me if a student wants to raise any allegations against me (unlikely, but you never know)...

[ChrisH]

Im in Unison. Mostly because all the rest of the non teaching staff are in it

[petectid]

Unlike Indiegirl suggests I think you will find most school support in UNISON, and often only the Caretakers, cleaners and catering staff in the GMB.

[broc]

I joined Unison, mainly to provide some safeguards & legal support in the event of children making allegations against me. Sadly this is an ever-increasing situation in schools these days.

Being a network manager you occasionally upset(!) some students when you ban/block access to sites etc and who knows if they should ever decide to try and get their own back!

Also, with BSF slowly gathering pace there is the increasing threat of outsourcing school ICT provision and TUPE.

Brian

[TechMonkey]

Unison too because it was the major support staff union in the school. I know some support staff are in ATL but are feeling a bit lost at sea at the moment as they are not involved in the Pension dispute.

Reasons are the same as indiegirl, kind of insurance in case something bad happens

[stitch]

I am a member of Unison and have been for the last two years, mainly on the recommendation of the other support staff who are members. I joined mainly for the same reason that indiegirl mentioned what with working in a School around children.

[MrDylan]

I'm not in a Union, I was advised to joing one when I started here nearly 3 years ago, but never got round to it.
Since then the person who advised I joined has left as they've never helped any situation when it was needed.
Plus, I'm really short of cash and need that extra bank note each month!

[webman]

Another vote for Unison from me.

[beeswax]

Unison at our school too.
beeswax

[OverWorked]

I'm in Unison. I joined because of the legal cover.

All the technical and admin staff here are. Most of the TA's are in Teacher's unions - not sure why - maybe to annoy teachers / give themselve higher status.

Plus we get to strike next Tuesday. I've never been on strike before, so it's quite exciting really. I hope we're missed.

[webman]

I hope we're missed.

If you schedule a server shutdown for mid-day 28th, you should be

[OverWorked]

If you schedule a server shutdown for mid-day 28th, you should be

Now you're putting ideas in my head.

[indiegirl]

Seems like I'm the only one not in Unison then!! ;-)

We too are striking (although I'm not - if I did, there'd be no-one here) next Tuesday over the rule of 28 for the LGPS. As I'm a third of a pensionable age, I can't see that it'll ever apply to me (it'll be changed long before I retire!)...

GMB or Unison, I would have a chat with other support staff in your school and see who they're members with. It may be that a local rep's already installed in the school or the area union representative may have represented staff before - that's the only reason I went with GMB to be honest - tried and tested by colleagues!

[TechMonkey]

although I'm not - if I did, there'd be no-one here

Isn't that the point of striking though?

I was on the fence about striking but as the ballot has gone for yes I'm up for showing support. Won't affect me either as I'm not expecting to be around that long but mainly for those that are coming up to it and would have it lost.