What Union?

[Number6]

Quick question.

What union, if any do school IT Techs belong to and why that particular union?

I'm not a member of any union but I've been advised that it could be a good idea.

I know there's an old thread on here recommending Unison but not sure if that recommendation is still valid?

So, ATL? GMB? UNISON?...... whomever?

[kevbaz]

am personally with GMB, in my 8 years here ive called upon them twice and always been happy with their support

[jsnetman]

I was a member of GMB but can absolutely say in my experience they are useless. Went through JD and couldn't get any help from them at all. Could not even get in touch with the local rep, phoned head office they refer me back to the rep. I sent a haughty letter resigning asking them to stop my payments, which they did not, finally got the LEA to cancel my payment to them. Now I get stupid recorded messages every couple of days asking for my subscription. If I could be bothered I would report them to OFCOM or whatever.

[sparkeh]

Being a member of a union is a great idea.
I belong to Unison, mostly as we seem to get a lot more info from our local branch than from other unions.

[machin05]

I'm not a member of a Union either, but thankfully have never needed to call on the help or support of one. The advice I was given about joining oen was to find out which union the majority of your school's employees are with. That way you have a louder voice when challenging the system!

R.A.T.M. anyone?

[SteveBentley]

With unions I guess your experience depends a lot on how pro-active your local branch is.

I guess the first thing to check is which union your school/LEA recognises - there's no point joining the GMB if they only recognise and consult with Unison!

[3s-gtech]

Voice here, due to their non-striking policy amongst other things. Good few members on here.

[bossman]

Unison and i would advise anyone who is not in one to join asap as things can get quite hairy in education as things seem to be blown out of all proportion in some cases.

[BrianG]

I'm with GMB as, I too, was advised to join a union when i started in schools. I've not had to use them upto now. Always get the blurb through though and newsletters etc..

[Linfit]

Personally I am in Unison, but that is because there is an on-site rep (there may not be in many schools) and that is traditionally the union that former APT&C scale employees would have been in in most Rochdale schools. GMB may be a valid choice in your area or school if they are stronger there.

Some of my colleagues who have more interactions with pupils have joined ATL, as they are perhaps more experienced at dealing with issues which may crop up as a result of dealing with pupils; I believe they have special rates for support staff. I would echo the point made above by the other posters, however; joining some sort of union is vital; just look on it as an insurance policy.

[laserblazer]

Another plug for Voice because they are non-striking. The discounts I get on airport parking almost cover the annual fee. I'd also say you should join a union.

Isn't it slightly ironic that we are advocating a non-striking union because of loyalty towards a system that requires us to join a union because that loyalty might not be reciprocated?

[teejay]

Unison here due to there being a rep in school and nearly all the support staff are members. Don't really agree with their viewpoint at times but the support of an in school rep have proved invaluable.

[cookie_monster]

Oh is Voice not just for teachers then?

EDIT

I see that's not the case I thought it was.

http://www.voicetheunion.org.uk/


They seem to offer quite a few benefits as well

Your membership of Voice includes the following perks and services:




Advice and Support
Casework and legal services are provided by our UK-wide network of officers and volunteers. Issues are dealt with promptly and effectively by our dedicated team who are able to support members on issues including:

•disciplinary and competence issues
•contractual negotiations, including redundancy and early retirement requirements
•assaults or false allegations at work
•discrimination and unfair dismissal.
All work is supported by our in-house and external solicitors.



Public Liability Insurance
Indemnity up to £5,000,000 for legal liability in respect of third party bodily injury or loss of or damage to third party property.



Protection of Property*
Personal belongings are covered against loss and damage while on workplace premises up to a value of £250. Personal money is also protected up to a maximum of £150.



Malicious Damage to Cars and Bikes*
Cover up to £400 is included within your membership against malicious damage to your vehicle when parked at your place of work.



Personal Accident Insurance*
Members are covered (on duty) for loss of sight, hands or feet, permanent disablement or death to the sum of £9,000. Off duty cover for the above is insured to the sum of £2,000.



Hospitalisation benefit

£500 compensation is available for 7 days’ hospitalisation following an accident.



Confidential 24-hour legal advisory line
Help with non-employment related advice.



Personal Injury Service
Support for members and their families.



Your Voice
The union’s journal.



Information service
Stay up-to-date with topical issues via our Website.



Voice has also negotiated discounts from leading suppliers on the following services:

•personal legal services
•motor, home and travel insurances
•CPD courses and training
•financial advice
•motor breakdown
•professional indemnity insurance for self-employed members
•hotels and holiday extras.

[laserblazer]

Oh is Voice not just for teachers then?

EDIT

I see that's not the case I thought it was.

Teachers’ union, National union teachers, Education union, Union for teachers | Voice

No, they have a non teaching thing.

EDIT: posted whilst you were editing

[plexer]

GMB here and they are one of the ones recognised by Norfolk LEA otherwise there wouldn't be a lot of point.

Ben