Good Unions?

[hardtailstar]

Im after some recommendations of unions for support staff.

 

Currently im with one that I wont name but i dont feel im getting good money value for money.

 

TIA

[mikeprice]

I used to be in the ATL - especially good for me as they work for support staff as well as teacher

 

They have now 'merged' with the NUT to become the NEU - but they still work with support staff

 

Does anyone have experience of them helping since the merger????

They seemed very helpful before - but as the NUT was totally teacher focussed and is by far the main partner are they still working fully for non-teachers??

[TIOAOA]

Voice for me. Used for a restructure process and was very happy with the support. Worth noting, make sure your LA recognises whoever you choose

[Norphy]

I used to be in the ATL - especially good for me as they work for support staff as well as teacher

 

They have now 'merged' with the NUT to become the NEU - but they still work with support staff

 

Does anyone have experience of them helping since the merger????

They seemed very helpful before - but as the NUT was totally teacher focussed and is by far the main partner are they still working fully for non-teachers??

 

They're still taking my money so I would imagine that they would still represent me. I've never had to call on their services though.

[FishCustard]

I joined Voice when I started working at my current school (previously wasn't in a union) because of their no-strike policy. Never had to call on their services however.

[localzuk]

Another Voice member here. I've only ever had to email a couple of questions to them, but they've been quick and helpful when I did.

[Andycat]

Voice too, mainly for no Strike and not had to use them.

[deanc]

whats the point in a union that doesn't take action? I'm NEU the support staff section is the fastest growing at present.

[localzuk]

whats the point in a union that doesn't take action? I'm NEU the support staff section is the fastest growing at present.

What do you mean "action"? Voice takes action - they just don't take part in industrial action. They still provide representation, legal protection etc... Some people don't agree with striking when it comes to children's educations is all.

[Norphy]

There's more to being in a union than going on strike...

[HTCPCP]

Unison is the one I used to be a member of (when I worked in both Edu, local and national govt) and never had an issue with them (except them messing up a ballot). Were very helpful in a pay dispute when originally refused a rebanding, but also over travel time during work hours.

 

The key thing to do, is find out what union your colleagues are in - simply because size does matter in a local area. If everyone is Voice and you are Unison, you might not get so much benefit. Similarly, if everyone else is Unison, and the nearest fellow voice member is 20 miles away, getting the most out of your membership might not be the way to go.

[mikeprice]

The key thing to do, is find out what union your colleagues are in - simply because size does matter in a local area. If everyone is Voice and you are Unison, you might not get so much benefit. Similarly, if everyone else is Unison, and the nearest fellow voice member is 20 miles away, getting the most out of your membership might not be the way to go.

 

 

That is a good idea- better still if there is an actual union rep in your school - which may not be the case in many Primary schools

 

 

BUT above all - make sure that you are in a unions - any union - and when you retire - stay in it at the reduced retiree rate. There is always a possibility of some weird case cropping up x years after you leave education and only a union will really protect you