Not a teacher or a TA - which union?

[TheSecondOfHerName]

I've been working in a secondary school for 18 months. My role involves taking care of the health, wellbeing and medical needs of students. This is my first job in a school, but I have previously worked in the NHS.

I'm considering joining a union, and was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for which union might be most suitable for my role.

Thank you.

[BettyBettyBetty]

Unison for me :)

[HolidayHelpPlease]

I’m a teacher (and NUT) but the Voice is very popular with support staff in my school

[TheSecondOfHerName]

Thank you both.

Do you think it matters if you join the same union as the majority of your colleagues?

[HolidayHelpPlease]

I’m not massively clued up with unions, but I joined the one with who I felt was the strongest rep. I felt it was really important to have someone who I knew would stick up for me.

[TheSecondOfHerName]

Thanks HolidayHelpPlease

Ideally, I'd include that as a factor. There are two reps in the school (that I'm aware of), one for the NASUWT and the other for the NEU. As a non-teacher, neither of these unions would be on my obvious shortlist.

I'm veering towards UNISON, which I know that some of the other support staff belong to.

[cricketballs3]

the NEU does cover non-teaching staff - we have support staff, office staff, TAs and technicians as well as teachers at my school in the NEU.

I would base your decision on if you have a rep (or at least a decent one!) as the reason why so many non-teaching staff have joined the NEU at my school is that there was no UNISON rep and their regional rep was not easy to contact

BUT you do need to join a union, no matter which one just for the legal support alone due to the chances of any allegation made against you

[Aragog]

Pretty much all the support staff inc the LSAs/Tas are with Unison at my school.

[leghairdontcare]

As you're support staff, unison is the obvious choice. Ask other members about how the representation is on the ground.

[NeedForBlossom]

I'm support and have just joined NEU.

They are offering a £10 joining fee til September.

[TheSecondOfHerName]

NeedForBlossom is the £10 regardless of what salary you are on?
With UNISON I would be paying £6 pm.

[TheSecondOfHerName]

Just checked and NEU would be the initial £10 then £50 per year, which is comparable.

[HuckfromScandal]

Unison all the way
Find out if you have a rep in your school. If not you can always consider getting involved? They give amazing training, and are always keen to get people involved.

[TheSecondOfHerName]

Thank you all for your help & advice.

I've applied to join UNISON.