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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

strike...not in a union

79 replies

MelodyPond · 24/11/2011 20:12

Aibu to strike if I'm not in a union?
I want to, I don't see why I should have to be in a union to make a stand?

OP posts:
WorraLiberty · 24/11/2011 20:13

I suppose you'll have to check with work and see if you'll face a disciplinary or not

gordyslovesheep · 24/11/2011 20:14

you could face disiplinary action if you do - join the union

NorfolkNChance · 24/11/2011 20:15

You will acting illegally if you do and could face disciplinary action or even be sacked for misconduct.

auntiepicklebottom2 · 24/11/2011 20:15

join the union, then drop out after the dust have settled :)

IwishIwasmoreorganised · 24/11/2011 20:16

You can join a union up until the day of the strike - then you can stike legally.

If you're not a union member and you chose to strike then you will face disciplinary action.

Your choice really!

Original poster
MelodyPond · 24/11/2011 20:16

Is it too late to join the union now?! Bloody ridiculous that o could be sacked, but if that's the case I better not risk it!

OP posts:
Fiendishlie · 24/11/2011 20:29

you would be in breach of your contract of employment if you striked without being in a union (I checked). I joined Unison on Monday, the union rep said joining up to the day before the strike would be fine.

NorfolkNChance · 24/11/2011 20:31

Teaching unions will not allow you to undertake strike action at this late stage by joining as you were not eligible for the ballot.

WorraLiberty · 24/11/2011 20:32

Why is it ridiculous?

If non union members decided to take a day of every time they disagreed with something to do with their job, there would be Pandemonium across the UK!

IwishIwasmoreorganised · 24/11/2011 20:36

Our union (CSP) have sent out e-mails saying that any non-members who wish to support the strike can still join up until next tuesday. I can't see why it would be any different for other unions.

Original poster
MelodyPond · 24/11/2011 20:40

Good, ok thank you everyone. I will join (and then leave...)

OP posts:
Original poster
MelodyPond · 24/11/2011 20:43

But its not just any day worra its a national strike day.

Why do I need to pay £8 a month to a useless union in order to stand up for what I believe, which is, I signed up for a pension scheme, I want them to honour what I signed up for?!

OP posts:
Gay40 · 24/11/2011 20:47

I don't bother with fair-weather union members. Join it, or don't. Grow a backbone and some principles, rather than the day off.

Can't speak for your union, but we've worked for months on this and we'll be busy all day on the 30th speaking at rallies etc and then dealing with the aftermath.
I refuse to represent scabs or fair-weather members.

Original poster
MelodyPond · 24/11/2011 20:49

Fair weather? I was with my union but left because when I needed help, they didn't answer the bloody phone.
Scab? Piss off.

OP posts:
auntiepicklebottom2 · 24/11/2011 20:56

Why do I need to pay £8 a month to a useless union in order to stand up for what I believe

because the union will stand up for you, or are you hearing the rumour mill at work...when X asked for the union help and it was them who was in the wrong...yet still blame the union.

i have never used my union....... However they know a heck of alot about my rights than i do...but they are not mirical workers, if somone is in the wrong they are in the wrong.

ALso if you get no answer on the phone lines...then i suspect there is someone working within the company who is a represntive

Original poster
MelodyPond · 24/11/2011 20:58

No, I tried to get help, there was nothing, they were useless. I had to find out for myself, I doubt very much that they know more about my rights than I do.

OP posts:
tiredemma · 24/11/2011 20:58

Im in RCN and they have held off so far- I am working a night shift on the 30th however I am going on the TUC march on Wedsneday 30th daytime to show my support.

When RCN ballot in new year I will be voting for further strike action.

Anyone not in a union at my work who fails to show up for work will face disciplinary action

Get0rf · 24/11/2011 20:59

I am a member of a union, however I am not allowed to strike (although I work for public sector, I work for a limited company which is an offshoot of a government department iyswim).

Lots of my colleagues do not want to cross the picket line, naturally, so are having to take holiday. It's a moot point for me really, as I am off sick at the moment, but I would be taking a leave day if I was at work. I wouldn't want to cross the picket.

noir · 24/11/2011 21:01

Oh somebody please help me with my similar but different problem!!

I work IN a local authority but as a locum/ freelance so am not directly employed by them iyswim, the pension stuff doesn't affect me and I'm not part of a union but I just cant imagine crossing a picket. I want to strike out of solidarity - surely they cant discipline me if I'm directly employed by them???

noir · 24/11/2011 21:03

*if i'm NOT directly employed by them

Gay40 · 24/11/2011 21:03

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by Mumsnet.

Get0rf · 24/11/2011 21:04

Noir I think you will have to take a leave/unpaid day.

MelodyPond · 24/11/2011 21:06

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by Mumsnet.

Original poster
MelodyPond · 24/11/2011 21:07

noir sorry...

OP posts:
auntiepicklebottom2 · 24/11/2011 21:12

noir......you can get a certificate to show to the people on the pickets lines