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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

My manager has denounced non-strikers but I truly can’t afford it

308 replies

Strik · 19/07/2023 21:05

In the office today the topic of upcoming strikes came up (public sector). My manager is as left-wing as they come and was not shy in sharing her contempt for people who don’t choose to strike. I’m really worried because I can’t afford to go on strike and she’s (obviously) going to find out that I’m not striking. I’m worried it’s going to damage our relationship. Has anyone been in this situation before?

OP posts:
SpeedbirdSquawker · 19/07/2023 21:06

Your manager needs to keep it entirely professional. It's your choice what you do and no one elses business.

ArcticSkewer · 19/07/2023 21:07

are you even in the union?

Miscellaneousme · 19/07/2023 21:07

Just explain you can’t afford to strike. I’m sure you won’t be the only one. Just because you have the right to strike, doesn’t mean you must if it’s not affordable for you.

MrsTerryPratchett · 19/07/2023 21:10

It's very difficult because this is classic example of where the personal, political and professional collide. I come from a family of miners and mill workers and crossing a picket line is unthinkable. That's the culture I was raised in so although a do a job that is office-based and far from a pit (!) I'd think like your co-worker. It's a core value for many people and difficult to communicate to people who don't feel it. My granddad would literally have rather starved. Literally.

I feel every sympathy for those who can't afford to lose money. Fortunately the threat of strike was enough for us. And understanding that everyone saying they will strike is an important part of negotiations.

Overlycautiousbynature · 19/07/2023 21:13

It's none of her business if you choose to strike or not and if she bullies you to the extent your post becomes untenable because you opt not to strike you have cause to go to ACAS.

Zempy · 19/07/2023 21:14

Which union is it?

If it’s UNISON you are entitled to £50 a day strike pay, plus anyone suffering additional hardship can apply to their branch for funds.

Original poster
Strik · 19/07/2023 21:16

I am in a union. I voted yes to strikes because that way it enabled people who want to/who can, go on strike.

OP posts:
Pippa12 · 19/07/2023 21:17

I feel your pain. I’m a nurse and simply cannot afford to strike for 2/3 days for £50. That’s the whole point- we are on our arses financially! I voted no to strikes, not because I’m happy with pay/conditions etc, but because I need to pay my bills and put food on the table! Your manger is tone deaf, and must be bloody minted!

StillWantingADog · 19/07/2023 21:18

It’s not her business

btw I know quite a few teachers who although support the strikes just can’t afford to strike so are not striking.

Mumof2teens79 · 19/07/2023 21:18

Tricky one because the whole point of the strikes and strikes in general is that the people striking can't afford to lose that money but do it anyway.
And the point if a union is that you stand as one even if you personally voted against.

But your managshould be neutral. And only union members should be contacted and asked to strike....if you're not a member then AFAIK you shouldn't be striking/have very little protection.

And your manager isn't allowed to ask if you are striking or if you are a member of the union...because they are management.

BCBird · 19/07/2023 21:21

I'm a teacher and have been on strike each time. I can afford it and understand there will be sine who cannot. It has caused friction because some colleagues told me to enjoy my day off🙄also as school.was closed to much of the pupils they had an easy day. I think ur manager should not voice her discontent even if she is annoyed.

Clutchy · 19/07/2023 21:25

Strik · 19/07/2023 21:16

I am in a union. I voted yes to strikes because that way it enabled people who want to/who can, go on strike.

What’s the point of voting for a strike if you’re not willing to actually strike?

I get not wanting to lose money, but surely that’s the point? Individual pain for the greater good.

Original poster
Strik · 19/07/2023 21:25

She will find out though off HR won’t she?

And yes, she is loaded! We are public sector but her DH is in IT.

OP posts:
MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 19/07/2023 21:28

It's a tricky one. Personally, I think if you join a union, you should strike if your union votes to strike. That's the whole point of collective action.

However, I get that it's tough if you can't afford it. Don't unions have hardship funds for people in that position?

And I think the manager needs to keep her political views to herself tbh. I'm pretty sure that my staff know where I stand on most issues, but I am always mindful not to say anything that might make individuals uncomfortable.

ArcticSkewer · 19/07/2023 21:30

Zero sympathy.

You voted for strike action so you need to strike.

If you don't want to strike then don't force others to do so by voting for it. That's a dick move.

cyncope · 19/07/2023 21:31

Strik · 19/07/2023 21:16

I am in a union. I voted yes to strikes because that way it enabled people who want to/who can, go on strike.

If they win a payrise, you can donate the pay increase to the union.

BeetyAxe · 19/07/2023 21:32

So you won’t take the pay rise the strike might win then? You can’t afford to strike because you aren’t paid enough! Why should others take the hit and you not. Can you not ask the union about some payment?

Createausername1970 · 19/07/2023 21:33

If she did cause problems because you choose not to strike, you could probably go to HR and put in a complaint. I might even consider contacting HR anyway and asking what their policy is on strikes and those who choose not to.

Original poster
Strik · 19/07/2023 21:38

ArcticSkewer · 19/07/2023 21:30

Zero sympathy.

You voted for strike action so you need to strike.

If you don't want to strike then don't force others to do so by voting for it. That's a dick move.

I’m not forcing anyone. By voting yes, I’m literally giving others chance to do so if they do choose.

OP posts:
LadyWithLapdog · 19/07/2023 21:39

Short term pain for long term gain. Kind of, as you’ll still be shafted by the Tories. They won’t agree to inflation pay rise. But better than the situation now. Anyway, do what your conscience tells you, and that might be your immediate family vs the greater good. That’s how the government have got us all over a barrel.

Goes without saying that your manager should keep it professional. But don’t lose sight if the real baddie in all this.

Growlybear83 · 19/07/2023 21:39

How can you morally stay in your trade union if you're not prepared to abide by a democratic decision to take strike action? It's even worse that you voted in favour of striking!

Washeroo · 19/07/2023 21:41

Tell her to watch Billy Elliot and keep her beak out, else she’ll be in trouble with union for harassment and discrimination.

MrsTerryPratchett · 19/07/2023 21:42

I’m not forcing anyone. By voting yes, I’m literally giving others chance to do so if they do choose.

That's not really how collective action works. It would be great to read up on unions and collective action. I mean 'one out, all out' means something!

vipersnest1 · 19/07/2023 21:42

@Strik, lots of unions have hardship funds for people who can't afford to strike.
I'm not saying you must strike, but it might be worth your while to contact your union and ask. All the best.

lunar1 · 19/07/2023 21:43

You joined a union and you voted to strike.

Many people will be striking who cannot afford to partially because of your vote.

I think voting to strike and then not doing it yourself is underhanded. You are expecting others to make sacrifices for you.