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Original poster

Any teachers ever actually used their union????

15 replies

spula · 13/05/2011 22:38

Just wondering if anyone can help - and apologies for any vagueness!!
Got some issues at work involving eligibility as a part time worker for a job that Governors say must be a full time post, despite my significant experience. I have had letters and meetings but they just say that their mind is made up.I have sought Union advice and they are keen for me to apply for the post anyway, be rejected, then they will involve their solicitors.
It just all sounds very heavy and scary! Is there a better way to make my point??
Any positive or negative tales of involving your union? (NUT btw!)

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 14/05/2011 00:19

The union's advice on this sounds reasonable: I think you will have to do it if you really want to make your point re discrimination. If they're saying they'll involve their solicitors you must have a very good case.

The NASUWT were invaluable to me when I left teaching.

Good luck.

Original poster
spula · 14/05/2011 09:02

Thank you for that! I really do want to make a point about it, but I've never thought of myself as a union person at all! Any other experiences out there?

OP posts:
MovingAndScared · 14/05/2011 09:37

I havn't got experience in teaching but my union was invaluable for me with a difficult time at work, it made everyone do everything by the book - and a friend had the same expereince - its quite possible that the threat of solicitors would make then change their minds - you wouldn't have necessarily have to go through anything - and its sounds like you have done everything else you could have - however you do have think of the impact on relationships at the school and possibly wider if you do through it - one the other hand if the union is saying they would involve the solictors they probably think it is of benfit to a lot of other people if you were to win

Flisspaps · 14/05/2011 09:39

This is what you've been paying your membership for. They're there to help you when needed - you've got nothing to lose.

geogteach · 14/05/2011 10:02

I wanted to work my notice after maternity leave and the school didn't want me back (post wasn't there any more), they backed down as soon as they realised i'd contacted my union. Sometimes as someone else said it is just enough to make sure people do things by the book rather than what would suit the school at that point in time.

Original poster
spula · 14/05/2011 12:52

Looks like I had better get on with filling out the official application then...

OP posts:
reallytired · 14/05/2011 23:40

I know people who have had support from teaching unions when facing false allegations.

"Got some issues at work involving eligibility as a part time worker for a job that Governors say must be a full time post, despite my significant experience. "

I'm sorry I don't think you have a got a leg to stand on as you don't have the post. You have the right to apply for the post like anyone else. An employer has the right to reject you for not wanting to work full time.

There are roles like "Headteacher", or maybe "child protection officer" where it might be reasonable to insist on full time. Do you know anyone in exactly the same role in a different school who works part time?

If you applied for the post then you have the right to request flexible working after you have been in post for six months. You would have to put forward a case on how the post can be done part time without determinment to the business. The school has to consider your case and can refuse part time work for one of eight reasons. They have to allow you the right of appeal. It is not that easy to prove sex discrimation.

LoopyLoopsBettyBoops · 14/05/2011 23:41

IME NUT are excellent a this kind of thing. Go with their advice.

kc0rns1lk · 14/05/2011 23:43

when I needed to use ATL they were beyond crap

cat64 · 14/05/2011 23:47

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

cece · 14/05/2011 23:58

I have a couple of times and the NUT were very effective both times. No court cases or anything but the Head has backed down as soon as the Union has becone involved...

Original poster
spula · 15/05/2011 08:53

It is a post that is part time in many schools, and particularly in my setting 2 people have taken on the post in 2 years and struggled juggling the class commitment with the role (Governors are aware of this) As a part timer the teaching commitment would be PPA cover which is much easier to manage and still commit to the SLT role.
Thank you for all you replies... food for thought.

OP posts:
reallytired · 15/05/2011 16:49

Is your school an LEA run school or an academy or a faith school? If both your school and the schools where they employ people for this role are part time are both LEA schools then you have a strong case.

I had a similar situation when I wanted to work part time as an IT technician. I found the CAB bureau excellent.

Original poster
spula · 15/05/2011 21:10

It's LEA. Have decided to involve union having considered everyone's replies. At the end of the day I know I could do the job part time, and none of their reasons for insisting on full time hold any weight or are convincing to myself or others. I think I'm about to enter yet another of lifes 'character building' phases Grin

OP posts:
Tortu · 16/05/2011 11:55

Hey, bit late, but this year we've been out on strike at school and were fully supported by ATL, NASUWT and the NUT. They were brilliant and we were successful in our protest.

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