Which union is best to join for early years staff?

[madameMscastle]

Im working in Early years and people at work were talking about a union. im not apart of any and wondered which is the best one to join?

Also any more information about unions do please as i know nothing.

Probably Unison.

The same one as all of your colleagues (or as many of them as possible) - makes it easier for you to all act together, should you have to.

And for goodness sake join a union as quickly as possible - it's your insurance cover and support if you face an allegation. On my first day as a TA (in an SEMH school admittedly) I was told to make joining a union my top priority.

@toomuchicecream has just said everything I was going to.

a) It is REALLY important to be in a Union when you are working with children
b) It is much easier for you to be in the same union as your colleagues.

Absoutely pointless joining a union if you work in Early Years. The big ones (Unite and Unison) know very little about and care even less about EY and the issues staff are facing and the smaller ones (Voice etc) have no pull with Councils or private employers. The money you pay for subs might as well be flushed down the toilet. It just gets spent on branded shite like ice scrapers (seriously).

EY needs its own, dedicated union. Until then ACAS and the employer's grievance policies are your best bet. Taking legal cover with your home insurance isn't a bad idea too.

Well what a stupid response from WaitWhat23. UNISON is the union for you to join. A union rep can represent anyone in any field. We are educated in employment law.
The comment about ice scrapers - everyone pays subs which go to the head office. The branch gets a percentage back monthly which is to run the branch. It’s non profit making so most branches have little goodies for their members. Members like them. The majority of members dont ever need help so they like to be kept in touch so a pen or ice scraper helps.
Seriously - it’s your insurance policy for work matters. If anything happens it’s really hard dealing with stuff alone. That’s what your union is for. We are stronger together.

And what a completely predictable response from a Unison union rep.

The lie of 'unions are on your side' has to be pushed hard to keep a monopoly. The embarrassment of the unions advising their members to take deals unequally across Scotland during the last Nursery Nurse strike, leading to widely disparate pay and job descriptions across the country remains one of the biggest ongoing examples of unions failing EY. As well as the current toothless consultations.

But ice scrapers! Yay!

It’s non profit making so most branches have little goodies for their members. Members like them.

They really don't.

The majority of members dont ever need help so they like to be kept in touch so a pen or ice scraper helps.

No, it really doesn't. Just annoys people.

I mean, I am a really strong advocate for joining unions, and I agree with a small part of @Waitwhat23 's post where she says EY Practitioners could do with their own union (maybe pay, and terms and conditions could be sorted out if everyone joined a dedicated union) however this part of your post, is nonsense.

I'd be the first to join a dedicated EY union.

As it stands currently, I had to explain what the acronym EYP means to my union rep. I stopped my membership after that.

Join the NEU. Support staff can now join as well as teachers

If you're considering joining a union, I'd suggest looking at which ones represent education and support staff and checking what services they provide for members. Most unions offer guidance on workplace issues, employment rights, and representation if needed.

It may also be worth asking colleagues about their experiences, as the level of support and local representation can vary. Taking some time to compare membership costs and benefits should help you decide which option is the best fit for your role in early years.

I’ve been impressed with the NEU. EYFS featured quite a few times at this year’s conference. But, as other posters have said, it’s important to join one which has a decent rep at your school with regular meetings so it’s worth asking around. For me, a union is non-negotiable. They’re so important.

Absolutely imperative you join a union. It gives you legal protection and that’s regardless of any job you are in. If there is a union for it join.