Which union?

[Fuzzy1bear]

I am returning to teaching in September after a couple of years off with my children. I used to be in the NUT and luckily never needed to use them. I joined as a student and never changed.
Which union are you with, what are the pros or cons? I’m just trying to decide whether to go back to the NUT/NEU or try the NASWT who are offering your first year free.

I used to with the NUT, but the vast majority of my current colleagues are in the NASUWT, so I switched. I really believe it helps to be with whichever union has the strongest voice (and most effective rep) at your school. Our NUT rep didn’t want the role; the NASUWT rep does a brilliant job and gives it everything he can.

How do u find out who your union reps are

If you ask any member of staff, they’ll almost certainly be able to tell you. If your school has no rep, that’s a problem (you could become one!).

Thanks, I hadn’t thought about that! I’m in for a day after the holidays so I’ll ask.

I'm in NEU but there isn't a rep at my school, so my NASWUT rep is who I go to for union advice within school.

Kylo are those separate unions? Not in England so not 100% but I think they are different - in which case how can you ask the rep to give their time to help you?

You can ask if the rep will help if your union has no rep at our place.

They don't have to, though (afaik). And I am getting advice from my union as well to make sure everyone is in the loop.

Thanks. Maybe they have some kind of arrangement? Where I am I’d give friendly advice but ultimately if someone isn’t a paid member wouldn’t be expected to advise them (and it’s a voluntary role for most reps so doing it in own time). But of course you can always access the regional support.

Find out the majority union in you school
And go with that one
That was the advice given to me an a NQT
Most of our staff are NEU