Which teaching union, if any?

[CardiffRosie]

Just started my NQT year and have been out of teaching a while so haven't been a student member of a union. Should I be in one? And which one? I don't even know where to start! I'm a primary teacher if that makes any difference?

voice is highly recommended on other threads if you don't want to strike, they have been great helping teachers when needed

You absolutely need to be in one, yes. You need to be protected in case of any allegations from students or staff or any unfair treatment by the school.

Not all schools have a rep for all unions. Find out who the reps are and join the union they are from

You need to be in a Union for the insurance protection. If you are accused at work for whatever reason, ( Child, parent, member if staff, just concern or outright lie) they’ll provide advice and an advocate in meetings if you want one.
Believe me, if the shit hits the fan, you want someone in your corner where you are their priority, and they’ll stop you being railroaded or manipulated.

I’m always surprised by the number of naive young teachers who think saving the money is more important than union membership.
Like me thinking ‘ I’m a good driver, I don’t need insurance’

I was told to go with who most teachers in your school are with so that if there is a school.issue, you stand together.
Please do join though, they are worth their weight in gold.

If you have an active rep in your school, go with that one. They vary hugely across the country as so much is done on a regional level!

Then take full advantage of all the free training and opportunities to network. The more involved you are, the more you get out of your membership.

I am a member of NASUWT as their politics are closer to mine than the NEU (well, the NUT as was).

They’re much of a muchness for most people though. Same crappy newsletter now and again, lots of emails and invites to events (never been to any so cant comment on this), occasional ballot papers to vote on various positions. I have never and have had no intention of getting seriously involved in union work BUT when I was pregnant and experienced such work related problems the regional rep was incredible and I was very very grateful. I thought I would never need a union (Was happy, felt supported, fast track promotion, everything looking rosy etc) but I did. So whichever you choose, make sure you choose one!

(You could always choose based on which is cheaper for your NQT/RQT years)

Yes you definitely need to be in a Union just in case anything happens. It's like an insurance. I'm in NASUWT. They also have loads of conferences you can attend, all expenses paid

Thanks all, I'll ask in school tomorrow.

Find out who your reps are and then go with who you prefer. I’m neu and my school rep is fantastic

Please join a union, for your own protection and because we desperately need a collective voice as the education system and our profession is being attacked by government policies. I'd go with the majority in your school. Voice are pretty toothless I fear, I'd suggest either NEU or NASUWT.

In general the best bet is the dominant/most active union in your school. I like the NEU because it includes support staff as well as teachers. We are currently in dispute with our school over treatment of support staff and cleaners. It's great to have all staff at the school supporting each other.