Are you in a union?

[AnonyBonnie]

Ideally wanted this to be a voting thread...Anyway, I've recently become aware of two fellow teachers who are not part of a union. I think they are BU...If you're not in a union can you explain why? You do realise that you can't be covered/ helped by them after any negative event has happened or any process that might negatively affect you has started? And ACAS don't know enough about the profession to be as useful as a standard teaching union?

Or alternatively, how many teachers do you know who are not in a union?

Before I did my PGCE I was a TA for a year in an SEMH/SEBD school. It was made very plain that there was no way any member of staff should be in the school without union membership because of the potential for pupils to make unfounded allegations. I’ve been in a Union ever since as protection in case an allegation is ever made against me.

Of course! I’ve never met one who isn’t!

I’m in a union, never know when you might need it.

I agree it's professional insurance at the end of the day, madness without it!!!

I'm in Victoria and there's only one union in government schools which is a very good thing, but I'd say about a third of staff are not in it. I am and have always been in the union. You're have to be bonkers not to.

It's very different here as the union consults with the principal about work matters regularly.

As rep I find it amusing the number of non-members who want advice from me, which is always the same: join the union.

Cover Supervisor with the NASUWT - delighted they accepted me as thought I might have to be with Unison instead but they were fine. You would be certifiably insane to work with kids nowadays and not be union-represented: all it takes is one malicious allegation and you're up shit creek without a paddle.

www.edapt.org.uk/blog/2020/05/which-teaching-union-to-join/

I know this type of legal cover is becoming more popular. I'm in a union myself but it is an option for people who disagree with unions.

I find it hard to understand why someone would disagree with unions. They exist to protect the rights of workers. The legal cover is essential too

Another who can't understand why anyone teaching / working in schools would not join a union.

I do hope all new staff have the reasons and possible scenarios explained to them when they start teaching, and anyone who isn't in a union, has made that choice with their eyes wide open.

You would be certifiably insane to work with kids nowadays and not be union-represented: all it takes is one malicious allegation and you're up shit creek without a paddle THIS

I actually think it's STUPIDITY...no one in their right mind, even working in a lovely school would not be in a union. You can't trust anyone, especially SLT in certain circumstances.

I mean it's just pure ignorance of the facts of life! Get in a union! I mean there are some that are free for the first year!