Unions

[MeLeeSah]

Experiences please! Historically I was an NASUWT member but have been out of education for over a decade so looking for current perspectives. Thanks in advance!

Often worth finding out if there is a stronger rep, or larger number of people in any particular union in your school.......easier if it does come to taking industrial action.

Be careful changing unions, as a teacher I am aware that one union just scrapped through the threshold but are only offering 4 days unpaid leave on strikes at the moment and no more. Choose carefully

What the hell does this mean?

Seriously, would you like to clarify this?

Your direct experience with a union will generally be down to your current rep in school and maybe what the district support is like. As a rep, I got much more support in the NEU, than my NASUWT rep got, and NASUWT do seem a bit disorganised nationally at the moment.

But equally, if you don't want to strike you may find NASUWT a better fit, and your NAS rep may be good.

What do you want out of a union?

Gosh such anger is coming across - but as a teacher I have been reading up on all the stuff out there and all I can say personally is - I have seen no more plans for teachers other than 4 days unpaid strikes - so I am going to stick with the union I am with until more concrete plans are in place. This is purely my opinion.

The op is not currently in a union. Teachers are the unions. Unions don't pay teachers or make plans for them. Which union are you in?

The advice from Kite22 is sensible plus check you agree with the unions stance on action or political ideology.

That is fine, but your original post was both bizarre and disingenuous.

Calling strike days "unpaid leave" is pretty offensive.

At least the NEU are capable of doing something.

That is fine, but your original post was both bizarre and disingenuous.
Calling strike days "unpaid leave" is pretty offensive. @Postapocalypticcowgirl

I agree it’s not unpaid leave - we work hard and deserve much more in our profession and a pay rise.

I’m really happy with my teachers union who I know are working the best for us teachers. They have a fund that’s supports teachers and have a brilliant team working to support teachers. I’m sticking with them.

As a point of fact, the NEU has a fund to support teachers and local hardship funds for the strike.

In my experience, locally and nationally, they are far more effective at achieving actual change for staff.

I'm glad you've had a good experience with your union but unless you are going to turn down any pay rise we win, I think you should stop attacking the NEU.