Which union should I join?

[tinkerbells]

I am an administrator for a small charity and would like to join a union. I hope I never need to use it but have been meaning to join one for years so can anyone recommend one that has been good to them and offers free legal advice? Thank you.

[daftgrandad]

Why would you need a union,when working for a charity ?
Free legal advice ? Why

[bednobs]

why not? charities are still employers and can still be buggers!

[annie0000]

Does your charity recognise any particular Unions? If so, you would be as well to join one that already has employer recognition otherwise they will be limited in what they are able to do on your behalf. If you are joining purely for legal advice, is there anyway that you can obtain that elsewhere, for example as an add on to an insurance policy? If you are still keen and have no particular leanings towards a particular union, there are some that are for different types of employment - I am a member of Unite and I think that they cover a lot of administrative type functions so may be suitable.

[237SJ]

Unite have a presence in the Not for Profit sector

[annie0000]

In terms of free advice, I am sure the offer that, but it will still cost you per month to be a member - I am sure that it costs me over a tenner a month.

[redman41]

If it is just Legal Advice that you need then the CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau ) can provide it free of charge !

[B00]

I never fully understand anyone joining a union to be honest. Why on earth should some of my wage go towards helping some union boss live extremely well?

[237SJ]

Depends where you work. We have some pretty complicated agreements which we work to that the union obtained. The people in our offices seem to sit fairly pretty while as usual the operational staff take all the s**t from the company. Without unions our jobs could impact on our health while we`re worked into the ground. Unions can get too big for their boots though..

[bednobs]

I joined a union because they provide me with indemnity insurance, plus i have access to their library, get loads of discounts etc

[daftgrandad]

I worked for a union(MSF) and had to become a member of another(TGWU).This was mandatory.
During the course of my job I met many "high ranking" officials,including the then General Secretary of MSF and also the now Deputy Sec.of Unite,when he was GS of
AEEU,which subsequently merged to become Amicus.
With regards to union fees,remember,the rich (leaders) get richer(thanks to very generous expense accounts) and the members get poorer.

[buildersmate]

Since we are into name-dropping, I have provided a training course for a dozen or so union reps which Jack Dromey attended. He is now Treasurer of the Labour Party and has been married to Harriet Harman for many years,
But it still isn't worth joining a Union for most people.
DIY to bring yourself up to the highest common multiple, not membership to assure yourself migration towards the lowest common denominator.

[R1Geezer]

never join a union, they are all sh0wers of trouble making lefty sh1te! Well that's my advice anyway! Anyway why would you need a union working for a charity?

[tinkerbells]

Thanks everyone for your replies! I don't ever expect to have to use a union but nobody does until it happens (redundancies etc). Likewise with legal advice - you don't need it til you need it! Also - those of you who say who needs a union - remember that without unions, none of us would be enjoying the benefits we enjoy today working in half reasonable environments and with protection by law! All is lovely and happy until you are on the receiving end of managerial power used badly - and I never have been so I don't have an axe to grind but life is more than just thinking of personal gain. Isn't it????

[Answerprancer]

Your full of sh!te R1.

[Answerprancer]

*you're

[mike11111]

buildersmate omits to mention that Jack Dromey was parachuted into a safe Labour seat shortly before the last election. Wheels within wheels, eh?

[tinkerbells]

Dear Answerprancer, imagine how awful it would be if someone with your level of articulacy was in charge of employees? It would be a worry.

I asked a simple question and didn't ask for opinions on whether or not I was doing the right thing!! Thank you to those who have replied with an answer.

[Answerprancer]

"...your level of articulacy".
So you judge my entire level of intellect by one ribald remark against someone (R1geezer) who openly and blindly condemns unions under the notion that they spout "trouble making lefty sh1te!"
Did it not occur to you that I actually support your cause but simply dont have an answer?

[tinkerbells]

I thought you were responding to me but even so, your case is stronger if you can say it without resorting to abusive language. And R1Geezer is either very naive or very fortunate not to know anyone who has come a cropper with managers who are very friendly and reasonable until it suits them to be otherwise. I've seen it happen to a number of friends and it's very often a total surprise to them.

[Answerprancer]

Sorry, I just find it an emotive issue and one that I've come across before; certain individuals assuming that the desire to join a union is tantamount to 'slacking off' or trouble making. I totally agree with you, there are a lot of employers who routinely rip off their employees and unions are there to provide support.
Answers like the one R1 posted bring out my abusive side - apologies if you were offended.