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Do Science Technicians need to be in a union?

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Maggie



A while ago, I was speaking to a teaching union rep and he said that he felt that it was foolish for anyone working in a school these days to not be in a union. I can understand a teacher feeling the need to be in a union but is it so important for Science Technicians? What do other people think?

2Do Science Technicians need to be in a union? Empty Yes Thu Feb 21, 2013 3:06 am

TecHKnow



On your own you cannot always defend yourself to your best advantage. Not only that - the time when you really need the expertise of a trade union is when you least expect it. Normally life goes on as usual then, suddenly, you are faced with injustice (possibly arising from a grievance or Disciplinary matter), redundancy, injury or illness. Of course you could always turn to a friend or solicitor for advice but most people find that specialist guidance is what they need - guidance that can only come from those sufficiently experienced in dealing with industrial problems. That is why every union has its own legal advisors and highly trained negotiators/represenatives.

http://www.techknow.org.uk

3Do Science Technicians need to be in a union? Empty Thank you Sat Feb 23, 2013 2:29 am

Maggie



TecHKnow wrote:On your own you cannot always defend yourself to your best advantage. Not only that - the time when you really need the expertise of a trade union is when you least expect it. Normally life goes on as usual then, suddenly, you are faced with injustice (possibly arising from a grievance or Disciplinary matter), redundancy, injury or illness. Of course you could always turn to a friend or solicitor for advice but most people find that specialist guidance is what they need - guidance that can only come from those sufficiently experienced in dealing with industrial problems. That is why every union has its own legal advisors and highly trained negotiators/represenatives.

Thanks for your reply. I couldn't agree more with you, now. Since posting the above, a friend of mine, who works in another field, has had a series of problems at work. She wanted to join the union but was advised that the union will not take on cases that are already in dispute at the time of joining. She wishes she had joined the union before all this started. For me now, it's a no-brainer.

4Do Science Technicians need to be in a union? Empty Unison Tue Feb 04, 2014 8:56 pm

Santini21



I have been a member of Unison since I started as a technician 11 years ago. They have supported me on various issues e.g. dealing with our work contracts when we changed from school to academy . They are just a phone call away and support you on any problems you encounter at work. I would recommend joining a union.

5Do Science Technicians need to be in a union? Empty Unions Tue Feb 04, 2014 11:35 pm

DHarrison



Santini21 wrote:I have been a member of Unison since I started as a technician 11 years ago. They have supported me on various issues e.g. dealing with our work contracts when we changed from school to academy . They are just a phone call away and support you on any problems you encounter at work. I would recommend joining a union.
I am also a member of Unison.
I would recommend everybody working in the public sector to be in a union.
Unions do not have the power they once had, but they can ensure that you get the correct advice and support when you need it, and treated fairly by management.

6Do Science Technicians need to be in a union? Empty What is important Thu Feb 06, 2014 12:45 am

TecHKnow



I agree with mainly everything that DHarrison has just recently posted above. However, Trade Unions do provide excellent advice and representation when this becomes necessary. For example, Disciplinary hearings or health and Safety.

However, IMHO, the power of Trade unions have been seriously eroded since the last Conservative Government were in Power. The current conservative government finished off what the last one could not complete. This has resulted in Trade Unions not having the same effect as they once had with bargaining for better & important things like pay.

So if you reasons for joining a Trade Union are purely based on trying to get somebody to argue your case for a pay rise then in reality I would not put to much faith upon this. I am not suggesting it can't happen - just that it is more likely NOT to happen.

http://www.techknow.org.uk

7Do Science Technicians need to be in a union? Empty Union Thu Feb 06, 2014 1:12 am

DHarrison



I agree TecHKnow, after the pay and grading saga most wages are set to job descriptions, and include that little line at the end * and any other duties in line with that roll* , which basically means anything they want you to do.
Unions have little chance of winning on wages, unless it’s an equality issue.
There is little money to go around especially as central government are cutting local council budgets each year, my local council had a 50 million pound cut this year on top of a 30 million cut last year.
All that said, I have had many dealings with unions and would not be without one.

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