Union Reps Wakeup

[beanmuncha]

Hi all this is madness,
i have just read 2 topics on here of newbies being treated wrongly by the Management because they don't know the rules,
they are working OT for nothing, and no it's not their fault, they're scared of rocking the boat they want to keep their jobs.
but we can rock the boat, if we do it for them and any other newbies the management will stop because we will hassle till they do and we get new members.
Is it not our duty as reps to make sure this does not happen, when a new guy joins are reps not going and saying
"hello, i'm ............. ............. the Union Rep if you need help or advice come see me, and would you like to join the Union"
If we as a Union help these people others will see it and will join us, we are only as strong as the members we have.
If we stand by and let this happen you'll just get "why should i join you don't do anything!"

[Stormproof]

This was bought up at Conference and its going to be dealt with. Each Branch has been told to update lists and get new starters on board. So expect a visit in your office even if the Rep is doing his/her job.

[hatetheboss]

This was bought up at Conference and its going to be dealt with. Each Branch has been told to update lists and get new starters on board. So expect a visit in your office even if the Rep is doing his/her job.

I have been to union meetings where this is constantly mentioned but nothing ever happens.
This union needs to do things quicker.

[not me]

reps(we have two) are too busy getting out the door/carving up duties to help noobs.
I try and give guidance/advice where i see them.

[keithposty]

all this back stabbing of reps, justified or not,

do you think its an education problem
branch secretary not sending reps to union course for example

[Stormproof]

If you have a problem with your Rep do something about it, instead of tarring us all as useless. Stand against your Rep when there is an election.

I have to say my branch are on the ball regarding training.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

..... and why blame the reps .

After all the only difference between a rep and an ordinary postmen is that they receive training and allegedly support from the members who voted for them. Or do they.

A rep can't be everywhere, nor are they told who has just started unless there its included in the official induction.

If you see a problem - see if you can help.
If you see a problem and can't help - point the person in the right direction.
If its a big problem get the rep straight away.
If you see a new face - introduce yourself and point out the rep.

To me the worse thing anyone can do is to ignore a problem because it does not involve you, or that its someone else's responsibility there's nothing that can be done.

There was an important job to be done and Everyone was sure that Someone would do it.

Anyone could have done it, but No-one did it.

Someone got angry about that because he thought that it was Everyone’s job.

Everyone thought that Anyone could do it, but No-one realised that Everyone wouldn’t do it.

It ended up that Everyone was angry with Someone because No-one did what Anyone could have done!

[dvbuk55]

I don't believe that the unit reps are at fault, the fault lies at Branch who never visit units. That is where much of the fault lies. I have been with this branch for 20 odd years and never see a branch rep on a fact finding, a hail fellow well met, a recruitment drive - now is it any wonder that the newer members feel that the union is a word bandied about and not an organisation. There is no effort to organise a cohesive unit capable of fighting local battles. Meetings are as rare as rocking horse sh*t and almost without exception when the branch want something like suppport for elections.

[General Mannerheim]

If you have a problem with your Rep do something about it, instead of tarring us all as useless. Stand against your Rep when there is an election.

I have to say my branch are on the ball regarding training.

what you mean like having a petition to remove him? .......then the branch secretary sending the said petition to the rep in question with a nice sarcastic remark of "you should frame this ha ha".

Nice to see they take a rep being a useless fecker seriously.

[Lincox]

In the 80s in a different industry we had a monthly union meeting outside of work time. Organised by local rep and his deputy. The serious business was dealt with, then we would have a couple of pints. Should CWU heirarchy not back and train local reps to hold meetings on a regular basis. The cost of the venue was paid for by our subs. New employees were encouraged to attend the meetings which gave them a chance to meet other staff and an insight to the workings of the union. We must get back to the old traditions of the past as they worked and gave us a much stronger say in local agreements. United we can stand, divided we are conquered.

[not me]

If you have a problem with your Rep do something about it, instead of tarring us all as useless. Stand against your Rep when there is an election.

I have to say my branch are on the ball regarding training.

your usual line I see

[not me]

In the 80s in a different industry we had a monthly union meeting outside of work time. Organised by local rep and his deputy. The serious business was dealt with, then we would have a couple of pints. Should CWU heirarchy not back and train local reps to hold meetings on a regular basis. The cost of the venue was paid for by our subs. New employees were encouraged to attend the meetings which gave them a chance to meet other staff and an insight to the workings of the union. We must get back to the old traditions of the past as they worked and gave us a much stronger say in local agreements. United we can stand, divided we are conquered.

mind it would need to be at 5pm, so everyone in a P&L office could go......

[dvbuk55]

In the 80s in a different industry we had a monthly union meeting outside of work time. Organised by local rep and his deputy. The serious business was dealt with, then we would have a couple of pints. Should CWU heirarchy not back and train local reps to hold meetings on a regular basis. The cost of the venue was paid for by our subs. New employees were encouraged to attend the meetings which gave them a chance to meet other staff and an insight to the workings of the union. We must get back to the old traditions of the past as they worked and gave us a much stronger say in local agreements. United we can stand, divided we are conquered.

You are spot on Lincox BUT in the 80s there was a plethora of working mens clubs, church clubs and scruffy/cosy boozers but not anymore.

[fishtank]

Organisationally the trade union movement is a pathetic shadow of it's former self.
Where is the Jack Jones amongst this present shower?
Sharp suited pseudo-politicians and salesmen,difficult to distinguish from management.
Some of them make me want to vomit.

[krussel]

All the new people in our office are part timers, come in early, use their cars, are quite young and scared of upsetting the manager. I cant blame them either as they do not know if their contracts will be renewed or not.

Why wait for your rep to make the first move ? A few weeks back one new guy slightly twisted his ankle on delivery and I noticed him limping the next day. So I asked what happened and had he reported it. He said he did not want to hassle the manager so I went with him into the office and got him started reporting it.

New starters normally ask the postie’s around them about the Union and what they can expect for their fee's. I think as members its up to us to tell them the benefits and offer to introduce them to the rep for further information and joining etc.