Becoming a Rep

[just_nuke_it]

The rep in my office seems to be absolutely useless. I have just transferred from a different office (where I started as a postie). At my previous office there was a very good rep and even an assistant rep. I was new to the type of industry and didn't know about unions etc. I was hounded by the rep and his deputy and basically left with no choice but to join the union.



But now I have transferred to a new DO and have been there for about a month. I don't even know what our rep looks like.....

The office is in a right state and half turn up early with their trousers round their ankles, bending over waiting for the DOM to turn up.

I would like to be a rep in my office but feel I don't have enough experience. Since I have been there, 3 other newbies have joined and I have spoke to them about the union but only really mentioned it to them and saying they can join via the CWU website. I highly doubt they have even met our rep.

Any ideas?

[SpacePhoenix]

When the voting for who will be your unit rep comes up (I can't remember how often the voting is), put your name down as a candidate. You could perhaps have a chat with your area rep.

[baldrick]

There might not even be a Rep in your DO, or someone who only reluctantly
took it on because noone else would. Ring your Area Rep or CWU Branch Secretary
and find out who the Rep is, and let them know you would be interested in standing.
The elections are usually annually, and will probably be taking place soon (ours are in
the next 4-5 weeks).

[Big Daz]

Nobody put in at my D.O,I always wait untill my credentials are about to expire then decide.

[dvbuk55]

Nobody put in at my D.O,I always wait untill my credentials are about to expire then decide.

About these "expiring credentials" BD I'm pretty sure you can get some medicine for that

[mbavelja]

Find out when the elections for your unit rep are due and you can stand if you have a proposer and a seconder.
If you want to get rid of your rep before the election you can pass a vote of no confidence.
You have to get a petition stating why you no longer have any confidence in your rep (I think 50% of union memebers have to sign it), the rep then has to have a right of reply before you have a vote of no confidence.
So first you will have to see the depth of feeling in your office.
Your area rep should be willing to answer any questions and make sure you follow the correct procedure. (Unless they are best mates with the unit rep in which case they might try and fob you off with any old crap - in which case deal with Wimbledon)

[Big Daz]

Is having a vote of no confidence in the rule book?