Should I become a rep?

[Marston]

This morning a few of the guys asked me if I wanted to take over the vacant CWU rep position in my office.

Thing is, I don`t know if there`s any point in my doing it. Admittedly I like to fight my corner with the DOMs but I was considering handing in my union card after the shambles of an agreement recently. The last rep quit because he was getting hardly any help from his higher ups in the CWU, and a lot of what he did get was messages from the area rep second hand through his pub mate who is still a postie in our office.

Anyways, is it worth me taking this on, or would I just be making enemies all round, being shafted from pillar to post between the gaffers office and the shop floor? I`d like to help, but I`m not sure I`m the man for the job.

Cheers.

[Lounge Lizard]

Go for it, do your best and you'll earn the respect of your colleagues, and might even get the occasional coffee from the DOM

[postie222]

Give it a go, and make sure the local management stick to the agreements. Plus when you get a good result or get one over them it is a good feeling. Only problem is getting staff behind you so you carry some weight. A good Area Rep and help from local reps is priceless till you get some experience behind you. Good luck

[dre33dd]

my advice is think long about it
i took it on in my office 3 years ago ,they all failed to strike,they all want constantly and are generally only looking out for them selves!!
so if you can deal with that sort of stufff go for it!!!
positives are...........hmmmmmmmmmm,still working on that one

[music4essex]

Do what I have done,

Just go in as a revision rep and then you don't have to deal with all the other bits when your own guys and lasses don't back you up. maybe you can get someone on board with you to help out,

Then if you think you are doing ok then step up to be a DOR


Essex mum

[robert-mbr]

I took up the challenge a few years back and was able to have a lot of input into the big changes within our office. I tried to work the best/ fairest deal for everyone, upset a few long servers but was there to fight for the greater good. Sure its a load of hassle and a thankless task but someones got to step up of you're gonna get screwed individually and collectively.

[Marston]

Cheers for the replies people.

I`m still in two minds about it, but I would like to do my bit, and more of the guys in the office are saying they`d back me up.

The last rep was just out for himself and that`s not the way I`d play it, but I do rely on OT being a part timer (my GF is a full time student) and I can imagine some shenanigans from the DOM if I rock the boat, if you know what I mean. That`s the only reason I`m not doing it already.

I think I`ll probably give it a try, but I still feel that I`ll be more of a scapegoat than anything else.