Becoming a rep

[doorstepped]

Our Rep quit RM around 18 months ago and since then we have not had anyone but can call on the Area Rep and he will come over and sort out everything etc.

so I am thinking about applying to become the rep for our office.

how do I go about doing this? and what does the job entail?

I did try a search but it came up with over 1000 items

thanks in advance for any advice forthcoming.

[clashcityrocker]

Talk to your Area Rep and tell him yoou are interested in the position.
Talk to your colleagues and see what their reaction is. They might like having an Area Rep to sort out their problems.
If no-one else wants to stand in an election, you become the Rep by default.

Your Branch should arrange training.
Your "job" is to represent your members - attendance procedure, conduct code, etc etc and ensure your DOM is treating everyone fairly in line with all relevant agreements.
The Area Rep will still be there for support and advice and for when stuff is beyond your remit.

And if there is anything else you need to know - do what the rest of us do - ask Fishtank.

[pod25]

Sorry for the hi-jack.

I am in the same boat. Because of our revision, our office now requires a rep and it looks like that will be me.
My main worry is not knowing the relevant answers if a situation was to arise !!
If put on the spot, do I need to know the answer, or can you simply ask for things to be put on hold while I look into it ?

That is my only worry about becoming a rep, the rest I can do naturally

[clashcityrocker]

Sorry for the hi-jack.

I am in the same boat. Because of our revision, our office now requires a rep and it looks like that will be me.
My main worry is not knowing the relevant answers if a situation was to arise !!
If put on the spot, do I need to know the answer, or can you simply ask for things to be put on hold while I look into it ?

They may try to use your inexperience to implement unagreed changes but your Area Rep should be there to hold your hand throughout the process.
If there is anything you are unsure of, you ask before you agree.

[Pinky 1]

Sorry for the hi-jack.

I am in the same boat. Because of our revision, our office now requires a rep and it looks like that will be me.
My main worry is not knowing the relevant answers if a situation was to arise !!
If put on the spot, do I need to know the answer, or can you simply ask for things to be put on hold while I look into it ?

That is my only worry about becoming a rep, the rest I can do naturally

pod, you can't be expected to know the answer to everything from day one You will learn so much as you go along, and anything you're not sure of just answer as 'I'll get back to you' ........ and go and check it out

[db]

Sorry for the hi-jack.

I am in the same boat. Because of our revision, our office now requires a rep and it looks like that will be me.
My main worry is not knowing the relevant answers if a situation was to arise !!
If put on the spot, do I need to know the answer, or can you simply ask for things to be put on hold while I look into it ?

That is my only worry about becoming a rep, the rest I can do naturally

There is a lot to learn I took over two years ago and am still learning! But you never have to make decisions there and then just just ask to reconvene the meeting a a few days time an ask for some facility time to talk to your area rep!

[fishtank]

My main worry is not knowing the relevant answers if a situation was to arise !!

Don't let the fancy dress fool you,the manager sitting across the table is less likely to know the answer than you are.
A good get out when you feel out of your depth in a meeting is "I'll have to check whether the guidance i have is up to date and get back to you".
Covers almost everything....so does "f**k off,the members will go mental".

[makingsounds]

take the step, all the info,help and training is out there. Every unit should have rep', I am 100% convinced of that, as long as that rep' isn't doing it for the wrong reasons.
It can be a very tough role to take on but it can be a very rewarding one as well.

[dre33dd]

give it a go....its hard work tho,you need to develop a thick skin and understand that its nothing personal...
also learn fast to leave it at work when you are on leave etc...

[Stormproof]

Must admit I'm finding it tough going, only been the unit Rep for a few months in a unit of 200 staff. I've not really got any experience but have done a few courses etc to guide me. I have the Area Rep to call on if I need help/advice. As a lot of people on here told me when I became Rep its a thankless task and you can't please everyone and they were right. Its always best to have a Rep in the office so if a situation arises you can always deal with it immediately, the Area Rep probably would'nt beable to jump on management the minute something occurs as could be dealing with stuff elsewhere. If you decide to go for it, get yourself on the courses especially the Agreements & Procedures course.
One problem with the DOM at my office is that he is an ex Rep and he was a good one, so he knows his stuff

[pod25]

Thanks guys and girls.
I am definitely doing it.

And once again, sorry doorstepped for hi-jacking your thread, but I'm sure this helped you as well.

[fishtank]

Might be helpful as a basic guide.

GUIDANCE FOR CWU REPRESENTATIVES WHEN DEALING WITH MANAGEMENT AND REPRESENTING MEMBERS

ADVICE TO REPS.pdf

[doorstepped]

Thanks guys and girls.
I am definitely doing it.

And once again, sorry doorstepped for hi-jacking your thread, but I'm sure this helped you as well.

absolutely, if it helps more than just me then hijack away :)

[makingsounds]

One problem with the DOM at my office is that he is an ex Rep and he was a good one, so he knows his stuff

There's plenty of them about, lowest of the low in my opinion, as they use the knowledge and skills aquired when they were on the right side of the fence. The one big plus is they don't have the respect or trust of the workforce for selling out.