Is there any point in a part timer being a member of CWU?

[Mr Whizz]

I've been with RM for a few weeks now as a 25 hour per week part timer with rolling 3 month contract and it's pretty much exactly what I expected. The part time floaters struggling to finish in their contract hours and the full timers with their own walk finishing an hour or so early on quiet days. Luckily I've worked at RM before and settled in quickly.

Anyway, I can see why full timers would join the CWU but is there any real point in part timers joining as well? If you complain about anything then I'm assuming you just won't get your contract renewed and there is not much a union rep could do about it.

I'm enjoying the job but wondering if it's really worth forking out over £100 a year to the union?

[redneck]

Depends if you are OK with walking/driving through a picket line when a strike is on, after those in the union have voted to take action on an issue. I'm afraid there is bound to be another occasion when this happens again.

As a part timer I won't do it on principle, and therefore joined the CWU. There are problems with the union just like any other, but at the end of the day they do offer you legal backing and workplace advice whether on a local level or regionally. Without members they are even weaker than 'industrial relations' rules introduced by the Tories and propped up by Labour, when in power, have forced them to be.

[fishtank]

Depends if you are OK with walking/driving through a picket line when a strike is on.

Non-members have exactly the same legal protection as union members during Industrial Action.
Why do you assume he would need or want to cross a picket line?

[Mr Whizz]

I guess my point is that the CWU must know that a lot of part timers are being treated unfairly and in a very weak position to complain. (contract not renewed)

Are DO seems pretty cool compared to a lot of stories I've heard on here and our DOM does (reluctantly) pay overtime.

[clashcityrocker]

I guess my point is that the CWU must know that a lot of part timers are being treated unfairly and in a very weak position to complain. (contract not renewed).

There are lots and lots of part timers who are not on Fixed Term Contracts.
Post Revision, I don't see what justification there is for anyone to still be on a FTC, and I thought RM and the CWU agreed on that.
Part-time or full-time it doesn't matter. Everyone should be a CWU member.

[TheCobra]

There are plenty of reasons to be in the union, especially with the s**t storm that is coming.

[krussel]

I would always say yes.

There has been a lot of bad press on a national level mostly concerning the new working arrangements which the CWU agreed to on our behalf. However on a local level the CWU can really help if you mess up or have to go sick. There are other benefits such as legal cover etc.

Its a good insurance policy with the things that are on the way.

[General Mannerheim]

There are plenty of reasons to be in the union, especially with the s**t storm that is coming.

s**t storm???????
It will be more of a damp squib.

[Mr Whizz]

I joined CWU on my first day and was just curious what part timers are actually getting for their money.

Thanks for the responses.

P.S. clashcityrocker - Love the screen name!

[krussel]

There are plenty of reasons to be in the union, especially with the s**t storm that is coming.

s**t storm???????
It will be more of a damp squib.

Depends what effect you feel privatisation will have on your working conditions I guess.

[dounome]

Im in the union, lets face it, its the pits, they sold us out last time and they will do it again, they are interested in no one but themselves.

[Stella102]

of course!!

ok put it this way you will be harrassed as part time the managers will pretend that you are expendable get in the union asap you will need them more than ever in the next few months if you still want to keep your job

the union have helped me a lot, helped me get paid overtime helped me get my entitled annual leave and got me full time perm contract, what more can i ask for.

[krussel]

Im in the union, lets face it, its the pits, they sold us out last time and they will do it again, they are interested in no one but themselves.

Yeah truth in that but..........................................

Quote.....



"However on a local level the CWU can really help if you mess up or have to go sick. There are other benefits such as legal cover etc. "

[General Mannerheim]

Just what legal cover are you supposed to get??

[JP1]

I only have an 8 hour contract, but I still joined. It's only £1.15 or so a week, but it's probably worth it. On a local level we have a really good rep who does a great job as far as I'm concerned, so I had no problems with that bit, and he helps me a lot. Along with the area rep (or whatever their real name is) he's kept a revision off for months and months because he, along with the staff, disagree on the routes, with some of them being far too big and impossible to do in the time.

And overall, the more people in the union can only be a good thing. It sends a better message to the top of business, showing some solidarity and the cliche of strength in numbers.