becoming a union rep

[mlw]

our rep is retiring in about 4 months a few of the guys say i should become next rep it is encouraging to me that they want me too but what sort of time do i need to give to the position and what our pros/cons i would like to give it a go but will it take a lot of my spare time?

[gg]

Being a rep is not an easy task. No matter what you do, you cant please everyone and most people only remember the bad not the good that you do.

Other than the above, I think that you should go for it. It can be eye opening and at times rewarding. Just make sure if you go for it, not to jump in gung ho and do a bit of investigation on what people say, both managers and postmen/women. You will have beck up from the branch so use it.


GG

[redeye67]

I spent 12 yrs has a rep very rewarding however be prepared for the moaners plenty of them who think RM owe them a living my advice is educated yourself on working practices agreements and basic industrial relations the CWU run courses so take them and learn as much as you can be honest and don't leave yourself open to accusations of being in the pocket of RM management have been asked to return as a rep so still thinking about it

[fishtank]

Get yourself a decent divorce lawyer first.

[mlw]

Thanks for all the advice i am seriously now considering it, I think we will all need a strong union in the next few years

[Son Of God]

My advice would be use the 4 month window to your advantage. Put yourself forward as a sub rep now. This will then enable you to shadow your rep when possible, sit in resource/attendance/disciplinary meetings. Also you could get your name down for the union skills 1/ agreements and procedures courses.

And of course you'd start to get an actual feel for it or not, which ever way it goes.

If you do take on this position... always question your Dom's word... chances he doesn't know what he's talking about or he does but doesn't want you to know.

Good luck! :)

[borders]

Thanks for all the advice i am seriously now considering it, I think we will all need a strong union in the next few years

I would just like to say I admire anyone who decides to take up the position of CWU rep. my good mate is a Rep and I know it takes up a lot of his time and as said above you cant please everyone all of the time. a thick skin is a must I would say , as there are too many people who are quick to take a pop but then expect you to come running when they have a problem . the Union is a collective of people bound together for the benefit of everyone. however, as the job/problems etc is not uniform it may not work all the time on an individual basis but I believe without it , we would be all the poorer.
go for it , good luck and thanks.

[bogstandard]

if you do you will find there are those that try to occupy your every moment and some that want a quiet life.
On the former, my experience is that they are only prepared to accept what they want to hear. generally want want want. We have to deal with them all equally.
Will it take up your spare time? yes.
As was posted earlier apply for the deputy role and shadow your rep now while they are still in place. They will have experience you don't want to miss out on.

And if you do, enjoy yourself !!
Remember, it's not personal. usually.

[pop it in pete]

Below is my answer to this question I gave some time ago, nothing has changed except the workload has increased.

If you are thinking of becoming the rep in your unit be prepared to coat yourself with another 10 layers of skin. Yes you will need a think skin to put up with the barbed uneducated comments of some who will think you are out to feather your own nest.

Also be prepared to listen to the people who you haven't until now had the time of day for, you are their rep as well as the rep for your mates.

Watch your back as the line managers will now consider this to be a power struggle between you and them for who has the ear of the DOM. Because you are now equal billing with the DOM and will be privy to information and plans that they will never be given access to until you and the DOM have agreed. They will try to make your life hell in order to further their slippery path up the managerial ladder.

Don't enter into deals that you know the workforce will not agree to as at the end of the day if the workforce is not behind you then you are wasting your time.

Above all enjoy your time as rep and don't take the argument's home with you as your family comes first and foremost. They will tell you when you are bringing issues home and they will suffer if you take problems back with you. Leave it at work and relish the opportunity to have a different day every day at work instead of the same thing each day. A reps life is entirely what you make of it don't waste it.

Don't bottle problems up if you don't know ask other reps or express an idea on this chat and see what recommendations come from it.

There's a lot more but you wont know that until you have done the job for a few years and then you will still be learning every day as each issue and individual problem comes up you will still learn.

[Glenno]

Get yourself a decent divorce lawyer first.

[walkertom]

Remember, it is a voluntary position. You can unvolunteer again straight away if you find it's too much effort or conflict etc.

Just give it a go. Every workplace needs union activity. I see it as a lot of education for yourself and others. You don't need to have all the answers.

You could end up doing a lot of good.