Becoming a union rep

stevenshm · Post by **stevenshm** » 07 Oct 2017, 18:47

I have been in the job over 20 years and never thought i'd i'd say this but im seriously thinking of putting in for union rep
with all the things going on!
I am in the lucky position that if i did lose this job it wouldn't be the end of the world!
but hate seeing people i work with being stressed and looking older!!!!
with privatization will i still have the power to make a difference?
any comments would be good to hear of past experience

thank you

jetblack · Post by **jetblack** » 07 Oct 2017, 19:43

You have 20 years experience in the job. Is there anyone better qualified in your office to do the job ? If there is, are they standing ?
Go for it - you can make a difference.

Post by **osgoody1970** » 07 Oct 2017, 20:41

good for you, your experience is invaluable, get some of you colleagues to help(form a committee) you can be the figurehead, and get advice along the way!!!

BarnsleyLackey · Post by **BarnsleyLackey** » 08 Oct 2017, 13:04

I wish you all the best with it. But attacking that role with a full heart will only get you so far. All we hear is "The union this, the union that...", to the point it's ringing in your ears. At the end of the day, the people will only come to you with problems, when they have them. The rest of the time, happy to bury their heads, cut corners and work with me me me mentality. Instead of doing the job properly, as we all know we should do, and making life not just easier for the rep, but each other.

Owl · Post by **Owl** » 08 Oct 2017, 16:10

Go for it wish you all the best!

Sir Henry · Post by **Sir Henry** » 08 Oct 2017, 21:09

Honestly it's like trying to herd cats.

Post by **General Mannerheim** » 08 Oct 2017, 22:06

I wouldn't wish it on anybody.
It's like having 200 naughty kids.(well most of them wear shorts).
You get blamed for everything from the beans aren't Heinz to the bog is backed up with water and s**t and your expected to deal with it in an instance, otherwise your `in the gaffers pocket`.

dazg · Post by **dazg** » 16 Oct 2017, 14:36

I presume there are courses you go on to give u a basic grounding in union stuff.?

although with u being there 20 years u probably already know a bit.

LaggyBand · Post by **LaggyBand** » 16 Oct 2017, 14:48

Sir Henry wrote:Honestly it's like trying to herd cats.

Haha a mate of mine did it and this sums it up perfectly!

bexhil palace · Post by **bexhil palace** » 29 Oct 2017, 19:46

As an ex union rep, the one thing you will need above all else, is the hide of a Rhino.
As has already been mentioned you will be blamed for pretty well everything negative that happens within your office.
On the flip side, the sense of wellbeing when you are successful in any dealings with members problems is very gratifying.
Good luck to you whatever you decide to do.