Post by Derek Moore on Apr 5, 2015 21:00:00 GMT
That question I get asked ‘trade unions; what is the point’?
Having the strength of a trade union behind you in the workplace can make an enormous difference not just to your pay and conditions, but potentially to how the industry or workplace is organised and the kind of employer you work for.
You might need help if you get into trouble through no fault of your own; maybe you have a disagreement with the company or a worker and you get unfairly disciplined, or have an accident through employer negligence. In these instances being a member of a trade union can be a lifeline; providing support, including financial and other assistance to obtain legal redress.
Trade unions also run campaigns and lobby politicians to improve legislation that impacts upon members in the workplace. Campaigning techniques are to protect the interests of all trade union members in a collective way that would not be possible for an individual. Ones that have been beneficial to this industry are holiday pay and NEST pension provision.
By joining an all workers together attitude it can pull everyone up the ladder, with workers in a stronger position helping those with less bargaining power so that everyone has a fair wage and reasonable conditions of service.
The work of the RMT happens because it has substantial numbers of members, who believe that their union plays a vital role in the workplace and deliver for their members through collective representation to improve pay and conditions, through individual representation and protection, through political campaigning and lobbying and for the common wellbeing of all associated workers through collective strength and social solidarity.
By joining your trade union and supporting others you are showing you care about the fate of your fellow workers in the workplace. So joining a trade is an act of solidarity.
Ask where your pay and conditions would be if there was no union? Look at other sectors of the diving industry where there is no union representation. Is that what you want?
So now you have the answer, ask the question, “Why are you not a member”?
Having the strength of a trade union behind you in the workplace can make an enormous difference not just to your pay and conditions, but potentially to how the industry or workplace is organised and the kind of employer you work for.
You might need help if you get into trouble through no fault of your own; maybe you have a disagreement with the company or a worker and you get unfairly disciplined, or have an accident through employer negligence. In these instances being a member of a trade union can be a lifeline; providing support, including financial and other assistance to obtain legal redress.
Trade unions also run campaigns and lobby politicians to improve legislation that impacts upon members in the workplace. Campaigning techniques are to protect the interests of all trade union members in a collective way that would not be possible for an individual. Ones that have been beneficial to this industry are holiday pay and NEST pension provision.
By joining an all workers together attitude it can pull everyone up the ladder, with workers in a stronger position helping those with less bargaining power so that everyone has a fair wage and reasonable conditions of service.
The work of the RMT happens because it has substantial numbers of members, who believe that their union plays a vital role in the workplace and deliver for their members through collective representation to improve pay and conditions, through individual representation and protection, through political campaigning and lobbying and for the common wellbeing of all associated workers through collective strength and social solidarity.
By joining your trade union and supporting others you are showing you care about the fate of your fellow workers in the workplace. So joining a trade is an act of solidarity.
Ask where your pay and conditions would be if there was no union? Look at other sectors of the diving industry where there is no union representation. Is that what you want?
So now you have the answer, ask the question, “Why are you not a member”?