Joining a union

[rwalk365]

Hi boys and girls, I’m due to take on a conductor position with SE, what are people’s thoughts on joining a union, is it beneficial? Do managers look down on people who join, should I wait until I’m settled? I’m right in thinking RMT is the Union for conductors?

Apologies if this has been discussed before.

 

[Cyclist]

I would ask the same question for drivers. Presumably the answers are similar. At what point do you join one?

 

[Jonfun]

No, you won't be looked down at for joining one. Many of the traincrew managers will be in unions themselves - at ours, most are in the TSSA. How important joining a union is depends on industrial relations at your TOC, and your location - some depots are much more unionised than others.

RMT is indeed the union for Conductors.

 

[306024]

Joining the appropriate union is a sensible insurance policy if nothing else. Unions get a bad press, but most union reps do an excellent job, and no sensible manager would ever look down on a union member.

As for when to join, I joined two hours after starting on my first day - our rep was particularly keen!

 

[Halfway Boy]

Always join a union, you’ve worked hard to get this job so protect it.

Join during training, if something goes wrong you want someone to turn to who can fight your corner or at least advise you properly.

 

[grumblingalong]

No matter your opinion on unions they are a very very useful insurance policy in a job where one mistake one day could cost you your career. If that happens you'll want someone to fight your corner for you, that person is your union rep.

 

[Dave1987]

Always always always join the union! No matter what bad press they get from the media etc at a local level you will get protection and advice etc. You will not be looked at any differently for joining, in fact managers would be surprised if you weren’t in the union. Unions at local level are brilliant and do some really really good stuff that the media aren’t interested in being isn’t news worthy.

 

[Mutant Lemming]

No, you won't be looked down at for joining one. Many of the traincrew managers will be in unions themselves - at ours, most are in the TSSA. How important joining a union is depends on industrial relations at your TOC, and your location - some depots are much more unionised than others.

RMT is indeed the union for Conductors.

Unless you are on a railway where guard/conductor is in a line of promotion to driver then you also have the option of joining ASLEF.

 

[Undiscovered]

Always always always join the union! No matter what bad press they get from the media etc at a local level you will get protection and advice etc. You will not be looked at any differently for joining, in fact managers would be surprised if you weren’t in the union. Unions at local level are brilliant and do some really really good stuff that the media aren’t interested in being isn’t news worthy.

Second this.
Most unions have a benevolent fund that can really help you out if you're in a tight spot, but the biggest benefit is a wealth of legal knowledge and expertise that they can bring to bear for you, across both work and personal situations.
I was in Unison in a past career and our local rep was always popping in for a chat and a brew.

 

[DanDaDriver]

The reps should come and find you during training.

The union works because most (I believe we have 3 drivers who aren’t in it) of the eligible grades are in it.

It’s obviously your choice wether to do it or not, but don’t forget to decline your negotiated pay rise if you don’t

 

[jamesst]

Always join a union,its the best protection you'll get on the railway

 

[Worldwide]

I’m just about to start a new job at network Rail which union they part of is it TSSA, RMT or someone else.

 

[nom de guerre]

I’m just about to start a new job at network Rail which union they part of is it TSSA, RMT or someone else.

Depends which department you're bound for.

Signallers are RMT.

 

[alxndr]

Join a union, most people are in them, and you don't know when you might need them.

I’m just about to start a new job at network Rail which union they part of is it TSSA, RMT or someone else.

Maintenance (S&T, p-way, E&P etc) are generally RMT. Salaried management tend to go into TSSA.

 

[Worldwide]

Join a union, most people are in them, and you don't know when you might need them.



Maintenance (S&T, p-way, E&P etc) are generally RMT. Salaried management tend to go into TSSA.

I’ll be working within recruitment.

 

[heedfan]

Can anyone confirm if I am correct in thinking that depot drivers would still fall under ASLEF?

 

[Bodiddly]

The short answer is yes.

 

[Gemz91]

When I first joined the railways 8 years ago as a customer host my manager couldn't sing the praises and benefits of joining the RMT enough!

 

[185]

what are people’s thoughts on joining a union, is it beneficial .......should I wait until I’m settled?

Despite my views, I would always advise to join a union of your choosing. It is an insurance policy which proved invaluable to me once, as proven at an employment tribunal - the employer lost and their appeal was thrown out.

If anything, in my opinion not being in a union would probably raise more interest - 'can't afford the subs... does he have a gambling / debt / drink problem?' perhaps.

 

[Stigy]

I'm by no means unionised, and don't think I'd ever go on strike if I was in a job where striking was a possibility (can't help but think that doing so may mean I have an unofficial black mark by my name should I wish to progress within the company?). A good insurance policy in my opinion, and if you don't need to use them then it's bloody expensive diary...

 

[DarloRich]

Hi boys and girls, I’m due to take on a conductor position with SE, what are people’s thoughts on joining a union, is it beneficial? Do managers look down on people who join, should I wait until I’m settled? I’m right in thinking RMT is the Union for conductors?

Apologies if this has been discussed before.

Join. You will need them when the brown stuff hits the fan. Treat it as insurance. The local reps are usually really committed ( they are volunteers) and really knowledgeable. You will also find out what unions are actually about rather than what the media have told you to think

I’m just about to start a new job at network Rail which union they part of is it TSSA, RMT or someone else.

I’ll be working within recruitment.

it will be TSSA. You should join. Things happen in your professional life and you should always have back up.

One of the big issue sis that youngsters (God i sound old) fresh out of school or college or uni have been conditioned to think unions= evil and so are reluctant to join. That view tends to change when they face their first work place issue!