Which Union?

[BravoGolfMike]

You will still be able to do rest day work-if you company has any going it will most likely be agreed with aslef anyway.

As for the website-I wouldn't let that put you off. Just because they don't always update the website it dosnt mean they arnt any good!

When you start at the company the union guys will be all over you to get you to join anyway so see what they have to say and what other drivers think there.

I believe Silv is joining Northern, no RDW sanction and has been like that for years.

 

[Silv1983]

The union guys weren't interested in the new starters. We had to go and find them the week before we started driving on the mainline to get some protection.

Re Northern - I don't know what's going on behind the scenes but currently no RDW - and this is allegedly being relaxed in June to allow the huge backlog of route refreshes and GSMR training to be done.

 

[AntoniC]

I am Civil Servant of 24 years and on day one joined the Union.

Never regretted it as I have needed their help 3 times :

1) 2001 I was off sick for 6 months with stress because of a manager
2) 2006 I was accused of sexual harassment (Gross Misconduct) - acquitted
3) 2008 I was guilty of breach of confidentiality (Minor Misconduct)

I class being a Union member as an insurance policy and so well worth being a member !.

But only join if you want to !

 

[Seagulls01]

Join ASLEF. I'm biased I suppose, but its a fantastic union. You will be looked after. But, don't just accept it as a protection. Get involved, go to branch meetings. Have your say.
I'm retired, by the way.

 

[185]

Aslef. Companies less likely to pick on drivers where Aslef membership is concerned compared to other unions.

 

[TDK]

Aslef. Companies less likely to pick on drivers where Aslef membership is concerned compared to other unions.

It all depends on how many drivers at your depot are ASLEF members in relation to the RMT. If say out of a depot with 80 drivers and 60 are RMT I would go RMT, hope this makes sence!

 

[GB]

I thought you were only a scab if you are in the union and you cross the picket line?

I wouldn't begrudge any non union member crossing the picket line and find it pretty pathetic (and grossly outdated) that there are some staff out there that think otherwise.

 

[TDK]

I thought you were only a scab if you are in the union and you cross the picket line?

I wouldn't begrudge any non union member crossing the picket line and find it pretty pathetic (and grossly outdated) that there are some staff out there that think otherwise.

Unfortunately there are and lots of them. The problem with all this is the union members are fighting for the rights of their fellow members and anyone not in the union will of course accept the deals when thay are finalised. I would not be at all happy with anyone passing a picket line if the industrial action was for a better pay deal or conditions. I would never call anyone a scab as that is completely against my morals however I would probably not do any scoops or favours for anyone who does pass a picket line. Maybe you think this is wrong but I do not know of many union members who would not do the same. I have never been involved with industrial action but if the unions said we were striking after a ballot I would strike for the cause.

Are you in a union by the way?

 

[AntoniC]

When the PCS votes for strike action or action short of strike, as a Union member who always votes, I follow the decision of the majority.(Even if a minority of the membership bother to vote, but thats another argument for another day).

I`m of this view as I have benefited from Union representation in the past.

Unfortunately there are and lots of them. The problem with all this is the union members are fighting for the rights of their fellow members and anyone not in the union will of course accept the deals when thay are finalised. I would not be at all happy with anyone passing a picket line if the industrial action was for a better pay deal or conditions. I would never call anyone a scab as that is completely against my morals however I would probably not do any scoops or favours for anyone who does pass a picket line. Maybe you think this is wrong but I do not know of many union members who would not do the same. I have never been involved with industrial action but if the unions said we were striking after a ballot I would strike for the cause.

Are you in a union by the way?

 

[A-driver]

Unfortunately there are and lots of them. The problem with all this is the union members are fighting for the rights of their fellow members and anyone not in the union will of course accept the deals when thay are finalised. I would not be at all happy with anyone passing a picket line if the industrial action was for a better pay deal or conditions. I would never call anyone a scab as that is completely against my morals however I would probably not do any scoops or favours for anyone who does pass a picket line. Maybe you think this is wrong but I do not know of many union members who would not do the same. I have never been involved with industrial action but if the unions said we were striking after a ballot I would strike for the cause.

Are you in a union by the way?

I completely agree with that. As I said before-if not in a union then you will still be reaping some if the rewards and benefits but not contributing anything financially like everyone else is.

 

[GB]

Are you in a union by the way?

Yes, Aslef.

 

[LCC106]

Aslef is run by drivers and therefore if the majority in your depot are in Aslef this is the way to go. As has been pointed out previously, their representatives have done the job, know the problems drivers face and are probably therefore best able to put your case should the need arise. As has also been said previously, God forbid you are involved in an incident, if you join retrospectively you will be most unlikely to get the union's support for that incident... An expensive insurance policy, but worth the investment versus the potential expense of (worst case scenario) going to court.

 

[Joe20365]

What's the cost of being in the union, as a driver?

 

[broadgage]

I would agree with the general advice to join ASLEF, unless you are at a depot where most drivers are in the RMT.
Safety in numbers would be best achieved IMHO by joing the most popular union at your depot, which is usually ASLEF but not allways.

(I dont work for railway, but know many who do, most drivers speak well of ASLEF, at least among passenger train drivers. RMT seem more popular in railfreight)

 

[A-driver]

What's the cost of being in the union, as a driver?

I think its about £25 a month roughly-will dig out a payslip and look

 

[LCC106]

"Membership rates
We adopt a 3 Tier Membership Rating according to your grade/seniority.
Payment is via Direct Debit for all new members.
Scale 1 - For members who are on salaries above £33,000 (£25.87 per month)
Scale 2 - For members who are on salaries between £27,600 and £32,999 (£22.75 per month)
Scale 3 - For members who are on salaries between £17,600 and £27,599 (£15.86 per month)
Scale 4 - For members who are salaries less than £17,599 (£9.92 per month)"

as at 04/02/13 found at http://www.aslef.org.uk/information/113309/113328/how_to_join/

Good memory, A-driver!

 

[FLHH East Anglia]

Its got to be ASLE&F,though they have their knocker's,none are perfect!

 

[sarahj]

I'd say join ASLEF if your a driver. The ASLEF folks were all over our trainee drivers during our welcome to southern week in the classroom. As for us guards, as soon as we went to the depot the RMT folks were there. I joined up and have been to some meeting, even meeting Bob. I have noticed that some of the young ones wont join, not seeing any 'benefit'. But its the help you get when things go wrong that makes it worth while. And remember its the union that sort things out like pay rises and payment for bank holidays.

Another thing you might want to join is the local social fund. They provide things like the tea/coffee machines as well as the snack machines in depots. They also sort out things like social events, crimbo parties. Sometimes just a fiver a year.

SJ

RMT Member
TBF Member (handy if you hit hard times)
BTCSF Member

 

[A-driver]

I'd say join ASLEF if your a driver. The ASLEF folks were all over our trainee drivers during our welcome to southern week in the classroom. As for us guards, as soon as we went to the depot the RMT folks were there. I joined up and have been to some meeting, even meeting Bob. I have noticed that some of the young ones wont join, not seeing any 'benefit'. But its the help you get when things go wrong that makes it worth while. And remember its the union that sort things out like pay rises and payment for bank holidays.

Another thing you might want to join is the local social fund. They provide things like the tea/coffee machines as well as the snack machines in depots. They also sort out things like social events, crimbo parties. Sometimes just a fiver a year.

SJ

RMT Member
TBF Member (handy if you hit hard times)
BTCSF Member

I would definately recommend TBF. £1 a week and huge benefits. I was having back and neck pains a while back which I partly attributed to bad posture when sitting in driving cabs. My dr referred me to a hospital Phisio but was going to be months for an initial appoitment. I contacted the TBF and went the next week to a private Phisio, had back and neck massages etc all paid for by them!

Highly recommended, if not offered to you then google them and join up!

 

[ainsworth74]

Can ask what/who TBF is/are?

 

[DarloRich]

http://www.tbf.org.uk/

Transport Benevolent Fund - I am looking at joining as the benefits seem quite good for little contribution.

 

[ainsworth74]

Thanks

 

[Flamingo]

We had TBF in on a safety day last year giving their pitch, I think pretty much everybody who heard them joined. I did.

 

[Met Driver]

Not sure how relevant an LU driver's opinion is here as union membership is spread more evenly across ASLEF/RMT, but here goes.

I think it would be wise when choosing which union to join to consider the quality and qualities of the local reps, as it is they who will be fighting your corner if the time comes. They range from excellent to atrocious, from fair to those who are only interested in feathering their own nest. I have drifted between RMT and ASLEF for this reason (although have never at any point been non-union, nor would I be).

At a higher level I know that I can rely on both of the unions to negotiate well at pay talks so on that front can relax being in either.

Although it might seem logical to go with the majority union (and I guess if I was at a depot where one union had a 99% majority I would go with them), bear in mind that you will get more of a say in local level matters if you go with the one with lesser membership (speaking from experience). Although you should consider too the likelihood of you needing the backing of your workmates, as there is no guarantee that the other union will back strike action in your support.

 

[Shaggy]

Not so much of a which union post but still related.

My own dilemma is whether to join at all. I will never (or rather cannot foresee a circumstance where I would) strike, I'm quite right-wing in my political views (even with the political opt-out I'm concerned what the union would be doing with my subs on campaigns etc) and therefore have no interest in the wider TU movement as a class weapon as the leadership seem to bang on about.

However I do appreciate that if I didn't join, I'd be benefitting from the subs of colleagues (TSSA do the pay bargaining etc) and missing out on any representation if any problems arise.

 

[TheEdge]

http://www.tbf.org.uk/

Transport Benevolent Fund - I am looking at joining as the benefits seem quite good for little contribution.

They are very good. I've only been working for the railways for a few months and I had to claim something from them and they authorised it with no problems.

Anyone else face a similar issue?

I'm in a similar political position to you with joining the RMT. What I've been told by people is its worth joining them political views aside for the protection they provide and if a strike is called to go on it. I've been told it causes more problems for you to cross a picket line than stay at home. Also of course if you are not in a union you have no protection if you don't go to work during a strike.

 

[A-driver]

To be honest, the chances of ever being involved in a strike are very rare indeed. I have been with aslef for a good few years and never even been balloted for industrial action. I wouldn't think too much about that kind of thing when deciding weather or not to join a union. And especially back room staff like control etc, I'd be very surprised if you were involved in industrial action.

The union will offer you great protection should your job be at risk through your own fault or not and sadly with railway management being so money and penny pinching obsessed you may stand a good chance of being picked out if not with a union.

 

[mkwhite]

Plenty for me to consider there. Thanks for your advice guys.

 

[Clip]

Unfortunately there are and lots of them. The problem with all this is the union members are fighting for the rights of their fellow members and anyone not in the union will of course accept the deals when thay are finalised.

They HAVE to accept the pay deal that is brokered by the union though - it was the one thing the unions fought for. If they agreed seperate deals for non-union members then the unions would be in uproar about it and would claim it unfair on their members and that it was one of the reasons why collective bargaining came about.

No divide and rule means just that for ALL members of staff.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Not so much of a which union post but still related. I'm starting a control room role with a large TOC so it's pretty TSSA dominated.

My own dilemma is whether to join at all. I will never (or rather cannot foresee a circumstance where I would) strike, I'm quite right-wing in my political views (even with the political opt-out I'm concerned what the union would be doing with my subs on campaigns etc) and therefore have no interest in the wider TU movement as a class weapon as the leadership seem to bang on about.

However I do appreciate that if I didn't join, I'd be benefitting from the subs of colleagues (TSSA do the pay bargaining etc) and missing out on any representation if any problems arise.

Anyone else face a similar issue?

To be fair your political alliances shouldnt come in to joining a union as a whole. You can even opt out of coughing up to Labour.

TSSA dont really strike either but they are worth joining because of all the added benefits and protection that they can give you should you do something daft which could lead to your expulsion from your job.

 

[Flamingo]

As has been said before, I view it as a form of insurance, and am in it purely for the protection when it all goes wrong. I have to say, if there was an alternative to the RMT I would join it in the morning (as I suspect a large number of my colleagues would), but in my depot there isn't.