Has Anyone Ever Been A Union Delegate?

[DJHawkes]

what is it like? Is there alot ot learn?

[thugulike]

Do you mean a shop steward or a union delegate at a conference?

Lots to learn if you are a steward and want to do the job properly. I trained and the experience led to me being appointed as a panel member of employment tribunals. Never regretted a moment, a very worthwhile job.

[DJHawkes]

I'm now the union delegate for the North West and will be learning all about employment law and everything else that goes with it. It sounds right up my street lol

[tonyav]

Well done dot, and good luck.

[thugulike]

Dot, it's a job for life and one you never completely learn. Every tribunal I sit on I learn something new, despite the rigorous training. I used to come with armsful of flowers from grateful members. It's so rewarding knowing that you've helped someone. One piece of advice I will pass on is that you are there to represent your members to the best of your ability, you don't have to believe them. Not everyone tells the truth.

[ToraToraTora]

well it's trickier these days but years ago, all you had to do was stand on a box and shout "all out brothers"!

[thugulike]

Tora x 3 That's rather old fashioned. Todays trade unionist is a professional who should be properly trained and equipped to deal with all types of difficult situations.

[ToraToraTora]

at last some aknowledges MrsT's achievements, well done!

[thugulike]

Steve.5 I am well aware of that!

[Prudie]

Yes I was an NUT rep and hated it but it didn't involve much and was years ago. Where I work now there's a full time union convenor and he has to work really hard, involved in everything from grievances to all management proposals and decisions. Good luck dotty, you might find it very interesting as long as you can stay detached and thick-skinned!

[Peter Pedant]

Yeah I was a union rep for a white collar union

and doing the defence bit for internal disciplinary jobbies was probably the most useful thing I had ever done (!)

The employer hates a union rep and especially one who shows how crap they are at their job of being an employer

Clearly I didnt get many pay rises, but I still found it quite a shock as to how many of my colleagues made for the hills at the first sign of trouble
and then when the trouble had gone, came out of the hills and started nit-picking. They werent aware of the irony but others were.

I clearly must have had my uses: I am still phoned two years into retirement


Steve.5's comment: Yes TuLike the liars are not always the people whom you represent....

I found shockingly true up and including perjury
[which I couldnt conclusively show, of course]