Can I strike?

[Ric.ror]

All my colleagues are taking part in the strike on 30 November - they are all in Unison. I am in a different union but can I strike too? I am not bothered about losing one days pay

[factor-fiction]

It sounds as if you may be takinga risk. I suggest you check with your union. Don't you have to give notice of your intention to strike?

[Old_Geezer]

You may do as you wish, but your colleagues have the protection of their union since it will have called a strike. You may need to face up to management with little to help you, as your union has not called a strike.

You might get away with saying you were too nervous to cross a picket line, maybe. Or can you apply for unpaid leave ?

[Kayless]

if you can afford to lose a day's pay then you must be overpaid so why are you striking? Go to work and donate a day's pay to the Tory Party.

[AB Editor]

I have friends who have gone into work while others have been on strike recently.

They said they've never got so much work done! Could be an opportunity to get well ahead on any boring bits of paperwork etc (unless you'll be expected to cover for all your colleagues by the management).

There is also a chance they'll send you home anyway if the business won't run on you alone!

[Old_Geezer]

Wow, anyone who has saved up a day's worth of pay is overpaid. That's the second thing I've learnt today already.

[Postdog]

The simple answer is no because it is illegal and they can tale action against you personally. Just support your colleagues in spirit and any other way possible if you feel you must.

[McMouse]

Why not join Unison and be legal.

[RATTER15]

I would sack you, with or without a union!!

I would sooner close the company than be dictated to by my employees.

[tastymorsel]

here !! here !! Ratter

[McMouse]

Anyone remember that UNISON tv advert "GET OUT OF THE WAY". Sums up union bullying tactics for me. When will unions understand that UK cannot afford public sector pensions?

[Old_Geezer]

Just a thought but perhaps the pensions would be on the table for discussion if it was agreed to increase all employees pay to compensate, and backdate the rise to the date of joining since then the overall package offered would seem reasonable once again.

[Quizmonster]

Good grief, K! Have the casino bankers stopped funding the Tories? Surely they don't need a day's pay from an ordinary worker, too, do they?

[Kayless]

We'll take any funding we can get QM!

[Quizmonster]

That's obvious, K, and I'm not referring to Ric.ror's day's pay!

[Messi_Ten]

Ric.ror, go to work, but don't cross any Unison picket lines. If you meet Kayless on the way, give him a slap from me.

[Kayless]

I just love you lefties, preach socialism and make ghengis Khan look like an Eco warrior if someone has a different view!

[factor-fiction]

Hi Old-Geezer,
Regarding your comment: "Just a thought but perhaps the pensions would be on the table for discussion if it was agreed to increase all employees pay to compensate, and backdate the rise to the date of joining since then the overall package offered would seem reasonable once again."
Whilst I can see a case either way regarding pressing for improved salary to compensate for unfavourable changes to the epension scheme I'm not sure I understand the suggestion of having the rise backdated. That suggests that past benefits are being taken away, but I'm not aware that any of the proposed changes would be retrospective: I thought it was just future pension contributions and benefits that would change.

[craft1948]

Christ factor, you're a bit early for Xmas!

[jno]

agree with Messi: if your union's not in dispute you shouldn't strike, but don't cross a picket line; at least that's what I would have done.

[factor-fiction]

Hi craft- I switched my avatar last weekend when many of us were testing out the Gravatar/AB problem. The problem now seems to have been resolved but I'm not sure whether I can be bothered to change it back again