hiya guys, i want to join a union so what union are you in.
whats yours and why. cheers.
Normally I would suggest that you join the union with workplace recognition where you work.
If you are not employed at one particular place, e.g. an agency worker, then join the one that has most “clout” in your area.
check how local the reps are for each one you consider and where the branch meetings are held.
Don’t expect ANY union to do everything for you, at best they provide support when things go wrong.
I have been a member of the T and G (now Unite the Union) for over 40 years and have been satisfied with their support most of the time.
I am not sure of other unions but Unite offer an insurance policy to cover losing your HGV through medical reasons, extra cost and some exclusions but worth looking at.
I have been with URTU for about 20 years and have received excellent PERSONAL assistance from them on a number of issues including representing me at a tribunal.
If you are looking for a Union that will help you with National issues then forget it - the law has their nuts in a vice !!
I too have been with URTU for over 10 years and have also had good personal service regarding work matters, representation at “meetings” etc. You are better in a union than out, no matter what the anti union brigade say, URTU is my choice.
I learned the hard way that most unions are not worth a light. In over thirty years I found that most local reps only had one agenda, their own.
waddy640:
I learned the hard way that most unions are not worth a light. In over thirty years I found that most local reps only had one agenda, their own.
And judging by a recent thread on here some of those who defend you at tribunals haven’t got much of a clue and rely on luck to win cases.
Fight your own battles, you don’t need to pay a union to do it for you.
Coffeeholic:
And judging by a recent thread on here some of those who defend you at tribunals haven’t got much of a clue and rely on luck to win cases.
Or could it be that some Union reps are that good that they can argue a good case for their members at tribunals and win 
OK, if you both, (waddy and coffee) have a gripe against any union and URTU in particular pray tell us just what it is! I’m sick of this alleged story and that alleged story with no fact to back it up.
Do either of you, in fact, does anyone on here have a RECENT, i.e. this century gripe in mind?
JISL to ESL:
OK, if you both, (waddy and coffee) have a gripe against any union and URTU in particular pray tell us just what it is! I’m sick of this alleged story and that alleged story with no fact to back it up.Do either of you, in fact, does anyone on here have a RECENT, i.e. this century gripe in mind?
My experiences were with other unions. The last issue related to my pension. My employer reduced my pension by 22% stating an error had been made in its calculation.
I contacted my former union, of which I had been a member for over eighteen years, and asked for assistance in getting it re-instated. There were three levels of appeal, the union assisted with the first one and then suggested that I accept what I was offered. For the price of a first class stamp I lodged the second level appeal, won and had my pension restored to its original value.
greggy:
hiya guys, i want to join a union so what union are you in.
whats yours and why. cheers.
i joined the S.E.E.M. {SOD EVERYONE EXEPT ME} don,t waste your money
Browncow2 quote: i joined the S.E.E.M. {SOD EVERYONE EXcEPT ME} don,t waste your money.
So which bl**dy union was it? What’s the story?
Do tell!
JISL to ESL:
OK, if you both, (waddy and coffee) have a gripe against any union and URTU in particular pray tell us just what it is! I’m sick of this alleged story and that alleged story with no fact to back it up.Do either of you, in fact, does anyone on here have a RECENT, i.e. this century gripe in mind?
Hi JISL to ESL, 
Here’s a recent story involving an URTU Rep at a tribunal case. (ROG can back this up if necessary. 
)
Made to reduce daily rest period - SAFETY, LAW AND WORKING TIME DIRECTIVE FORUM (INTE - Trucknet UK
Unions have clout?
So what have they actualy done for the driver as a whole, apart from representing the odd driver at a tribunal?
I will hazard a guess at absolutly sod all!
Any more?
My view also is that i’m big enough to get myself into a situation then i’m man enough to get MYSELF out of it!
ajdavis64:
Unions have clout?
So what have they actualy done for the driver as a whole, apart from representing the odd driver at a tribunal?
I will hazard a guess at absolutly sod all!
Any more?
I said before - it depends what you want a Union for…
If you want one for PERSONAL protection and back up then great
If you want one for NATIONAL issues then forget it as their hands are tied by LAW
Qualified Union reps can be almost as good as some lawyers when it comes to legal representation especially for PERSONAL employment issues
ROG:
ajdavis64:
Unions have clout?
So what have they actualy done for the driver as a whole, apart from representing the odd driver at a tribunal?
I will hazard a guess at absolutly sod all!
Any more?I said before - it depends what you want a Union for…
If you want one for PERSONAL protection and back up then great
If you want one for NATIONAL issues then forget it as their hands are tied by LAWQualified Union reps can be almost as good as some lawyers when it comes to legal representation especially for PERSONAL employment issues
I should think working conditions would be a number 1 priority, but nothing has ever been done in the 21 years i have been driving, its no better now than wht it was then, infact i would say they have got worse.
But the likes of unite are quick enough to get behind BAs cabin crew, to improve theres.
ajdavis64:
the likes of unite are quick enough to get behind BAs cabin crew,
That enforces what I was saying about backing a member or group of members on employment issues with THEIR employer
Unite would be blasted by legal restrictions if they tried that with ALL cabin crews as a whole
ROG:
ajdavis64:
the likes of unite are quick enough to get behind BAs cabin crew,That enforces what I was saying about backing a member or group of members on employment issues with THEIR employer
Unite would be blasted by legal restrictions if they tried that with ALL cabin crews as a whole
The french lorry drivers union doesnt have much trouble getting national issues sorted out.
Most of those I have encountered have been in the "what’s in it for me? club. They are reps, for getting the best jobs, time off and basically doing as little as possible. The interests of those they represent are well down their list of priorities
ROG:
Qualified Union reps can be almost as good as some lawyers when it comes to legal representation especially for PERSONAL employment issues
If they’re that good how come your union rep didn’t win your case for you.