Drivers Union? Worth joining or not? Advice Please

UK PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS FORUMS THE UK PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS FORUM (INTERACTIVE)
61

The “Union Agenda” argument comes into it in the example above where a “starting” 10% pay award got downgraded to a 3% one.

Why this happens is a conflict of interest situation with the union:
The 10% would have been with a lot of representation strings attached, or even some management conditions of their own.
The 3% award would have been “no strings” and therefore thoroughly reccommended by the Union!

Unions don’t like offering “concessions” of their own team, even if authorised by the workforce to offer “concessions” from the workforce.
Obviously, this is plain daft - and represents a strong argument in my own mind as to why Unions are crap - at least at negotiating payments to the workforce!

I never really understood why the “deduct 45 minutes pay from everyone” managed to get implemented seemingly across the entire ttransport industry where the base hourly rates were quite good… It hurts more in your pay if you are on a higher hourly rate and get docked in this manner - so how on earth did the firms get it past the Unions?

Meanwhile, I’m thinking of possibly negotiating that I get paid for meal breaks in exchange for forgoing a pay increment this year.
The view to take will be based on the length of shifts I’ll think to be getting… Longer shifts - go for the pay increment. Shorter shifts - go for “no break deducted”.

Who out there really HATES it to be given shifts of exactly 9 hours in length all the time - and ends up being paid for 8 hours - a deduction of over 11% it has to be said…! :open_mouth:
You tend to get this treatment at the agencies that “pay” (allegedly) “overtime after 8 hours”.
well, if you work exactly 9 hours - you jolly well don’t get any “overtime payment” on that system at all - ever! :imp:
Needsless to say, I don’t work anymore for those agencies pushing that system upon me.

It’s engineered so you never qualify for the overtime rate, but always get docked the maximum percentage in meal break to shift length…
The agency I’m with now - might put me into the same yards, but with a “right through” rate - and consequently, I’ll get 12-15 hour shifts as standard, with just the 45 minutes taken off.
Any more deducted than that ‘insisted upon by the yard’, and I’ll start looking for less work at that yard and more work elsewhere. I don’t like being ‘clipped’ - ever. :angry:

62

the main reason was it increased our basic hourly rate but reduces shift allowances winseer - the 2 union reps both worked on the higher rateshifts so it affected them more, almost everyone said take the increased wage which would have put us on exactly the same wages as the asda run depot 1 mile up the road.
unions work for themselves not the workers and are as bad as any other elected official.

63

war1974:
the main reason was it increased our basic hourly rate but reduces shift allowances winseer - the 2 union reps both worked on the higher rateshifts so it affected them more, almost everyone said take the increased wage which would have put us on exactly the same wages as the asda run depot 1 mile up the road.
unions work for themselves not the workers and are as bad as any other elected official.

Bit like a general election then.

If you choose the wrong representative, don’t be surprised when they revert to type.

As i said before, choice of steward is the most important decision a union member can make.

64

Everybody’s out for themselves and union reps are bought and sold like any politician

65

OVLOV JAY:
Everybody’s out for themselves and union reps are bought and sold like any politician

NOT EVERYONE :imp:

http://www.pdu-uk.co.uk

It is worth a read to see what they say

66

eezeer:

OVLOV JAY:
Everybody’s out for themselves and union reps are bought and sold like any politician

NOT EVERYONE :imp:

http://www.pdu-uk.co.uk

Yes they are. If we worked together and the boss came and said “I can afford to give you another £50 a week, but don’t tell eezeer” I’m taking it. And of you say you wouldn’t then you’re a liar. All reps are the same. I’ve only ever been on 2 unionised firms and one with drivers reps. On safeway, only one driver had an allocated unit, brand new I might add, did only loading bay tips, no scissor lifts or tail lifts. He was the union rep. At Iceland, a certain driver used to do “nights out” which frequently involved his lorry being parked in a lay by a 5 min walk from his front door. He was the union rep. At maritime, there was a driver that got max hours, 4 nights out and done at 2pm every Friday, new motor every 6 months. He was the drivers rep. On all 3 firms there were plenty of problems that fell on deaf ears

67

PDU no doubt at present will be but once the subscriptions start rolling in and they maybe get a bit more power things will change.

power breeds corruption/greed simple just look at fifa.

68

That’s just it. The intention of the founders is admirable, but if and when they get in with companies, they will have no control of the relationship between the reps and the management

69

The irony of the term
“DRIVER’S REP” is awesome.
They are usually either loud mouth types or arse lickers, who start out talking about poor drivers this n that and before you know it they suddenly become apologists for the firm’s point of view.
More like a “Company rep”

70

On maritime I called our one an office rep. He didn’t like it but who cares :laughing:

71

Bad experiences with previous shop stewards so you tar all with the same brush :open_mouth:

Is every UK Trucker not to be trusted?

With no proper representation or voice then nothing will ever get better, The PDU might be good or not but sometimes you have to give it a chance

Their statement:- (can be seen along with where the subs go and aims on the website)

The Professional Drivers Union UK

www.pdu-uk.co.uk

• A non-profit, Modern Day Union 100% for Drivers by Drivers.
Key Aims:-
• To Unite UK Drivers. (Truckers)
• To fully represent the membership at National and Local level.
• To improve working conditions, the welfare and facilities for UK Drivers.
• To provide legal advice and assistance.
• To assist Member and Family following work related accident.
• To gain recognition and respect as a Profession.
• To work closely with Employers and the Industry.
• To have an open door policy of communication.
Plus:-
An Annual National Conference
Attendance at events offering hospitality

I have put to you the possibility of the PDU to find out whether over a period of time it will be possible to create a union that will truly act for Drivers in the UK.

Could this actually be achieved with the apathy in our profession, I do not know the answer to? but I do know and I truly believe that one day Drivers in the UK will come to the realisation that the only way we are going to improve our working conditions is by unity as one in the form of a recognized union.

Working as one, together with the same objective in gaining proper recognition and respect as a profession to make the improvements that will benefit not just the Drivers but also our Employers and the Industry.

Everyone can benefit from a Profession that has Respect.

Drivers that are happy in their role and proud to once again be called the knights of the road can only improve the image of our profession and enhance more new blood entering the profession,

Very difficult at this stage to put all my considerations on the way forward, but I would like to clarify a few things to dispel any thoughts and possibly attract more in support of the PDU

I believe as many others do that our unions at present have lost the plot in their objectives, I have no doubt that some still play a vital role in assisting their member with legal assistance and help at a local level but seem unable to sort out the more pressing issues at the top and on a National level.

They are the unions of yesterday and I would like to create a modern day union.

The PDU-UK would be 100% run by Drivers or ex-drivers that know and have experience of the issues and problems within our profession, and as such as long as I was responsibly the highest wage paid to any one involved would not exceed that of a Driver.

The executives of other unions are being paid in excess of £100,000 of which I consider is extortionate and excessive as it is money received from the hard earnings of their membership. I will state that no one in the PDU would get more than £35,000. Plus I consider very few are needed to be actually on the books obtaining a wage from your subscriptions and this is why I can put the lower rate of subscription at just £30 pa for membership.

Funds raised by membership subscriptions would be used to benefit the union and the membership, no plush offices, no extortionate wages, no party affiliations or waste on projects that have no benefit to the members. This union would use excess funds to benefit its members like providing meeting points at truckfest events, offering drinks and food free or very cheap. This type of thing allows for meeting up and talking about issues and also making new friends into the bargain. (more camaraderie)

An Annual National Drivers Conference to ensure all the members have a voice that is heard on the direction it moves, with the invite to our Media and Industry bodies to listen to what you the Drivers have to say and many more things discussed that could be of benefit to the members.

The biggest difficulty in something new of this nature would be getting the trust to attract the membership needed to gain the recognition and open the doors at the top for debate.

Trust and respect can only be earned and achieved by doing what it says and not just talking the talk, to do what it says would need the support and strength in numbers to actually achieve them and so we have a problem of a vicious circle in attracting the membership.

My consideration is that the PDU-UK would start by knocking on doors at the top at Government level and the RHA/FTA at Industry level, which is where the majority of our issues need debating.

If the majority of the issues can be ironed out from the top, then the issues at a more local level will decrease and so are not first primary aim. But it will be an important part of this union to introduce good representation at all levels as the strength of the union membership grows. I do not like the word shop steward and as such we would have Driver Representatives voted for by the Drivers.

I and you have read many an opinion and comment, and some believe that our only way is to strike and bring the Country to a standstill to achieve our aims. Let me state I am anti-strike as I believe it can do more harm than good, I would never ask another to lose money or risk a job when there are better avenues to pursue than a strike to obtain our objectives.

This union would always have an open door policy where those that represent the membership can keep them informed at regular intervals and the membership can offer in return their opinion and comment. All from the top down would be a team working towards the same goal.

I now need to consider the numbers required offering support to be able to move this onwards and whether I can put my money on the table in setting the ball rolling,

The numbers offering support is paramount in moving forwards, but possible only 50% offering support would actually open their wallets and join.

We would need a large number before moving on so all I can ask is you tell others and help get the word to as many as possible that want and need a union that will represent their needs.

Thank you for reading.
www.pdu-uk.co.uk

72

It’s not a matter of trust, it’s about putting yourself first, which everybody does, no exceptions. Nobody is for or against any negotiations unless it’s for their benefit or detriment. Just like if a rep is on 10% more wage wise than his members, they’re not likely to push the members agenda for a raise, if the management state he or she will be put onto that lower wage

73

OVLOV JAY:
It’s not a matter of trust, it’s about putting yourself first, which everybody does, no exceptions. Nobody is for or against any negotiations unless it’s for their benefit or detriment. Just like if a rep is on 10% more wage wise than his members, they’re not likely to push the members agenda for a raise, if the management state he or she will be put onto that lower wage

I doubt you have read a single word on their website :frowning:

The aims are for everybody to gain and benefit as they state they want to tackle “National” issues rather than local.

Set price for medicals for example would help all drivers

74

I think drivers need to stick together as together you can be stronger how many of you remember what it was like to be a truckers 25 to 30 years ago?

75

One mans meat is another’s poison. I’ll use your medical point, and mine isn’t due for 10 years, the docs charge roughly £120, I know somewhere that will do it for £50. If the pdu get a national standard of £75, it’s done me more harm than good. And what’s the point of a union if it’s not to improve your immediate conditions in your company? Like I said previously, the intentions of the top are honourable, but the execution of those intentions is left to people that can be bought easily. There is a huge stigma attached to the unionist movement, and I wish you luck on your crusade to change it, but I fear you’d have more hope selling central heating in arizona

76

I would suggest every union has started out with the same or similar vision. whilst if they can (and I doubt this will happen) stick to these principles it may be good for the industry, I still say the same thing it is human nature to look out for yourself and the amount of time I have seen union reps enjoying cuppas with management laughing and joking when they were supposed to be representing me and my colleagues is laughable.

money corrupts and so does power.

77

Meanwhile back in the real world, hundreds of thousands of drivers and other workers are enjoying the fruits of their union membership, proper terms and conditions and job security as much as any job is secure these days.

If the steward is filling their own pockets (or having an ultra easy life) at the expense of the majority making decisions to suit themselves only then vote them out at the appropriate time, or contact the union direct (best if a few of you) and report them if an election isn’t due.

A good rep/steward will be spending time talking to the management on a friendly basis, what they supposed to do be at drawn cudgels/swordpoint, that always gets results… :unamused:

Put it this way, i aint swapping my negotiated proper terms and conditions for the race to the bottom bare minimum being enjoyed by the other sort who are too stubborn to see.

78

unions worked well for royal mail/shipbuilding/coal/steel/car industry.

all of them on much better terms now :unamused:

79

What I don’t understand, is why can it only be a good firm with good pay, terms and conditions if you’re in a union? Roadways were in a union, and my firm always had better T’s and cs and pay. Oh yeah, maritime took them over and the union means jack ■■■■ now

80

Join one online ,easy.

It costs £9.60 a month . It’s a no brainer ,any zb in work ,one phone call sorts it.

Sometimes the legal cover is worth its weight in gold,especially if your involved in a nasty accident :open_mouth: :open_mouth: :open_mouth:

There should be a Health and Safety poster in work ,on it will be a phone number,if your not happy with anything in work and you think it’s dangerous just give them a ring. :laughing:

Happy days :unamused: