Picketing vs Training?

LegacyUser

I am a member of a union which recently voted to go on strike. The day they are considering going on strike is a day I am scheduled to go on a four day training course for my job, quite a ways away from where I work.

Should I go to my training, or go back to where I work and picket? I would normally just go picket, but this course is really worthwhile, and if I decided to leave my job, it will really help me in any future job interviews.

I dont want to ask my union rep about it because I can predict the response. Morally speaking, should I "stick it to my boss" by refusing training and going to picket, or should I risk the ire of the union by "crossing the picket" even though I'll be doing the training well away from where I work?

I know what I would prefer to do, but I don't want to do something bad just beacuse its what I would prefer.

alexmcred

I reckon you should go to the training course and improve your skill set. IMHO strikes are going to solve nothing in the current climate bar making more people unemployed so you may as well benefit from the training.

Dord

It's a decision only you can make.

But, if I were in the same position I would have no problems picking the training.

MagicMarker

Training all the way.

The whole point of going on strike is to not work. Training isn't working, it's training.

Just make sure the trainers aren't on strike, and confirm it's still going ahead, as other trainees might be going on strike.

*Honey*

I'm a Union member also (but not that Union) and I would choose the training also... esp if it's going to help you in the future. If you were on site that day, you'd join the picket... you're not so you can't. If you had a day's annual leave that day would you go in and picket instead? Bet not (nor would I!). Training I say!

wylo

Training all the way!!!! If its the picketing I think its gonna be, its probably not gonna have much affect either way on any outcome.

take advantage of a good opportunity to further your own career.
Easy one if you ask me.

John Mason

training of course

the union couldnt careless about you,they are thinking of themselves and lining their own pockets

tommyboy2222

Training .

Good chance no one will notice you missing from the picket unless its a really small company.

dyl10

Go training. It's like being scab labour or anything.
Plus, 1 person can't make a difference :pac:

Terodil

Plus picketing is counterproductive and short-sighted most of the time anyway.

LegacyUser

Is where the training anything to do with the company you work for?

Could there be a strike on there or is it completely seperate from all of that? If it is the same compamy just a different building, I would be wary. Unions don't like people who don't jin the strikes. If it has nothing to do with the strike, train away.

Just be careful though. You don't want to get a scab tag, although I don't think that would really happen as you probably wouldn't be crossing any picket line.

Also, I was under the impression that the strikes were off?

The_Conductor

Unregistered wrote: »

Also, I was under the impression that the strikes were off?

CPSU are on strike today- and the PSEU have successfully ballotted members for 2 days of strikes to be coordinated with the ICTU, the first of which is on Mon 30th March.

InReality

pink fluffy bunny wrote: »

training of course

the union couldnt careless about you,they are thinking of themselves and lining their own pockets

I don't understand this attitude.If he's in the union then isn't he lining his own pocket ?

Vegeta

Another +1 for training

The Corinthian

Strikebreaker wrote: »

Should I go to my training, or go back to where I work and picket?

Go to the training course. Don't mention it to anyone unless asked and if it crops up in conversation, you can argue that refusing to go to a training session that benefits you makes as much sense as refusing to take your holidays.

InReality wrote: »

I don't understand this attitude.If he's in the union then isn't he lining his own pocket ?

Not necessarily. Unions are a business as well, they hire full time staff, pay salaries and bonuses, rent offices and pay bills. Top union officials earn good money.

Think of a union in the same as you do your insurance company. They're very useful when you need them, but ultimately they still have to make money and they do that from you.

Loxosceles

Strikebreaker wrote: »

I dont want to ask my union rep about it because I can predict the response. Morally speaking, should I "stick it to my boss" by refusing training and going to picket, or should I risk the ire of the union by "crossing the picket" even though I'll be doing the training well away from where I work?

I know what I would prefer to do, but I don't want to do something bad just beacuse its what I would prefer.

You won't be crossing the picket line. And to be honest, half of Ireland is picketing for losing luxury benefits that were all cushy cake icing slathered on during a tiger economy. If the highest paid civil servants had agreed on a salary cap then maybe more redundant teachers would have their jobs. If you have a retirement account, and you're happy with it, and the redundancy package is acceptable, then go on for the training because if you get made redundant due to budget cutbacks at least you'll have that course to put on your CV. If they don't see you, it's not like you crossed any picket lines anyhow. Take what's handed to you on a platter, I say.