No Union - am I alone?

Unionised

I am not a member of any union.

I am teaching two years and between one thing and another I just did not get around to joining one. I am on few hours as an NQT, and am on my first own hours contract in the school. Not making excuses, but being a union member just was the last thing I was thinking off over the last two years when I was trying to get hours. I am sure I am not alone in this regard.

My school is a mix of TUI and ASTI - and a few non union members like myself.

Being in a situation where industrial action is likely with ASTI members, I am unsure of how this will affect me in school should Asti members strike.

Would I be able to join the Asti now or is it too late? I dread the thought of having to cross a picket line.

Any advice welcome. Please refrain from hating this post and being hateful in response. I am just looking for advice.

seavill

I was a non member initially a few years back when the last strike happened. I had not been keen on joining again after an incident in a previous school where the union were worse than useless.
However, I spoke to the principal at the time prior to the strikes taking place and she basically advised me to join as things would get very awkward otherwise. She was saying it for my own sake rather than being pushy from a union point of view. Obviously this is aside from the obvious benefits that come with union protection (allegedly)

I thought I heard someone say recently that first while is free in the ASTI when you sign up as a new teacher, not sure if this is true or not just something I heard.

I would say things are going to get very messy and I would think that you would be better off in rather than out. (I am certainly no die hard unionist)

fall

One third of our staff are not in a union. Huge number of retirements which saw loads of new teachers employed with very few hours. They are mainly NQTs who feel the unions did nothing to stop the government cutting their wage. They are all very reluctant to join.

Terri26

New teachers get free ASTI membership if they join before October 31st. I would advise you to get your form in asap. Non union teachers are treated the same as having not accepted HRA.

Pwpane

Terri26 wrote: »

New teachers get free ASTI membership if they join before October 31st. I would advise you to get your form in asap. Non union teachers are treated the same as having not accepted HRA.

We don't know yet how non union teachers will be treated. What you say is possible, that's all.

I would still advise an NQT to join a union - and take an active part in meetings.

evolving_doors

Just to put a cat amongst the pigeons OP.

..say your principal asks you which union you are in...you have a few options..

1. Tell them mind their own business (not good but still an option!)
2. Tel them your not in a union.
3. Lie and tell them youre ASTI
4. Lie and tell them youre TUI.
5. Ask them "which union do you want me to be in?"
I could be wrong but you are under no compunction to disclose which, if any, union you are in..otherwise it be like mcarthys communism witch hunt

Personally I reckon ASTI is the place to be if you want to avoid being called a scab...check out the financial implications first though..

Seems to be that govt. Don't want to be doing renegotiations with unions...however being Ireland they might meet with a new union!

rainbowtrout

Armelodie wrote: »

Just to put a cat amongst the pigeons OP.

..say your principal asks you which union you are in...you have a few options..

1. Tell them mind their own business (not good but still an option!)
2. Tel them your not in a union.
3. Lie and tell them youre ASTI
4. Lie and tell them youre TUI.
5. Ask them "which union do you want me to be in?"
I could be wrong but you are under no compunction to disclose which, if any, union you are in..otherwise it be like mcarthys communism witch hunt

Personally I reckon ASTI is the place to be if you want to avoid being called a scab...check out the financial implications first though..

Seems to be that govt. Don't want to be doing renegotiations with unions...however being Ireland they might meet with a new union!

That's a very unfair comment to make. A scab is a person who crosses a picket line to go into work. They don't have to be a member of a union to do that, or they could be a member of either union. Your implication that the OP will be a scab if he doesn't join ASTI would suggest that you think that TUI/non union teachers will pass ASTI pickets if ASTI choose to go on strike. ASTI members in his school could just as easily cross the picket line.

When ASTI members went on strike before schools closed so TUI members and non union members did not have to cross the picket line.

You cannot expect teachers to be united on this issue if you are already describing them as scabs.

evolving_doors

rainbowtrout wrote: »

That's a very unfair comment to make. A scab is a person who crosses a picket line to go into work. They don't have to be a member of a union to do that, or they could be a member of either union. Your implication that the OP will be a scab if he doesn't join ASTI would suggest that you think that TUI/non union teachers will pass ASTI pickets if ASTI choose to go on strike. ASTI members in his school could just as easily cross the picket line.

When ASTI members went on strike before schools closed so TUI members and non union members did not have to cross the picket line.

You cannot expect teachers to be united on this issue if you are already describing them as scabs.

Ok apologies for using the S. word, that was a bit emotive for these times..I was referring to the OP's fear of having to pass a picket line..(whatever the word for that is!)so essentially if it's an Asti strike or work to rule or whatever, then if the OP doesn't want to go against the grain ASTI seems to be the place for them. Depends on how bolshi the OP'S own school is though!

So are you suggesting rainbowtrout that TUI members could also refuse to do the S&S in solidarity with ASTI (if thats the action decided upon by ASTI). The whole thing is indeed a mess that will certainly divide some staff rooms.

As long as there are separate unions it is going to be nigh on impossible for teachers to stand united. That must have been the govternment's ace in the hole all along. Divide and conquer.

rainbowtrout

Armelodie wrote: »

So are you suggesting rainbowtrout that TUI members could also refuse to do the S&S in solidarity with ASTI (if thats the action decided upon by ASTI). The whole thing is indeed a mess that will certainly divide some staff rooms.

No I wasn't suggesting that, I have no idea what is going to happen, but if ASTI did go on all out strike, I can't imagine TUI members passing the picket line in a dual union school.

I don't think TUI are in a position to refuse to do S&S, not after the HRA was passed.