Can I Join a Union

jasonk

I have worked in my job in Cork for the past 15 years as a office cartaker/manager. The thing is somebody wants to lease all the building and i dont believe that i will being kept on. As im the only person who works for the People that own this building i think its time i joined a Union.
My question is can i join a union and pay my fees without my employer knowing. I know at some point he will be told if things do change, i just want to make sure ive some sort of protection.
Im not very clued up on all my rights etc and joining a Union.
So my 2 questions are.
Anyone know if i can join a union with out my employer knowing
Does anyone know in Cork were to go to get advice.

Thanks very much in advance.

blindsider

1. AFAIK there's no reason why your employer would know, or need to know. Also, they specifically CANNOT fire you for TU activity e.g. joining a union.

You could pay by Standing Order etc and, again, your employer has no need/right to know.

2. Don't know too much about unions themselves - SIPTU & IMPACT are the best-known (?) - the former's web-site suggests a cost of €4.70 p.w. - Citizen's Information are worth looking at also -

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/employment_rights_and_conditions/

If you feel that you may be made redundant, it may be no harm to have some advice etc. Basic redundancy = 2 weeks pay per yr of service +1 week. In your case (15 yrs) = 31 weeks pay. Your employer might decide to offer more - but this is not obligatory - some do - some don't.

Would you approach them directly? It might remove some of the uncertainty. Is there a possibility that you could be kept on as Facilities Mgr for the new company as part of the contract?

Best of luck.

Mrs OBumble

Yes. Just look up union, ring up and enquire.

sarkozy

Joining a TU is a human right.

Joe prim

As stated above, you have an absolute right to join a union , ( freedom of association guaranteed in the constitution), and you could not be fired for doing so, but you should also bear in mind that your employer has no obligation to recognise or negotiate with the union you join, or any union.

Borzoi

Save your Union Dues money for an employment solicitors when the time comes. They'll definitely work for you unlike a union.

I have the height of respect for unions but they are limited

Stheno

Joe prim wrote: »

As stated above, you have an absolute right to join a union , ( freedom of association guaranteed in the constitution), and you could not be fired for doing so, but you should also bear in mind that your employer has no obligation to recognise or negotiate with the union you join, or any union.

This, your employer does not have to recognise your union at all.

So the benefits of joining may be non existent