Heading towards a general strike?

eazybee

You should join a Union, Shinamae in an attempt to improve your pay and working conditions and receive recognition for your professional skills. Being a union member does not mean you can be compelled to go on strike, but you do have support when negotiating terms and conditions and access to legal support and insurance should a conflict arise. Unions can also push for skills and expertise to be acknowledged, and opportunities for training and qualifications to be provided.

I belonged to three different unions during my 40 year teaching career and ended up as chairman of the local branch of the last one but always refused to take strike action. I received unqualified support when I needed it.

What I will say is that I have mentioned having a union at work and have been told quite categorically that the owner would sell up and retire… and I believe he would..

Normandygirl

Shinamae
Forgive me if I have got this wrong, but your OP seems to be suggesting that because of the caring nature of what you do, you feel that it is somehow wrong for those who already get higher pay to go on strike for better pay and conditions ?

That’s not what I’m saying at all!

It’s a hard call, all I can say is £9.50 an hour is not a fit for purpose minimum wage, if indeed that is minimum wage.

You should join a Union, Shinamae in an attempt to improve your pay and working conditions and receive recognition for your professional skills. Being a union member does not mean you can be compelled to go on strike, but you do have support when negotiating terms and conditions and access to legal support and insurance should a conflict arise. Unions can also push for skills and expertise to be acknowledged, and opportunities for training and qualifications to be provided.

I belonged to three different unions during my 40 year teaching career and ended up as chairman of the local branch of the last one but always refused to take strike action. I received unqualified support when I needed it.

Shinamae
Forgive me if I have got this wrong, but your OP seems to be suggesting that because of the caring nature of what you do, you feel that it is somehow wrong for those who already get higher pay to go on strike for better pay and conditions ?

joining a union is not another term for going on strike.
there are many issues re conditions, health&safety, that they can assist with. they know the law.
many employers either don't, don't care to, or hope the employees don't know the law.
the employer will not stand up for you.
that's why you need a union.

No, I know you're not saying that - I just wondered why so many people do say it.

Doodledog

Welbeck is right.

Also, I'm not saying that this is necessarily what you are saying, but often on voxpops or phone-ins, people often say that there should not be strike action because not everyone can strike. What is the logic there? The fact that care workers can't (or won't) strike doesn't mean that (eg) railway workers or teachers shouldn't, does it?

And I’m not saying other people shouldn’t strike…..I’m just saying it would be very difficult for me as a carer…

Welbeck is right.

Also, I'm not saying that this is necessarily what you are saying, but often on voxpops or phone-ins, people often say that there should not be strike action because not everyone can strike. What is the logic there? The fact that care workers can't (or won't) strike doesn't mean that (eg) railway workers or teachers shouldn't, does it?

that's irrelevant. you have the right to join a union. the very fact that you think it would not go well there, suggests that you really need to join one.
unity is strength.
and information is power.

A union would not go well in my care home I’m afraid

have you joined a union.
the GMB have done some good work for careworkers, taking legal cases etc.