I've been in a trade union my entire working life. In teaching, most people join a union for support and protection should they be either a)accused of behaving inappropriately with kids, b) find their jobs under threat due to restructuring or redeployment, c) for support should their competency be questioned, or d) for protection when working conditions and terms of employment come under threat.
Of course there are other reasons, but in my experience, they are the main ones, and even though its teaching rather than construction or healthcare or clerical work, the fundamental reason for joining is a belief that workers who unite are less likely to be exploited.
Without getting into political territory, I'm happy to say that my union are taking industrial action next week by striking for a day, and the decision was made by myself and every colleague I've spoken to in a heartbeat without a moments hesitation.
Of course there are other reasons, but in my experience, they are the main ones, and even though its teaching rather than construction or healthcare or clerical work, the fundamental reason for joining is a belief that workers who unite are less likely to be exploited.
Without getting into political territory, I'm happy to say that my union are taking industrial action next week by striking for a day, and the decision was made by myself and every colleague I've spoken to in a heartbeat without a moments hesitation.
