Your post is great there coglaod, thanks.
Possibly a bit of a controversial question, I assure you I don't mean to be inflammatory in any way but here goes:
I'm pretty committed to joining RMT when I get into the grade. I understand that the salary is secured by union work and I would appreciate the peace of mind that comes from them having your back in any disputes. However, having had a look at their website there are quite a few political campaigns on there which aren't really my cup of tea. I would consider opting out of the political fund for this reason. My question is, is this a good idea? I know that I cannot be penalised for this but will it cause more trouble for me unofficially in the long run and would I be better just sucking it up? Or should I join TSSA if it bothers me?
I understand this can be a sensitive topic and I don't want to cause bad feeling so apologies if it does so.
16 year member of the RMT here, firstly do not join TSSA they can not support you as a signaller.
The RMT are overall locally a good union, and you should definitely join for peace of mind if nothing else. Worse case a legal team can be extremely expensive if it goes wrong.
You’ll get loads of political rubbish in the mag each month, and emails both go straight in the bin - I share very few of their political aims nor do I have any interest in them. You can opt out of your subs going to the political fund, but personally I think they go in there anyway.
Definitely join on day one, unfortunately so I hear signaller membership isn’t as high as you’d of thought, traincrew membership of either RMT or ASLEF is 95%+.
Two things to do on day one of your employment as a signaller...join the pension scheme and union.
Best of luck !