Rail strikes discussion

[Newone2022]

Hi all!
I’m going to be as clear as I can with my position and would really appreciate if someone gave me their views on this.
I’m quite new to the industry and love the job. Based in Waterloo. Never been affected by any industrial action before. I’m not member of any union as is not a position I share.
Respect unionist movement and my colleagues right to go on strike, really do, but do not share it. Until couple of days ago, that I started reading this topic, I truly believed I could go to work and this would be respected by my colleagues (yes, maybe too new and too naive).
Is it really the case that if I choose to work, I will be broadly (this is an important word, as I could cope and understand if some people do) discriminated by other colleagues?
Will really hurt to go on strike just because of fear, but equally, not keen to spend the test of my career isolated….

 

[ANorthernGuard]

Hi all!
I’m going to be as clear as I can with my position and would really appreciate if someone gave me their views on this.
I’m quite new to the industry and love the job. Based in Waterloo. Never been affected by any industrial action before. I’m not member of any union as is not a position I share.
Respect unionist movement and my colleagues right to go on strike, really do, but do not share it. Until couple of days ago, that I started reading this topic, I truly believed I could go to work and this would be respected by my colleagues (yes, maybe too new and too naive).
Is it really the case that if I choose to work, I will be broadly (this is an important word, as I could cope and understand if some people do) discriminated by other colleagues?
Will really hurt to go on strike just because of fear, but equally, not keen to spend the test of my career isolated….

Hard one.....only u can make this decision BUT your colleagues won't be pressed. How they act though is to be seen. Intimidation is illegal in the work place. If you were say in my depot I would be professional BUT that would be it. Many people would say its childish etc. But feelings run strong During industrial action

 

[danielcanning]

So rail workers who want to work are to be shunned and ostracised? If that’s the game that’s going to be played then anyone who’s a member of the RMT should be blacklisted out of the industry…

 

[Horizon22]

RDW = Rest Day Working yes. Just like breaks are necessary as in physical needs breaks and other for safety and human decency, nobody should work more than one rest day in 3 weeks in my opinion to avoid fatigue etc.

Of course the ‘Hidden’ rules come in after 13 days. That has been decided to be the proper limit (and rolling 72h/week) Although that can always change eventually and fatigue is increasingly on the radar. Personally 11 days is a limit for me (based on 8h shifts generally

 

[ANorthernGuard]

So rail workers who want to work are to be shunned and ostracised? If that’s the game that’s going to be played then anyone who’s a member of the RMT should be blacklisted out of the industry…

Any individual can choose who they speak to away from the actual job. Plenty of people I don't like and don't speak to but will still be professional.

 

[Mcc1989]

Hi all!
I’m going to be as clear as I can with my position and would really appreciate if someone gave me their views on this.
I’m quite new to the industry and love the job. Based in Waterloo. Never been affected by any industrial action before. I’m not member of any union as is not a position I share.
Respect unionist movement and my colleagues right to go on strike, really do, but do not share it. Until couple of days ago, that I started reading this topic, I truly believed I could go to work and this would be respected by my colleagues (yes, maybe too new and too naive).
Is it really the case that if I choose to work, I will be broadly (this is an important word, as I could cope and understand if some people do) discriminated by other colleagues?
Will really hurt to go on strike just because of fear, but equally, not keen to spend the test of my career isolated….

You're not in the union, as such you've no protection if you join the strike. If I were you I'd go to work, most people would be understanding that you are not union and if you just work your rostered duties and no extra then surely you'd not attract any ire from anybody militant. Striking is a breach of contract so bear that in mind as a non union member.

I for one am new to the railway too and am striking, but I'm in the RMT. I certainly do not hold the antiquated attitudes of some on here and would not begrudge a non union colleague appearing for their work. If they take up overtime to help cover on strike days, on the other hand, I would certainly think less of them but not to the extent I'd bully them like some have done in the past.

 

[ANorthernGuard]

You're not in the union, as such you've no protection if you join the strike. If I were you I'd go to work, most people would be understanding that you are not union and if you just work your rostered duties and no extra then surely you'd not attract any ire from anybody militant. Striking is a breach of contract so bear that in mind as a non union member.

I for one am new to the railway too and am striking, but I'm in the RMT. I certainly do not hold the antiquated attitudes of some on here and would not begrudge a non union colleague appearing for their work. If they take up overtime to help cover on strike days, on the other hand, I would certainly think less of them but not to the extent I'd bully them like some have done in the past.

Actually he still has protection regarding picket lines. Does not matter if union or not.

 

[HST274]

What is the law around striking as a non union member? The government website is rather unclear.

 

[ANorthernGuard]

Non-union staff and striking
If non-union members go on strike, they are protected from dismissal and have the same rights as union members, as long as the industrial action is lawful. That was on the gov.uk website

 

[GB]

So rail workers who want to work are to be shunned and ostracised? If that’s the game that’s going to be played then anyone who’s a member of the RMT should be blacklisted out of the industry…

What is that supposed to mean?

 

[43066]

Hi all!
I’m going to be as clear as I can with my position and would really appreciate if someone gave me their views on this.
I’m quite new to the industry and love the job. Based in Waterloo. Never been affected by any industrial action before. I’m not member of any union as is not a position I share.
Respect unionist movement and my colleagues right to go on strike, really do, but do not share it. Until couple of days ago, that I started reading this topic, I truly believed I could go to work and this would be respected by my colleagues (yes, maybe too new and too naive).
Is it really the case that if I choose to work, I will be broadly (this is an important word, as I could cope and understand if some people do) discriminated by other colleagues?
Will really hurt to go on strike just because of fear, but equally, not keen to spend the test of my career isolated….

I can only echo what’s been said by @ANorthernGuard.

It’s your decision but quite honestly if I were in your position I would go along with the action. It’ll be far easier than the alternative, which will involve many of your colleagues thinking less of you. I’m sure you can gauge the mood on the ground.

 

[newtownmgr]

Grand fathered in?

Protected status. Started in the 1980’s.

 

[windingroad]

If that’s the game that’s going to be played then anyone who’s a member of the RMT should be blacklisted out of the industry…

Otherwise known as "doing a crime".

 

[HST274]

Non-union staff and striking
If non-union members go on strike, they are protected from dismissal and have the same rights as union members, as long as the industrial action is lawful. That was on the gov.uk website

Ahh yes I saw that but lawful action seemed to be defined as involving a union. Is it justmean that whenever a union in the same company is on strike you may strike?

 

[danielcanning]

What is that supposed to mean?

It seems to me that certain members of this forum would prefer the rail industry to be a closed shop. I find that unacceptable, if a worker doesn’t want to join a union/take part in industrial action their decision should be respected and they should not be ostracised in any way.

 

[LowLevel]

Hi all!
I’m going to be as clear as I can with my position and would really appreciate if someone gave me their views on this.
I’m quite new to the industry and love the job. Based in Waterloo. Never been affected by any industrial action before. I’m not member of any union as is not a position I share.
Respect unionist movement and my colleagues right to go on strike, really do, but do not share it. Until couple of days ago, that I started reading this topic, I truly believed I could go to work and this would be respected by my colleagues (yes, maybe too new and too naive).
Is it really the case that if I choose to work, I will be broadly (this is an important word, as I could cope and understand if some people do) discriminated by other colleagues?
Will really hurt to go on strike just because of fear, but equally, not keen to spend the test of my career isolated….

I sympathise with new starters to the industry. By definition you're doing a job you want to do, it probably still has the "shine" to it and you're probably very happy and at peace. You've applied for the Ts and Cs on offer and are probably very satisfied. You might just be getting on to full wages after training wage or worse, working through training wage time.

Suddenly people are telling you things are terrible and you should go on strike, lose money and suddenly you might feel at odds with your managers, or your reps, or your colleagues. It spoils that happy glow you go to work with.

I can sympathise because more than 10 years ago exactly the same happened to me. I believe in the basic principles of union membership, albeit not their political goals, and so I've always respected any action called and followed it, whether I voted for it or not - I've voted both with and against the union over time and I've seen ballots succeed and lose.

It is a fact - the way unions work within the has evolved over time but it is a slow process. Some people think it's good and some bad.

The honest answer is that if you attend work during a strike some people will probably hold it against you. If you're not in the union at all, probably less people than if you were a union member. It is up to you how much that may affect you.

I think it is unlikely that you will never be spoken to again in general and for the most part the reaction does fade with time.

Personally I speak to everyone. I don't care to have my actions ruled by other people's opinions.

It is a hard one to get your head around if you're new to the industry and without knowing your work area the likely reaction is hard to say.

Make your own choice and live by it is the best I can offer.

 

[Wolfie]

So rail workers who want to work are to be shunned and ostracised? If that’s the game that’s going to be played then anyone who’s a member of the RMT should be blacklisted out of the industry…

That would rightly be just as illegal as harrassment.

 

[ComUtoR]

Striking is a breach of contract.

Is it ? Do you have a clause in your contract that states striking is not allowed ? I thought striking was protected in law.

 

[Need2]

It seems to me that certain members of this forum would prefer the rail industry to be a closed shop.

Where has anyone said or even hinted at that?

 

[windingroad]

I sympathise with new starters to the industry. By definition you're doing a job you want to do, it probably still has the "shine" to it and you're probably very happy and at peace. You've applied for the Ts and Cs on offer and are probably very satisfied. You might just be getting on to full wages after training wage or worse, working through training wage time.

Suddenly people are telling you things are terrible and you should go on strike, lose money and suddenly you might feel at odds with your managers, or your reps, or your colleagues. It spoils that happy glow you go to work with.

I can sympathise because more than 10 years ago exactly the same happened to me. I believe in the basic principles of union membership, albeit not their political goals, and so I've always respected any action called and followed it, whether I voted for it or not - I've voted both with and against the union over time and I've seen ballots succeed and lose.

It is a fact - the way unions work within the has evolved over time but it is a slow process. Some people think it's good and some bad.

The honest answer is that if you attend work during a strike some people will probably hold it against you. If you're not in the union at all, probably less people than if you were a union member. It is up to you how much that may affect you.

I think it is unlikely that you will never be spoken to again in general and for the most part the reaction does fade with time.

Personally I speak to everyone. I don't care to have my actions ruled by other people's opinions.

It is a hard one to get your head around if you're new to the industry and without knowing your work area the likely reaction is hard to say.

Make your own choice and live by it is the best I can offer.

This is a very sensible and compassionate post. I think the best the original asker can do is be pragmatic and decide which is more important to them: their opposition to industrial action, or minimising awkwardness at work. It really depends how strong their convictions are.

 

[Wolfie]

You're not in the union, as such you've no protection if you join the strike. If I were you I'd go to work, most people would be understanding that you are not union and if you just work your rostered duties and no extra then surely you'd not attract any ire from anybody militant. Striking is a breach of contract so bear that in mind as a non union member.

I for one am new to the railway too and am striking, but I'm in the RMT. I certainly do not hold the antiquated attitudes of some on here and would not begrudge a non union colleague appearing for their work. If they take up overtime to help cover on strike days, on the other hand, I would certainly think less of them but not to the extent I'd bully them like some have done in the past.

"Non-union staff and striking

If non-union members go on strike, they are protected from dismissal and have the same rights as union members, as long as the industrial action is lawful."

If your business faces industrial action

Strikes and industrial action - rights and responsibilities for employers, when unions can take action and the effect on employees' pay and working records

www.gov.uk

 

[43066]

Is it ? Do you have a clause in your contract that states striking is not allowed ? I thought striking was protected in law.

It’s a breach of contract, which is why you don’t get paid when you strike. However you cannot be disciplined for it, unlike if you were just to go AWOL.

 

[Wolfie]

Where has anyone said or even hinted at that?

The multiple comments about freeloaders and strike breakers rather smack of it.

 

[nedchester]

Is it ? Do you have a clause in your contract that states striking is not allowed ? I thought striking was protected in law.

It is a breach of contract but by the same token you are protected from repercussions from your employer for up to 12 weeks (that may have changed)

My take is that if you are a member of that union then you abide by the democratic decision of that union and strike even if you didn’t vote for it.

If you are not in a union then you are under no obligation to follow the union's instruction and in my definition not a “scab”.

 

[Newone2022]

I sympathise with new starters to the industry. By definition you're doing a job you want to do, it probably still has the "shine" to it and you're probably very happy and at peace. You've applied for the Ts and Cs on offer and are probably very satisfied. You might just be getting on to full wages after training wage or worse, working through training wage time.

Suddenly people are telling you things are terrible and you should go on strike, lose money and suddenly you might feel at odds with your managers, or your reps, or your colleagues. It spoils that happy glow you go to work with.

I can sympathise because more than 10 years ago exactly the same happened to me. I believe in the basic principles of union membership, albeit not their political goals, and so I've always respected any action called and followed it, whether I voted for it or not - I've voted both with and against the union over time and I've seen ballots succeed and lose.

It is a fact - the way unions work within the has evolved over time but it is a slow process. Some people think it's good and some bad.

The honest answer is that if you attend work during a strike some people will probably hold it against you. If you're not in the union at all, probably less people than if you were a union member. It is up to you how much that may affect you.

I think it is unlikely that you will never be spoken to again in general and for the most part the reaction does fade with time.

Personally I speak to everyone. I don't care to have my actions ruled by other people's opinions.

It is a hard one to get your head around if you're new to the industry and without knowing your work area the likely reaction is hard to say.

Make your own choice and live by it is the best I can offer.

I think you have summarised my feelings better that I could ever do myself…
And as you say, a good couple of days to scratch my head and make a decision that I will need to live with…

 

[Need2]

The multiple comments about freeloaders and strike breakers rather smack of it.

You mean that’s your opinion on it.
No one has said it at all!

 

[Wolfie]

It is a breach of contract but by the same token you are protected from repercussions from your employer for up to 12 weeks (that may have changed)

My take is that if you are a member of that union then you abide by the democratic decision of that union and strike even if you didn’t vote for it.

If you are not in a union then you are under no obligation to follow the union's instruction and in my definition not a “scab”.

That would be my take too. Anything otherwise would mean that non-members were de facto in the union for certain things.

I went on strike when my union balloted successfully even though l voted against it (because l saw no way that we would win).

 

[Tomp94]

Can those who work in the rail industry please explain why you have voted to strike rather than action short of a strike, like GTR have done.
Surely working to rule and nothing more or less will still cause chaos on the railways, and full pay will be guaranteed as those working to rule will not be breaking their contracts/rules/regulations?
Then, when the regime fails to take note, then move to full striking?

 

[43066]

My take is that if you are a member of that union then you abide by the democratic decision of that union and strike even if you didn’t vote for it.

We finally agree on something!

 

[theageofthetra]

But, as usual they are concentrating on the pay aspect, and lip service to the rest.

Which is rank incompetence and shooting their members in the foot.