RMT - Is it worth joining?

[NoOnesFool]

I'm currently employed by a catering company, serving refreshments on board for a large TOC (Not going to name either companies here). I am wondering, as I've seen posters in my cash office about the RMT union and the benefits of it, but have heard constrasting opinions from other colleagues about it. I don't want to go through any additional paperwork if it's not worth it.

Do line managers etc take a dim view on those who join? Is it seen as being disloyal to the employer? Are union reps' quite supportive? Is there much support, should there be an unfair dismissal? I'm still quite new in my role but I could understand that there might be benfits to joining a union. Thank you for the advice.

NOF

 

[godfreycomplex]

For example - the train goes into an emergency stop whilst you’re pouring a hot drink. The hot drink pours on and injures a customer. Customer sues your employer. Employer says it’s all down to you. Case goes to court.
If you’re in the union they pay your legal fees. If they don’t, they come out of your own pocket.
That was enough persuading for me to join the union, quite frankly
They’ll also get an experienced and well-trained rep and solicitors as necessary to assist in any tribunal, and as union reps are elected, if you find them not to be supportive it’s as simple as voting them out!
Not knowing your line manager I can’t really answer your first question, but being (or indeed not being) a member of a trade union without discrimination or harassment is your legal, as well as moral, right
HTH

 

[Jonfun]

Most managers are also in a union so I wouldn't expect you to get any grief off them for joining one. Traditionally catering grades have a poor takeup of union membership despite the benefits, as godfreycomplex points out above, as for one, they tend to see a more transient workforce, and second, they're often, though not always, lower paid, meaning some staff would rather have the extra money in their pockets. It's a personal choice, I was in the union from day one when I was catering grades but I know a lot of my colleagues didn't bother.

 

[Pilotman]

I think it depends on what TOC your with as i have seen some differences between reps on each one. GTR for example, absolute waste of money in my opinion, they don't listen and support drivers unless its a good way of picking bones with management. I would suggest that you speak with other drivers as they are the best to talk to in relation to researching whether its worth it or not. However godfreycomplex has a point in that example but general support is not existent.

 

[EssexGonzo]

I was in a union for 29 years (not on the railway) and was lucky enough never to have to call on their help personally.

But, over the years I came to appreciate that there were many that did need, and received, help from the union. And that, to me, encapsulated the point of the union. It's a collective, like insurance, but without as much of the profit-making element. Many contribute for the common benefit of protection against poor employer practice and that made it worth it for me.

I was happy to pay for what some would see as "no" return for me personally. I often heard "Well, they've never done anything for me". Which is rather missing the point, in my view. If the majority, who never needed personal union assistance, took that view I guess they wouldn't exist.

So it depends upon your perspective.

 

[JSegat]

I'm was in a union for 29 years (not on the railway) and was lucky enough never to have to call on their help personally.

But, over the years I came to appreciate that there were many that did need, and received, help from the union. And that, to me, encapsulated the point of the union. It's a collective, like insurance, but without as much of the profit-making element. Many contribute for the common benefit of protection against poor employer practice and that made it worth it for me.

I was happy to pay for what some would see as "no" return for me personally. I often heard "Well, they've never done anything for me". Which is rather missing the point, in my view. If the majority, who never needed personal union assistance, took that view I guess they wouldn't exist.

So it depends upon your perspective.

Completely agree with you. Union works as an insurance most of the time. If nothing happens you won't need then and that is fine. But when you need it, they will help you as much as possible.

 

[StoneRoad]

My tuppence worth.
Join the RMT.

 

[t_star2001uk]

Id say join. Its a small price to pay for that 1 day that you will need their help....

 

[Tom Quinne]

It’s much better to be in the tent, than outside in the rain when the poo storm starts.

Yes !

 

[Clip]

Join them for the free legal advice and even if you never need the unions help you'll be pleased to know that your money has gone to help someone else who needs it within the union

 

[hihohelp]

I used to be a caterer on board an i know exactly what you are saying but i had a issue from simple thing like social media post an without the union advice/help management would of tried to take it further
I would say join look at simple things like the fact you get a pay rise every year an if there was no railway unions that wouldn't be happening lol i could keep making points but like what earlier post said its defiantly better to be in it just for the what if anything ever did happen an i mean you can spend £20 at tesco an not remember next week what you spent it on
Join

 

[ItchyRsole]

Always join a union to cover your arris. RMT just happens to be the biggest one.

You won't agree with all they do but I've been with them 24 years.

 

[DarloRich]

Join. See it as an insurance if nothing else.

 

[Komma]

As a local rep,I would obviously say join for the reasons already given. Also at the RMT we have 2 different rates of subs depending on your level of pay.Also if and when you join there are other benefits, such as the credit union and different training courses you can go on at the Bob Crow Educational Centre in Donnie.

 

[Bodiddly]

Short answer, Yes.

 

[Journeyman]

If you're uncomfortable with the RMT's politics and ridiculous fondness for strike action - which I always was - other unions are available. I was in TSSA for a few years and found them much more agreeable.

 

[Bodiddly]

If you're uncomfortable with the RMT's politics and ridiculous fondness for strike action - which I always was - other unions are available. I was in TSSA for a few years and found them much more agreeable.

Why would a Hospitality grade join TSSA? There are other unions but none that will represent the grade more than the RMT.
As for your 'redicoulous fondness for strike action' comment, what utter nonsense. No Union takes the course of strike action lightly. All current strikes are democratic decisions made by the members and are for a very good reason.

 

[Journeyman]

As for your 'redicoulous fondness for strike action' comment, what utter nonsense. No Union takes the course of strike action lightly. All current strikes are democratic decisions made by the members and are for a very good reason.

I beg to differ. The DOO strikes are utterly pointless and have caused enormous damage to the industry and to RMT members.

 

[henke7]

Hello everybody,

I am due to start with Network Rail later in the month as an operative. Just wondering what unions are available for me to join and what would be the best option? I am coming from the military so not really clued up with unions and never had any experiences with them.

 

[Journeyman]

I don't know what unions would be available, but generally I'd say yes. As I've already pointed out, I don't agree with the RMT's politics and stance on a lot of things, but I've been a member of three unions over the years, and on several occasions it's been extremely valuable - they do offer a lot of perks, benefits and support to their members.

 

[yorkie]

I beg to differ. The DOO strikes are utterly pointless and have caused enormous damage to the industry and to RMT members.

Very true but they won't care about that.

 

[Journeyman]

Very true but they won't care about that.

I won't discuss that issue further. Suffice to say, the point I was making - that other unions are available, not necessarily just the one I was in - was lost in a response to what I felt was a valid observation.

 

[Bodiddly]

I beg to differ. The DOO strikes are utterly pointless and have caused enormous damage to the industry and to RMT members.

Pointless? in what way do you think they are pointless? Strikes normally cause enormous damage, that's why people take the last resort decision to strike.

 

[Journeyman]

Pointless? in what way do you think they are pointless? Strikes normally cause enormous damage, that's why people take the last resort decision to strike.

I'm not getting into that here, it's been done to death already. I've got my view, you've got yours. I was simply pointing out that other unions are available.

 

[ainsworth74]

Let's leave it there thank you. There are other threads to discuss the effectiveness or otherwise of the current RMT tactics regarding the expansion of DOO (and if there aren't feel free to start one).

The OP on this thread asked a question about whether it's worth joining the RMT so lets focus on that.

 

[DarloRich]

Hello everybody,

I am due to start with Network Rail later in the month as an operative. Just wondering what unions are available for me to join and what would be the best option? I am coming from the military so not really clued up with unions and never had any experiences with them.

Depending on your grade but assuming you are going to be a track worker? RMT have representation rights. If you are admin, clerical or management then TSSA have the representation rights. Either way I would say join. It is worth the funding when you need back up or support.

Let's leave it there thank you. There are other threads to discuss the effectiveness or otherwise of the current RMT tactics regarding the expansion of DOO (and if there aren't feel free to start one).

The OP on this thread asked a question about whether it's worth joining the RMT so lets focus on that.

very well said!

 

[tiptoptaff]

I would say join A union, whoever it is, for the insurance. But they must represent your values and objectives. For example. GWR IET pairs, orignally RMT wanted a TM in each half. They then agreed ATEs and now the current Front Set Lead Customer Host arrangement, for which the latter receive increased rate of pay and they quite like and enjoy it. RMT have now withdrawn their support for this role and have gone back to demanding two TMs per set, so the FSLs (or, a majority of them) have chucked in their membership and joined another union to continue the arrangement.

Join one, but do your research

 

[Journeyman]

Join one, but do your research

Agreed - the RMT have got form for refusing to represent various grades of staff, like Southern's on-board supervisors, so it's important to make sure you won't get left in the lurch for spurious political reasons.

 

[DarloRich]

Join one, but do your research

But do you really have a choice? Surely it depends who is recoginised for your area of work. I have one choice.

 

[nom de guerre]

You always have a choice.

My grade is 99% RMT - as am I - but we also have a few TSSA ‘protesters’ and some union refuseniks.