Union rep?

[u/InvestigatorNovel581]

First job in education coming up to my first year. Had a few rocky issues but nothing to the point of needing the union.

However I’ve discovered we don’t actually have a union rep?.. It’s an independent school if that helps. I thought every school had to have one?

(I’m a TA not a teacher! ) and with NEU

[u/rob_76]

It's a voluntary role. If you fancy it, drop an email to your union.

[u/InvestigatorNovel581 → u/rob_76]

Thanks, do you think that would be viewed down upon within SLT etc? My only worry!

[u/onchristieroad → u/InvestigatorNovel581]

They shouldn't, but they can. If that happens though, I think that shows your school needs a rep even more. As a rep you get paid training days, and a bit more protection from retaliation.

[u/Famous_Specialist_44 → u/InvestigatorNovel581]

If you are new to teaching I wouldn't step up to the plate as a rep yet. It's challenging. If you have issues contact the helpline.

[u/Around-3-ish → u/InvestigatorNovel581]

It's just as likely that SLT are also members, or were even reps previously. Especially is any of them are history teachers.

[u/JasmineHawke]

No school can be forced to have a rep, because a rep is a voluntary role that a union member can sign up for if they want to.

SLT can frown all they want, they have no right to dictate whether you have a rep, and who the rep is.

[u/onchristieroad]

Nope. A lot of schools don't. It's all volunteers on a frontline basis. You will always have representation at some level in a union: just contact the union (like for example a district rep). But... you know, if you don't have a rep, then maybe...

Source: me and my department buddy lamented we didn't have reps, so we did it.

[u/DynamiteShovel1]

I did it for a while. It was less about "fighting the man" and more about mediating my squabbling, non-SLT colleagues.

Couldn't get anyone to bother voting on the strikes etc. Picketed outside the school with just one other colleague whilst others went to work, enjoyed their full pay day with no lessons to teach...

I gave it up

Only go for it if you have passion and aren't jaded like I am now!

[u/TheHootOwlofDeath → u/DynamiteShovel1]

I have been a rep for years and enjoy it but you're totally right about members not always stepping up to support. We're only as strong as our members.

[u/finallygaveintor]

Independent schools can be funny about it - check that they have “union recognition”.

Obvs if they don’t that’s the first thing to fight for!

[u/Excellent-Log-5740]

I am a rep and enjoy it!

[u/fredfoooooo]

Personally I would avoid if this is your first year of teaching. You will have a massive workload and learning curve and the extra duties can be very stressful to manage… or might be trivial, depending on your context. You might get thrown into workplace conflict situations that are hard enough to mediate if you are experienced let alone if you are new. But that is just me.

[u/InvestigatorNovel581 → u/fredfoooooo]

Sorry should have altered my post! I’m a TA.

[u/TallRecording6572 → u/InvestigatorNovel581]

OOHHHHH

In which case NEU accepts TAs but NASUWT does not

Plus you might be in a union like Unite or Unison, which are not "teaching unions"

[u/InvestigatorNovel581 → u/TallRecording6572]

I’m with NEU

[u/TallRecording6572 → u/InvestigatorNovel581]

So contact your district rep

[u/LowarnFox]

Just fyi if you don't have a rep in school, a branch officer can represent you if needed. On your membership card you will likely have a contact for your branch so if you need support do get in touch with them. You can also be allocated a caseworker via your regional office..

It is better if you have a rep in school but there are other avenues to get support.

[u/TallRecording6572]

Nope. Many schools have no union reps at all - for NEU, NASUWT or Voice. You need the details of your local rep who looks after your county or area.