This thread is about the union wanting to call a strike about northern using agency staff which is something that companies all over do but no mention of union action or no mention of what they are doing for agency workers. There was a new law that came in about 18 months ago protecting agency workers but the agencies ignore it what are the unions doing about it, I can tell you nothing because there is nothing in it for the unions.
Wrong. Let me educate you.
Permit me to be slightly pedantic about this, but the union has not called a strike. The members employed by Northern have.
The process is quite simple.
1) There is a concern with regard to some aspect of the job as experienced by staff, whether it be diagramming, adequate staff facilities or whatever. The staff have raised these concerned with their union representative.
2) These concerns are discussed by the union representatives with the appropriate management as part of the regular discourse between staff and company representatives with a view to the concerns being addressed. These discussions can go on for weeks or even months.
In most cases the concerns are addressed and any problems are resolved at this stage and nothing more is heard. However, sometimes a problem is so intractable that matters have to be taken further.
3) The union informs the company of a "failure to agree". This usually prompts more talks in the hope of seeking a resolution, but just every now and then a solution can not be reached (usually because the management side digs in and refuses to talk or engages in underhand tactics).
4) If this happens there is the possibility that the union might seek to take disruptive action, such as a work-to-rule or possibly even a strike. At this point the eligible membership is balloted for action to decide whether or not there is a mandate for action. If the majority return is a "Yes", then a strike is called.
This is all legal and above board and enshrined in employment law. You can go and check it for yourself if you like and see the process for yourself.
Your claim that the unions "get something out of striking" is just total hogwash. There is no benefit to the union by striking, and neither does the lack of a strike render them pointless. Failure to grasp that concept is the biggest problem of all whenever we discuss union matters here. The unions do a lot of things with regard to their membership that isn't seen by those on the outside.
Why are the unions doing nothing for the agency workers? Presumably because they are not union members and, therefore, are not represented by the RMT. I'm sure there aren't any barriers to them joining if they wish, or some other union, and getting the representation you feel they deserve. However, being agency staff, I'm not sure they are too concerned. By the nature of their employment, they would simply be redeployed elsewhere in other positions. Their jobs are not actually being threatened.
Mac: This is the last time I'm going to respond to your posts in this thread. You are exhibiting all the signs of a troll and simply aren't interested in this discussion except to stir up a lot of bad feeling. If others choose to continue to respond then that is their decision, but I know when I'm wasting my time with someone, and for you that time has come. We
could have proper discussion about the role of trades unions in this and other industries, but it does require a bit more understanding and willingness to listen than you have so far demonstrated yourself capable of.
O L Leigh
