Frequently asked questions
Q: I didn’t know I could join a union at
Getronics
A: You have a legal right to join a union, whether
you’re employed by Getronics or elsewhere. It is entirely your
decision.
Q: Aren’t unions banned at
Getronics?
A: No, they’re not. It would be illegal to ban
membership of a union at Getronics. In fact, Getronics allows
Unite representatives to conduct union business.
Q: I don’t want to put my head
above the parapet!
A: That’s a common concern. However,
it should be stressed that membership of a union is confidential,
so there is no need for anybody else to know that you are a union
member if you wish to keep it to yourself. Also, you are under no
obligation whatsoever to become actively involved in union business
if you’d rather not.
Q: I believe my career would
suffer if I were a union member
A: Another common concern. As mentioned
previously, you have a legal right to join a union if you wish
to. Therefore it is illegal to discriminate on the grounds of
union membership. Those inclined to be slightly more cynical may
think that what is illegal and what actually happens are two
different things. But consider this: Getronics would be sticking
their necks out to blatantly discriminate against someone because
of union membership; the press have an uncanny knack of finding out
about these things, and that would be the last thing Getronics
would want. We are not aware of any discrimination or
victimisation of union reps or members ever taking place in
Getronics.
Q: Unions have a bad name – I
don’t want to be associated with trouble makers
A: Many of you will remember the scenes we
witnessed in the 70’s and early 80’s, when every day seemed to
bring more trouble on a picket line. Thankfully, those scenes
are, largely, a thing of the past. Unions these days tend to
want to talk before taking any action. Industrial action is only
ever contemplated as a last resort, after a secret ballot of the
union members, and only then if the majority of the membership
agrees that it is the best course to take. At Unite we fully
appreciate the need to act responsibly and in the long term
interests of our members. Unreasonable demands and actions
help no one.
Q: It costs too much for what
you get
A:
Considering the advantages, can you afford not to be a
member? Unite subscriptions are very reasonable. Even after
the modest 2007 increase, the cost of membership is still under £10
per month. The benefits outlined on the main page are probably
worth that alone without considering the added benefit of having a
unified voice to put your feelings across to Getronics. If
you set up a direct debit you probably won’t even be aware of the
fact that you’re paying a subscription.
Q: I’ve heard that the union
only represents ex-Barclays ‘image’ terms people. I’m on standard
terms so you can’t do anything for me
A: No this is not the case and in fact
Unite has more members in Getronics on standard terms than on
image terms. If enough employees on standard terms join the union,
Getronics may well have no choice but to recognise the union, and
from that moment onwards Unite will be able to negotiate on
everyone’s behalf.
Of course, all members have the right
to individual representation on any grievance or
disciplinary matter and many members have testified to this
valuable benefit having had grievances successfully resolved to
their satisfaction. Also, if necessary, Unite will always try
to intervene on behalf of standard terms members collectively.
There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain. On occasions,
Getronics has listened (without accepting collective
representation) and responded to Unite on issues that affect more
than one standard terms member.
Q: A consultative committee is
already in existence in the company. Surely this is
sufficient opportunity for staff
representation?
A: Consultative
committees, and for that matter any form of staff meeting, are a
welcome opportunity for employees to have their say about important
issues at work. However, it should always be remembered that
the terms of reference of these types of forum are 100% drawn up by
the company and that there is no guarantee that any issues will be
taken forward. Indeed it not unheard of for consultative
committees to be restructured or even wound up when controversial
issues or disputes have arisen. An independent union is much
better placed to consistently deal with representing staff when it
comes to significant issues in the workplace.
Q: Can the union really make a
difference? Surely joining would be a waste of time as the
company will always just do what it wants to anyway
A: This is often the response when people
are asked to consider joining Unite and we appreciate that at times
this may seem like the case. However, the simple answer is
that the more union members there are in Getronics the more
influence we can have in shaping future employment policy.
The fewer members there are then the more likely the above scenario
is. Ultimately the union is only as strong as its
membership. There are currently approximately 100 Unite
members in Getronics - just think what we could potentially achieve
together if more joined.
You may be quite happy with the way your
career is developing at present and with your compensation package,
but the fact that you are being fairly treated now is no guarantee
of fair treatment in the future.
You insure your life, your home, your car,
even your holiday, all of which depend on your job. Why not insure
your job? Surely it’s important enough?
Think about it: what do you have to lose by
joining Unite? Precious little but you could have an awful lot to
gain. Join online
here.
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