Very interesting post in Stronger Unions about new research on the value to the economy of union reps - this has led to a joint statement released by the TUC, Government and the CBI that “union reps (are worth) between £3.4bn and £10.2bn (net) to the UK economy, on the basis that their presence in a workplace brings about a combination of productivity gains, reduced staff turnover, less time off as a result of sickness, improved health and safety and better training for staff”.
This must be true since the forward of the statement is signed by Lord Mandelson no less!
Actually this makes sense and while some reps may feel a little uncomfortable with such a conclusion I don’t - not least since I sometimes feel that I spend a considerable amount of time every week trying to persuade members that the correct course of action is not to punch their manager’s lights out - et al.
Seriously, there has been countless studies were it has been found that if employees feel that they have no voice or are powerless and unable to influence or change things at work then that employer is in serious trouble.
7 comments:
I have had plenty of experiences of shocking management and I dont deny the need for grown up Unions should any exist.
However the Unions are left wing institutions and you cant separate them from their politics.
Often Unions are nothing more than hard left agitators who want to impose their marxist fantasies on the rest of us.
Look at those nasty rail union people like Bob Crowe. Nasty little agitator. So many seem like him still. You lot need to get your house in order.
Yeah, Bob Crow is causing all the trouble on the privatised rail network, isn't he? Leaves on the line? Bet that bastard put them there ;-)
Cheers for the hat-tip John.
As you say I know some people may feel a bit uncomfortable with the 'union reps are good for business' line - but the key point is that we are not saying that this is the raison d'etre for reps. Reps are there to represent and support their members, and help build a better, stronger union. But if we can show that they are ALSO good for the employer it can help us in our arguments for better facilities and facility time - and hopefully free up union resources to take on those employers determined to stay 'union-free'.
So glad there's a new half-witted 'I read the Daily Mail and I get a bit cross so I must be a political commentator' moron around. With rozzer mates as well. Lovely - and great for taking the mickey out of 'his lot'
Stick to school dinners Charlie..
In America, small business groups are supportive of the Employee Free Choice Act, which would make it harder for firms to stifle union organising. Small business owners know the value of unions for their workers.
Good relations in the workplace are very important for business - as John says, workers are more productive when they are respected and there's a wealth of research which backs this up.
Saturday's march in Birmingham which saw ex-CBI boss join a demo for jobs alongside union leaders and workers threatened by the recession shows cooperation over certain issues is possible.
Hi Bertie
I assume that due to your “shocking” experiences you have joined a union? You can then argue for change and reform yourself?
Hi Charlie
Great stuff!
Hi Paul
Yes, I think all reps do get that point. This statement will be very useful in my sector for negotiating recognition agreements. Thanks to the TUC for pulling it all together.
Hi Leftygirl
I couldn’t possibly comment
Hi Anon
Actually school dinners are important. Recently Newham Council announced free meals for all our primary kids. This is fantastic news and really good for the long term future of the borough! This move is for more important than a lot of the political drivel out there (I must post).
Hi Charlie
You need a balance in all things. At the moment the balance is too far in favour of employers.
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