How can my trade union representative help me?

If in need of a trade union representative (Rep) in the workplace the chances are that you will be in a spot of bother or have a serious concern.
Reps play a vital role in helping to resolve work-related problems, whether it is an issue with management or a colleague.

Admittedly the role of trade unions has diminished since its heyday, but they still have an important part to play in modern workplaces. Forty years ago, trade union membership was at an all-time high with 13 million members in 1979.

According to government statistics, around 6.2 million employees in the UK were trade union members in 2017. Although a dramatic drop in numbers from what it once was, it was up by 19,000 (a 0.3 per cent increase) from the previous year.

Trade union members can act as a Rep and represent and give advice to colleagues in need of assistance and encountering a problem at work. A Rep is not paid but does get paid time off to do their work

There are numerous work situations in which the support of a Rep may be needed. Working life is far from perfect and the likelihood is that, if you have not already, at some stage you will encounter a problem and will need help or advice.

Getting on the wrong side of management or falling out with a colleague is just a couple of examples of workplace issues, which can escalate and become bigger problems than they need to be.
It is in situations such as these where the role of a Rep can be hugely influential in resolving matters swiftly and sensibly, often to the satisfaction of all parties concerned.
Experienced and knowledgeable reps can assess when an informal approach is likely to be effective. Sometimes taking an informal approach to matters and just finding the right words is enough to address some concerns.

Inevitably such an approach is not always guaranteed to work. An employer may wish to discipline you, or you may want to raise a formal grievance.
If this is the case your employer will arrange a formal disciplinary or grievance hearing. For these types of formal hearings, you have a statutory right to be accompanied by a Rep, whether or not you are a member of a trade union.

Such meetings can be daunting and nerve-wracking. If you are facing a fight to save your job or have cause to raise a formal complaint about a work-related matter getting the right support can make a huge difference.

The role of the Rep at a formal hearing enables them to: address the meeting and put the case on your behalf; sum up your case; respond on your behalf to any view expressed at the hearing; and sum up on your behalf at the end of the meeting.

Ensuring workers are treated fairly is a key part of the role of the Rep. In workplaces where a trade union is recognised its Reps can take part in negotiations in relation to terms and conditions of employment and all matters affecting its members, which is known as collective bargaining.

The health, safety and welfare of employees should be of paramount importance to all employers, as it is for Reps.

Union appointed health and safety Reps can work with employers to develop the best possible health and safety for employees. It can include investigating complaints, possible hazards and dangerous incidents, carrying out inspections of the workplace and taking part in workplace risk assessments.

The current business climate poses many challenges for employers and sometimes selling an enterprise or part of it, is considered the best course of action. Where there is a recognised trade union an employer must inform and consult with Reps if there is going to be a business takeover or transfer

An employer does not have to inform and consult any other employee representatives, but it can opt to do so if the trade union is recognised for one group of employees but not for another.
Sometimes selling a business is not an option and an employer will choose to cut back its operation, which can lead to redundancies. Again, the role of the trade union rep can also be vital in this process, and at time of great uncertainty. They can help in ensuring members are kept informed, supported throughout the process, treated fairly and not unfairly selected for redundancy.

We are here to help so give us a call and see how we can support you in the future.