Trusty Google has let me down, I'm trying to find information on how you can start your own union at work and whether it's even possible? How do unions becomes unions?
Can I Start a Union?
[Deactivated] on 20/04/2017 - 22:14
Comments
I've got no idea how to go about it! Nothing seems to come up in my searches. Unions have become so useless, i thought I'd give it a shot if i can.
Gather a bunch of like minded co-workers. You will really need quite a lot to be viable.
Form a non-profit association to begin with, as apparently Fairwork isn't happy about new unions springing up:
http://www.nfpcompliance.vic.gov.au/starting-a-not-for-profi…But stuff them. If you end up with a lot of members, and a differentiator that brings you membership numbers, they will eventually be forced to recognise you.
In time, if you are successful, you might be able to join the ACTU, but I really wouldn't worry about seeking the permission of the old guard, be disruptive if existing unions aren't meeting your needs, or seek a leadership position in the current union and change it from within.
A search for unionise your workplace returned this hit:
http://www.wikihow.com/Unionize-Your-Workplace
It's US oriented though, but the principles should be the same. As the article says you may want to see if there is an existing union covering your sector.
A lawyer would be a good place to start….
It'd be an expensive place to start as well.
Whoever said unions were a "cheap" thing?
Never seen a deal about it posted here on OzBargain.
Start by mobilising like-minded people in your workplace
What's your industry and what's wrong with the current union?
Honestly, if there's nothing your current union can help you with then I'm not sure how you can do it by forming your own union.
There's a lot of restrictions on what a 'union' can do, thanks John Howard.
RTBU. Unless you're a train driver they're pretty useless. Apart from negotiating a pretty ordinary EBA they just don't seem to be able to do anything. For example our roster comes out only 3 days before the start of the new week. Shift hours can be changed with 24 hours notice etc etc. I've probably talked to 100 blokes about it and no one had anything good to say about them (apart from the union workplace rep.) The usual response is i get it back at tax anyways (which they only get a part) but most people think they do.
So it's brought me to here - making my own union… hopefully.
union or church, youre gunna be rich by the end of it.
That is a pretty shitty situation. And I'm assuming you're not casual either.
Would 100% recommend that you get involved with your union! KInda sounds like your rep is the one that's shit and perhaps you should be the rep instead, especially if you're willing to put your hand up and form your own union.
Most unions are member-run, but if there's shitty people in the bargaining teams then you're kinda stuck. Next time there's things coming up, get involved! Maybe even give the organiser from the union that comes in, a call and let them know you're willing to be a delegate/get more involved.
Unions need people like yourself to actually take a leadership role, and developing leaders is what they're meant to do. A few good leaders can really make the difference in a union. A union is only as strong as it's members!
Sorry, messed up and accidentally didnt post as a reply, my bad!
I think this is the right answer in an already unionised workplace.
Everything is in place for you to be the change you want to see in the world by being more active in the existing union, which is already recognised, and is one of the more powerful unions.
If you started another, it would split the membership, making both unions less strong.
Sure. Why not? Washington did.
Start by getting a government job and abusing your CommGov credit card at the strippers
Then blame everyone else for your shortfall and stick it up to the libs.
You will be on the right path towards running your own union young padawan.
Sure, go nuts.
You need to have enough members for the bosses to take any notice of you, though.
And you will need to comply with the laws around industrial actions etc. but go for it.
We need better unions in the country.