British Comedy Guide

Unions. Had their day?

Are Unions really needed any more?

After all, we now have.

Minimum Wage
Paid Holiday
Maternity Pay
Paternity Pay
Flexiable Working
The Working Time Directive

I mean they can't even seem to arrange a ballot for a strike that passes the court's rules.

So are they still needed to help the worker beat the evil of the cotton mill boss or are they a millstone around the neck of business who are just trying to survive in this modern world?

Yes we need unions.

If you,

1 Want to hold onto the above list.
2 Don't want your pension arbitrairly sliced by a government acting tough.
3 If you want some one to stick up for you if you get unfair shit at work.
4 You don't want your employer to cut pay or reduce conditions.

Bigfella I am a tad surprised at you. Is your workforce grumbling?

Quote: bigfella @ May 17 2010, 6:58 PM BST

Are Unions really needed any more?

After all, we now have.

Minimum Wage
Paid Holiday
Maternity Pay
Paternity Pay
Flexiable Working
The Working Time Directive

Well, companies will try and screw their employees at every turn, so yes. They have a place. How useful or good they are is another matter.

Quote: sootyj @ May 17 2010, 7:25 PM BST

Bigfella I am a tad surprised at you. Is your workforce grumbling?

He doesn't deal with them. Mrs Bigfella's the people person.

Ooh I love the easy questions. Are unions still needed? Yes.

Well Big-Plutocrat 18.00 at the bullet riddled wall for some people's justice?

I was merely asking the question, not offering an opinion.

But it amazes me how Unite have managed to bugger up not one, but two strike ballots.

I suspect the problem is less with the union than with the legislation and with the way it is being interpreted by the courts; if you spend enough money on lawyers you will always find an 'i' than has not been dotted or a 't' that has not been crossed.

I agree with Timbo. You might reasonably argue that a big money employer using expensive legal teams to overturn the will of union members proves unions are needed as much today as ever. Don't forget a large majority voted and a large majority of those who did so voted in favour of taking action. Whatever way you look at it the strike had majority backing and is a whole lot more democratic than the process that has led to our new Government.

Certainly hope so being as I work for one.

Quote: David Bussell @ May 17 2010, 8:34 PM BST

Certainly hope so being as I work for one.

I've changed my mind.

Quote: Badge @ May 17 2010, 9:11 PM BST

I've changed my mind.

eh?

Onions are evil.

Quote: Aaron @ May 17 2010, 10:44 PM BST

Onions are evil.

Agreed. They're OK if cooked and unobtrusive, but a crunchy bite of raw onion makes me gag.

Onions rule. So do unions.

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