Union dues

Our current Union is about to lose some members. Notably us footsloggers. The reasons for which are outlined below.

For the past three years we’ve (Collectively) been threatened with disciplinary action by Management for the following;

Refusing to appear in an ‘Out of uniform’ photoshoot for the local press.
Not turning up to ‘team’ meetings on our off duty days.
Not wearing ‘safety’ footwear on duty despite an epidemic of foot related problems (And no-one getting their feet run over? Personal Injury Lawyer opinion please?)
Putting ourselves in ‘hazardous’ situations (DUH! Our whole working environment can be hazardous – especially when dealing with the sub literate and emotionally under developed).

As for individual threats of disciplinary action – don’t let’s go there, this blog would rapidly run out of bandwidth. Here’s an example – Questioning (However obliquely) the terms and conditions of one’s contract of employment (This has happened to a few of the guys). Threats of disciplinary action are the daily currency of our everyday working life. It appears to be upper managements first (And last) line of defence. Assemble this tasteful IKEA flat pack cliché with the instructions which aren’t provided; the deep blue Devil, and the sea between.

In these matters our current union has proved about as much use as the proverbial rubber spanner. In fact, the only time they’ve got even slightly militant was when the Government moved the Pension goalposts (Again). In all other matters they have proven less than useful; ergo, they can do without the front line Parking Enforcers (Including my good self) as members.

Incidentally, we haven’t told our Union yet. It’s going to be a surprise.