I have recently had a really hard time; some of my story is on this forum.

I am wary of going into too much detail (I typed out my full story last night to ensure I didn't forget anything should I need it in future) and it came to over seven pages so I am sure no one would want to read it even if I did go into detail! However, I really have been victim to horrendous workplace bullying.

My union have shocked me in how disinterested and how detached they have been from it. I think the only "advice" I have had is "wait and see what happens." Not very helpful when my world came crashing down.

What I am wondering is whether or not it is worth continuing to be a member of a teaching union and rather to put the money towards household insurance including legal cover.

I'd be grateful for opinions on this matter.

Crowbob:

clementinesandbrazilnuts:

What I am wondering is whether or not it is worth continuing to be a member of a teaching union

Yes, but if you are unhappy switch unions.

clementinesandbrazilnuts:

rather to put the money towards household insurance including legal cover.

I'd have both. The legal cover wouldn't cover support AT a school level (meeting with the Head etc.) and is normally conditional upon there being a more than 50% chance of winning a potential claim.

It's worth a reminder that teachers are not allowed to take a lawyer into internal disciplinary meetings or hearings.  The Supreme Court recently confirmed this, their decision based oin the fact that teachers had recourse to a hearing by an independent regulator, who made the ultimate diecision about ability to practise.  (Of course, with the intention that the new Teaching Agency should deal with only the most serious cases, in which teachers are at risk of being banned, another test needs to be brought - but that has not happened yet.)

For that reason, it is useful to be a member of a union.  A good employment lawyer can write all the letters, write the grirevance and advise, of course, but cannot actually attend the meetings/hearings.

Crowbob:

Isn't that what I said?  

Crowbob:

The legal cover wouldn't cover support AT a school level (meeting with the Head etc.)

  Sure!  Was just elaborating, explaining why teachers can't take legal representation into internal meetings etc!

Thank you both for your useful insight.

Crowbob, I may well look into changing unions as I don't feel I was helped or supported in what I think was a very clear cut case of constructuve dismissal and like all of us I suppose i hate feeling I am wasting money! I take your points on board though and will maintain my union membership; I hope I won't have to use them again

rainbowlass:

Yes you need to be in a union and it isn't 'the union' that is the problem rather the uion rep not doing what they have volunteered to do.  You can always change union or complain to the head office of the union that you are not getting the support you need from the local rep.  A regional executive member can then support you.  You have paid your subs as we all do to support members in need.  So ring the head office and complain.  Good luck.

Well, yes, but I had the regional rep and still only had "wait and see" advice.

It's all very well advising I change unions, but I didn't realise until I was in the midst of a problem that my rep wasn't very helpful and of course by then it was too late. It is just that it does seem that if (hopefully not) the same or something similar happens again everything the union did I ended up actually doing myself - a garbled point but it makes sense to me.