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"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER." Why? | |||
"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? " Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them. | |||
"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them. Not a fan? Trades Unions have benefited employees by fighting for: - a standardised working week - better conditions/health and safety - equality for female employees* - from the 70s advocated for the national minimum wage and in the new century the living wage - argued for, and succeeded in, increasing annual leave entitlement - lobbied for paternity leave and discretionary, additional leave for parents of both genders Politics are involved in 'pretty much everything'? Especially in relation to our rights, as employees and employers. *More still needs to be done, as some employers still insist on rewarding male staff members more highly than their female counterparts. " You missed one out. Exporting jobs to China. | |||
"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them. Not a fan? Trades Unions have benefited employees by fighting for: - a standardised working week - better conditions/health and safety - equality for female employees* - from the 70s advocated for the national minimum wage and in the new century the living wage - argued for, and succeeded in, increasing annual leave entitlement - lobbied for paternity leave and discretionary, additional leave for parents of both genders Politics are involved in 'pretty much everything'? Especially in relation to our rights, as employees and employers. *More still needs to be done, as some employers still insist on rewarding male staff members more highly than their female counterparts. You missed one out. Exporting jobs to China." No.....that will be cheap labour, little to do with trade union activities | |||
"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them. Not a fan? Trades Unions have benefited employees by fighting for: - a standardised working week - better conditions/health and safety - equality for female employees* - from the 70s advocated for the national minimum wage and in the new century the living wage - argued for, and succeeded in, increasing annual leave entitlement - lobbied for paternity leave and discretionary, additional leave for parents of both genders Politics are involved in 'pretty much everything'? Especially in relation to our rights, as employees and employers. *More still needs to be done, as some employers still insist on rewarding male staff members more highly than their female counterparts. You missed one out. Exporting jobs to China. No.....that will be cheap labour, little to do with trade union activities" Define cheap labour. Or could the problem be "expensive" labour? | |||
"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them. Not a fan? Trades Unions have benefited employees by fighting for: - a standardised working week - better conditions/health and safety - equality for female employees* - from the 70s advocated for the national minimum wage and in the new century the living wage - argued for, and succeeded in, increasing annual leave entitlement - lobbied for paternity leave and discretionary, additional leave for parents of both genders Politics are involved in 'pretty much everything'? Especially in relation to our rights, as employees and employers. *More still needs to be done, as some employers still insist on rewarding male staff members more highly than their female counterparts. You missed one out. Exporting jobs to China." Didn't you vote for Brexit? Aren't Brexiters suggesting things like free trade with China? Do you think that will help? | |||
"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them. Not a fan? Trades Unions have benefited employees by fighting for: - a standardised working week - better conditions/health and safety - equality for female employees* - from the 70s advocated for the national minimum wage and in the new century the living wage - argued for, and succeeded in, increasing annual leave entitlement - lobbied for paternity leave and discretionary, additional leave for parents of both genders Politics are involved in 'pretty much everything'? Especially in relation to our rights, as employees and employers. *More still needs to be done, as some employers still insist on rewarding male staff members more highly than their female counterparts. You missed one out. Exporting jobs to China." That would be greedy owners and share holders, no? Or, are you against UK workers getting a (relatively) decent wage? | |||
"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them. Not a fan? Trades Unions have benefited employees by fighting for: - a standardised working week - better conditions/health and safety - equality for female employees* - from the 70s advocated for the national minimum wage and in the new century the living wage - argued for, and succeeded in, increasing annual leave entitlement - lobbied for paternity leave and discretionary, additional leave for parents of both genders Politics are involved in 'pretty much everything'? Especially in relation to our rights, as employees and employers. *More still needs to be done, as some employers still insist on rewarding male staff members more highly than their female counterparts. You missed one out. Exporting jobs to China. No.....that will be cheap labour, little to do with trade union activities Define cheap labour. Or could the problem be "expensive" labour?" In 2015 the CBI said that Chinese factory workers earned approximately 12% of British factory workers.....that's how I define cheap labour | |||
"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER." Having the union rep on the board; and having one also as part of each Departmental management team was extremely useful; Solved or prevented all sorts of issues. | |||
"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them. Not a fan? Trades Unions have benefited employees by fighting for: - a standardised working week - better conditions/health and safety - equality for female employees* - from the 70s advocated for the national minimum wage and in the new century the living wage - argued for, and succeeded in, increasing annual leave entitlement - lobbied for paternity leave and discretionary, additional leave for parents of both genders Politics are involved in 'pretty much everything'? Especially in relation to our rights, as employees and employers. *More still needs to be done, as some employers still insist on rewarding male staff members more highly than their female counterparts. " However companies do not exist for the benefit of the workers . I believe in treating everyone fairly but the reality is that anyone who does not like their job knows where the door is , they can simply leave and work else where. Union power has destroyed some industries and lead to a loss of jobs . If we make a comparison to France our industry is much more successfull. Some of the bullying and blackmail tactics employed by unions during strikes are nothing short of disgracefull. I have no objection to unions representing people providing it is only that. Many unions are totally selfish and some people have lost their jobs because they were not able to get to work on time due to stiking rail workers . The strikes by tube drivers in London are simply blackmail. Everything you have in life has to be earned . Strikes simply damage the economy . Whilst companies should listen to union reps they ( the union reps ) should not be allowed to to vote on key decisions . | |||
"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them. Not a fan? Trades Unions have benefited employees by fighting for: - a standardised working week - better conditions/health and safety - equality for female employees* - from the 70s advocated for the national minimum wage and in the new century the living wage - argued for, and succeeded in, increasing annual leave entitlement - lobbied for paternity leave and discretionary, additional leave for parents of both genders Politics are involved in 'pretty much everything'? Especially in relation to our rights, as employees and employers. *More still needs to be done, as some employers still insist on rewarding male staff members more highly than their female counterparts. You missed one out. Exporting jobs to China." And destoyed some car manufacturers in the midlands. | |||
"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them. Not a fan? Trades Unions have benefited employees by fighting for: - a standardised working week - better conditions/health and safety - equality for female employees* - from the 70s advocated for the national minimum wage and in the new century the living wage - argued for, and succeeded in, increasing annual leave entitlement - lobbied for paternity leave and discretionary, additional leave for parents of both genders Politics are involved in 'pretty much everything'? Especially in relation to our rights, as employees and employers. *More still needs to be done, as some employers still insist on rewarding male staff members more highly than their female counterparts. You missed one out. Exporting jobs to China. That would be greedy owners and share holders, no? Or, are you against UK workers getting a (relatively) decent wage? " What greedy shareholders? 5% is a bloody good dividend these days. I would add that most of those dividends contribute to many peoples pension pots. So go on then. Let's ban dividends and fuck the pensioners AGAIN. As for workers getting a (relatively) decent wage? Tell that to all the "brothers" that priced themselves out of work due to union GREED. Seeing as someone mentioned the tube workers, I will go further and say sack the bloody lot of them. Blackmailing scumbags who don't deserve a job. Like most of the cosseted public sector who think they can blackmail decent folk in order to achieve their demands. Trade unions have had their day. In the past they served a purpose but today unions = SCUM. | |||
"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them. Not a fan? Trades Unions have benefited employees by fighting for: - a standardised working week - better conditions/health and safety - equality for female employees* - from the 70s advocated for the national minimum wage and in the new century the living wage - argued for, and succeeded in, increasing annual leave entitlement - lobbied for paternity leave and discretionary, additional leave for parents of both genders Politics are involved in 'pretty much everything'? Especially in relation to our rights, as employees and employers. *More still needs to be done, as some employers still insist on rewarding male staff members more highly than their female counterparts. You missed one out. Exporting jobs to China. That would be greedy owners and share holders, no? Or, are you against UK workers getting a (relatively) decent wage? What greedy shareholders? 5% is a bloody good dividend these days. I would add that most of those dividends contribute to many peoples pension pots. So go on then. Let's ban dividends and fuck the pensioners AGAIN. As for workers getting a (relatively) decent wage? Tell that to all the "brothers" that priced themselves out of work due to union GREED. Seeing as someone mentioned the tube workers, I will go further and say sack the bloody lot of them. Blackmailing scumbags who don't deserve a job. Like most of the cosseted public sector who think they can blackmail decent folk in order to achieve their demands. Trade unions have had their day. In the past they served a purpose but today unions = SCUM. " And Brexiters will tell you we don't have to worry about governments stripping away workers rights once we leave the EU. | |||
"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them. Not a fan? Trades Unions have benefited employees by fighting for: - a standardised working week - better conditions/health and safety - equality for female employees* - from the 70s advocated for the national minimum wage and in the new century the living wage - argued for, and succeeded in, increasing annual leave entitlement - lobbied for paternity leave and discretionary, additional leave for parents of both genders Politics are involved in 'pretty much everything'? Especially in relation to our rights, as employees and employers. *More still needs to be done, as some employers still insist on rewarding male staff members more highly than their female counterparts. " Oh for a return to the good old days of the unions protecting workers rights; Millions of days lost on strikes Having to take your two week paid sick, because it was 'your entitlement' Going out on strike in support of other non-related industrial disputes because they're in the same union Militant tendency People being paid 24 hours pay for 8 hours work Insane trade demarcation, meaning there's 3 or 4 people to do one persons work, and it takes 5 times longer Being told to make sure you don't finish a job, so that you get overtime. Being anti-immigrant (would now be labelled racist), because 'they're taking our jobs' Unions have had a place, and can be very useful in the right circumstances. They can certainly be useful in business, but unfortunately many have a combative rather than cooperative attitude. Btw, I have been a member of several unions, and when I was younger, heard and experienced many of the above. | |||
"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them. Not a fan? Trades Unions have benefited employees by fighting for: - a standardised working week - better conditions/health and safety - equality for female employees* - from the 70s advocated for the national minimum wage and in the new century the living wage - argued for, and succeeded in, increasing annual leave entitlement - lobbied for paternity leave and discretionary, additional leave for parents of both genders Politics are involved in 'pretty much everything'? Especially in relation to our rights, as employees and employers. *More still needs to be done, as some employers still insist on rewarding male staff members more highly than their female counterparts. You missed one out. Exporting jobs to China. That would be greedy owners and share holders, no? Or, are you against UK workers getting a (relatively) decent wage? What greedy shareholders? 5% is a bloody good dividend these days. I would add that most of those dividends contribute to many peoples pension pots. So go on then. Let's ban dividends and fuck the pensioners AGAIN. As for workers getting a (relatively) decent wage? Tell that to all the "brothers" that priced themselves out of work due to union GREED. Seeing as someone mentioned the tube workers, I will go further and say sack the bloody lot of them. Blackmailing scumbags who don't deserve a job. Like most of the cosseted public sector who think they can blackmail decent folk in order to achieve their demands. Trade unions have had their day. In the past they served a purpose but today unions = SCUM. And Brexiters will tell you we don't have to worry about governments stripping away workers rights once we leave the EU. " But "rights" go hand in hand with responsibilities. Something the trade union movement have forgotten. Or don't want to know. | |||
"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them. Not a fan? Trades Unions have benefited employees by fighting for: - a standardised working week - better conditions/health and safety - equality for female employees* - from the 70s advocated for the national minimum wage and in the new century the living wage - argued for, and succeeded in, increasing annual leave entitlement - lobbied for paternity leave and discretionary, additional leave for parents of both genders Politics are involved in 'pretty much everything'? Especially in relation to our rights, as employees and employers. *More still needs to be done, as some employers still insist on rewarding male staff members more highly than their female counterparts. However companies do not exist for the benefit of the workers . I believe in treating everyone fairly but the reality is that anyone who does not like their job knows where the door is , they can simply leave and work else where. Union power has destroyed some industries and lead to a loss of jobs . If we make a comparison to France our industry is much more successfull. Some of the bullying and blackmail tactics employed by unions during strikes are nothing short of disgracefull. I have no objection to unions representing people providing it is only that. Many unions are totally selfish and some people have lost their jobs because they were not able to get to work on time due to stiking rail workers . The strikes by tube drivers in London are simply blackmail. Everything you have in life has to be earned . Strikes simply damage the economy . Whilst companies should listen to union reps they ( the union reps ) should not be allowed to to vote on key decisions . " Who mentioned people liking their jobs? Whilst companies might not *exist* for their workers, without a competent workforce, there would be no company? I am sure you applauded all of the rights that consecutive Tory governments took away from unions? So the 70s situations that you allude to will never happen again. I am glad you mentioned France, how do you feel about the French government being part or sole owner of a lot of the (formerly nationalised) infrastructure of the country? Specifically, energy, utilities and transport? Sold by the Tories and making money for France's (and many other countries) exchequer? | |||
"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them. Not a fan? Trades Unions have benefited employees by fighting for: - a standardised working week - better conditions/health and safety - equality for female employees* - from the 70s advocated for the national minimum wage and in the new century the living wage - argued for, and succeeded in, increasing annual leave entitlement - lobbied for paternity leave and discretionary, additional leave for parents of both genders Politics are involved in 'pretty much everything'? Especially in relation to our rights, as employees and employers. *More still needs to be done, as some employers still insist on rewarding male staff members more highly than their female counterparts. You missed one out. Exporting jobs to China. That would be greedy owners and share holders, no? Or, are you against UK workers getting a (relatively) decent wage? What greedy shareholders? 5% is a bloody good dividend these days. I would add that most of those dividends contribute to many peoples pension pots. So go on then. Let's ban dividends and fuck the pensioners AGAIN. As for workers getting a (relatively) decent wage? Tell that to all the "brothers" that priced themselves out of work due to union GREED. Seeing as someone mentioned the tube workers, I will go further and say sack the bloody lot of them. Blackmailing scumbags who don't deserve a job. Like most of the cosseted public sector who think they can blackmail decent folk in order to achieve their demands. Trade unions have had their day. In the past they served a purpose but today unions = SCUM. " Who said anything about fucking the pensioners? Lordy, Christ Almighty! Do members of unions equal scum too? | |||
"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them. Not a fan? Trades Unions have benefited employees by fighting for: - a standardised working week - better conditions/health and safety - equality for female employees* - from the 70s advocated for the national minimum wage and in the new century the living wage - argued for, and succeeded in, increasing annual leave entitlement - lobbied for paternity leave and discretionary, additional leave for parents of both genders Politics are involved in 'pretty much everything'? Especially in relation to our rights, as employees and employers. *More still needs to be done, as some employers still insist on rewarding male staff members more highly than their female counterparts. Oh for a return to the good old days of the unions protecting workers rights; Millions of days lost on strikes Having to take your two week paid sick, because it was 'your entitlement' Going out on strike in support of other non-related industrial disputes because they're in the same union Militant tendency People being paid 24 hours pay for 8 hours work Insane trade demarcation, meaning there's 3 or 4 people to do one persons work, and it takes 5 times longer Being told to make sure you don't finish a job, so that you get overtime. Being anti-immigrant (would now be labelled racist), because 'they're taking our jobs' Unions have had a place, and can be very useful in the right circumstances. They can certainly be useful in business, but unfortunately many have a combative rather than cooperative attitude. Btw, I have been a member of several unions, and when I was younger, heard and experienced many of the above. " I've no direct experience of any of the foregoing, so can't comment. I am proud to work in the public sector, in a very stretched setting. If one of us is ill, it is because we are genuinely ill. We don't get overtime, we do get time off in lieu, but as we are so short staffed now (due to cuts), we are not able to take the time, so we don't bother adding it to our timesheets any more. One of my colleagues puts in at least 5 hours a week extra. For nothing extra. I probably do maybe an hour extra a week. The last strike I participated in was about the governments alterations to our pension scheme (comment for another poster: the government have fucked our pensions!) | |||
"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them." What a bizarre thing to say, especially with you being in Germany. | |||
" And destoyed some car manufacturers in the midlands. " I think that was mostly down to making shit cars Pat, would you take an Allegro over a Golf?, would anyone? | |||
" And destoyed some car manufacturers in the midlands. I think that was mostly down to making shit cars Pat, would you take an Allegro over a Golf?, would anyone?" You are too young to remember red robbo in longbridge( I think)among others, they had them out on strike if the company bought the wrong tea bags, they destroyed many peoples jobs, but yes lazy and incompetant management that rested on their laurels didnt help either | |||
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"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them. Not a fan? Trades Unions have benefited employees by fighting for: - a standardised working week - better conditions/health and safety - equality for female employees* - from the 70s advocated for the national minimum wage and in the new century the living wage - argued for, and succeeded in, increasing annual leave entitlement - lobbied for paternity leave and discretionary, additional leave for parents of both genders Politics are involved in 'pretty much everything'? Especially in relation to our rights, as employees and employers. *More still needs to be done, as some employers still insist on rewarding male staff members more highly than their female counterparts. You missed one out. Exporting jobs to China. And destoyed some car manufacturers in the midlands. " Nothing to do with the shit cars that the factories were churning out them?......Leyland were light years behind in vehicle design, that was the major reason for their demise. | |||
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"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them. Not a fan? Trades Unions have benefited employees by fighting for: - a standardised working week - better conditions/health and safety - equality for female employees* - from the 70s advocated for the national minimum wage and in the new century the living wage - argued for, and succeeded in, increasing annual leave entitlement - lobbied for paternity leave and discretionary, additional leave for parents of both genders Politics are involved in 'pretty much everything'? Especially in relation to our rights, as employees and employers. *More still needs to be done, as some employers still insist on rewarding male staff members more highly than their female counterparts. Oh for a return to the good old days of the unions protecting workers rights; Millions of days lost on strikes Having to take your two week paid sick, because it was 'your entitlement' Going out on strike in support of other non-related industrial disputes because they're in the same union Militant tendency People being paid 24 hours pay for 8 hours work Insane trade demarcation, meaning there's 3 or 4 people to do one persons work, and it takes 5 times longer Being told to make sure you don't finish a job, so that you get overtime. Being anti-immigrant (would now be labelled racist), because 'they're taking our jobs' Unions have had a place, and can be very useful in the right circumstances. They can certainly be useful in business, but unfortunately many have a combative rather than cooperative attitude. Btw, I have been a member of several unions, and when I was younger, heard and experienced many of the above. I've no direct experience of any of the foregoing, so can't comment. I am proud to work in the public sector, in a very stretched setting. If one of us is ill, it is because we are genuinely ill. We don't get overtime, we do get time off in lieu, but as we are so short staffed now (due to cuts), we are not able to take the time, so we don't bother adding it to our timesheets any more. One of my colleagues puts in at least 5 hours a week extra. For nothing extra. I probably do maybe an hour extra a week. The last strike I participated in was about the governments alterations to our pension scheme (comment for another poster: the government have fucked our pensions!) " You're too young to remember the 'good old days'. As for sickness, the public sector is rife with 'duvet days' mentality. In the early 2000's, Portsmouth City Council, in a drive to get sickness down, allowed all their staff to claim up to 10 duvet days a year.... instead of calling in sick for the odd day, they could call in and claim a duvet day.... and it wouldn't go against their sick record, nor would it be taken off their holidays. Sickness went down, but total absence went up. Then after a couple of years, when everyone had got used to their duvet days and saw it as a right, sickness started going back up. Sheer madness, driven by unions.... | |||
"Yes it must have been the unions that forced British Leyland to design the Morris Marina and Austin Allegro. Red Robbo himself insisted the Allegro had a socialist square steering wheel rather than the bourgeois round one. " Do you remember the fiat advert... 'handmade by robots' in the early eighties? And then Not the Nine O'clock News did a sketch based on it, The Austin Ambassador - handmade by Roberts. hilarious. | |||
"Yes it must have been the unions that forced British Leyland to design the Morris Marina and Austin Allegro. Red Robbo himself insisted the Allegro had a socialist square steering wheel rather than the bourgeois round one. Do you remember the fiat advert... 'handmade by robots' in the early eighties? And then Not the Nine O'clock News did a sketch based on it, The Austin Ambassador - handmade by Roberts. hilarious." But the rover sdi was pretty good and a leap forward, thankgoodness maggiegot the japanese in our car industry hasnt looked back since | |||
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" But the rover sdi was pretty good and a leap forward, thankgoodness maggiegot the japanese in our car industry hasnt looked back since" I loved the Rover SD1. Fantastic design, shit build quality. I think we can honestly blame both workers and management for the ills of British Leyland but since Honda managed to turn many of those same workers into effective staff, I think we have to say that class-driven, poor management was our greatest failing. | |||
"Without trades unions , how many on here would trust there present employer not to basically run your life with a zero hours contract for all ,Yes that includes us all from the cleaner till you reached the board room....I work for a major name ....and have done for a long time now.....But know they would still push me out the door if they could without a second thought ...So be vigilant the scum bags are mostly in charge...not for them no bonus or pension cuts etc " Totally agree. | |||
"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them. Not a fan? Trades Unions have benefited employees by fighting for: - a standardised working week - better conditions/health and safety - equality for female employees* - from the 70s advocated for the national minimum wage and in the new century the living wage - argued for, and succeeded in, increasing annual leave entitlement - lobbied for paternity leave and discretionary, additional leave for parents of both genders Politics are involved in 'pretty much everything'? Especially in relation to our rights, as employees and employers. *More still needs to be done, as some employers still insist on rewarding male staff members more highly than their female counterparts. Oh for a return to the good old days of the unions protecting workers rights; Millions of days lost on strikes Having to take your two week paid sick, because it was 'your entitlement' Going out on strike in support of other non-related industrial disputes because they're in the same union Militant tendency People being paid 24 hours pay for 8 hours work Insane trade demarcation, meaning there's 3 or 4 people to do one persons work, and it takes 5 times longer Being told to make sure you don't finish a job, so that you get overtime. Being anti-immigrant (would now be labelled racist), because 'they're taking our jobs' Unions have had a place, and can be very useful in the right circumstances. They can certainly be useful in business, but unfortunately many have a combative rather than cooperative attitude. Btw, I have been a member of several unions, and when I was younger, heard and experienced many of the above. I've no direct experience of any of the foregoing, so can't comment. I am proud to work in the public sector, in a very stretched setting. If one of us is ill, it is because we are genuinely ill. We don't get overtime, we do get time off in lieu, but as we are so short staffed now (due to cuts), we are not able to take the time, so we don't bother adding it to our timesheets any more. One of my colleagues puts in at least 5 hours a week extra. For nothing extra. I probably do maybe an hour extra a week. The last strike I participated in was about the governments alterations to our pension scheme (comment for another poster: the government have fucked our pensions!) You're too young to remember the 'good old days'. As for sickness, the public sector is rife with 'duvet days' mentality. In the early 2000's, Portsmouth City Council, in a drive to get sickness down, allowed all their staff to claim up to 10 duvet days a year.... instead of calling in sick for the odd day, they could call in and claim a duvet day.... and it wouldn't go against their sick record, nor would it be taken off their holidays. Sickness went down, but total absence went up. Then after a couple of years, when everyone had got used to their duvet days and saw it as a right, sickness started going back up. Sheer madness, driven by unions...." We don't have that in my local authority. Why would that have been driven by unions? More likely some hair-brained scheme from HR. I brought this topic up today in work and one of my colleagues pointed out that our Head of Service has the worst record of sickness absence in our Directorate! | |||
"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them." 100% I agree | |||
"Workers representatives on boards? I would go with it but with reservations. Union rep's on boards? NEVER. Why? Simple. You just cannot trust any trade union not to not bring politics into pretty much everything. Trade union leaders are more untrustworthy than any banker, estate agent, or used car dealer. Chancers and charlatans the lot of them. 100% I agree" Emmablu wouldn't you want to take advantage of work place protections against discrimination that unions deal with day in day out? | |||