I was an active member of NUT until I found out that our local rep had his salary paid by the LEA in a deal with the union. He helped shut our school and refused to carry out collective bargaining even when we voted unanimously. He “advised” LEA in how to deal with staff. When we complained to the union, they refused to listen. Left with the impression this sort of thing happened a lot. Didn’t renew my membership and wouldn’t ever rejoin.
Oh but senior management are essential! It’s not as if their poor decision making led us to… Oh…
On a more serious note, unions are an educator’s best friend.
I was an active member of NUT until I found out that our local rep had his salary paid by the LEA in a deal with the union. He helped shut our school and refused to carry out collective bargaining even when we voted unanimously. He “advised” LEA in how to deal with staff. When we complained to the union, they refused to listen. Left with the impression this sort of thing happened a lot. Didn’t renew my membership and wouldn’t ever rejoin.