TRADE UNION ORGANISATION MEMBERSHIP AND FINANCES BARRY FAWCETT

TRADE UNION ORGANISATION MEMBERSHIP AND FINANCES BARRY FAWCETT EI SPECIALIST CONSULTANT

Introduction n The purpose of a trade union is to defend and improve the working conditions of its members and to represent their interests to the Government, employers and society as a whole. n This requires money, staff, accommodation and structures at national, regional and local levels. n In order to function a union needs to attract and to retain members. n That requires aims and objectives, policies, services and governance provisions normally through a formal written constitution.

n Running a trade union requires business and management skills. n It is an enterprise and an employer. n It needs to attract customers/orders which in a trade union means subscription paying members. n It needs to raise money mainly from members‘ subscriptions.

n It is likely to be in competition with other unions. n The more members it can recruit and retain the more it will be able to expand its services, increase its influence and be more attractive to potential members. n Management skills and techniques are as important to a trade union as they are to a business and complement the requisite political skills.

Finance n Mainly from members’ subscriptions. n How do you determine the level or levels of subscription. n How do you collect them. n How do you allocate the money raised through subscriptions between the national, regional and local structures. n What is the cost of providing services that will attract and retain members. n What services or levels of service can be provided by unpaid lay union representatives and what has to be provided by paid full and/or part time employees.

Subscription Levels n They have to be affordable and competitive. n Can be at different levels for different categories of members e. g. full and part time workers. n Can include “loss leaders” such as free student teacher rates, below cost rates for newly qualified teachers or other new recruits. n Can be banded by rates of pay. n How often should the levels be reviewed. n On what criteria. n By whom or by what part of the union’s structure.

Collecting Subscriptions n Collect locally or nationally or a combination of the two. n Paid direct by members by cash, cheques , direct debits or credit cards. n Over the phone and online. n Can they be collected through salary deduction by the employer and then sent to the union nationally or locally.

Membership Recording n How do you maintain accurate and up to date membership records and details. n How do you ensure members subscriptions have been paid and are up to date. n How do you prevent any possible financial fraud. n How do you track changes of school, employers and address. n What IT systems can you use and afford. n Do you have a Disaster Recovery Programme.

Trade Union Structures n What is the most appropriate and effective structure for your union having regard to your membership and the structure of education provision and government in your country. n Is your government a unitary or federal structure. n Who are the employers. n Are there any private employers. n How do you ensure representative, fair and democratically accountable structures and cost effectiveness. n Are there any particular minorities issues that need to be catered for.

Powers And Responsibilities n Who does what. n What is the supreme decision making body or bodies. n What is the relationship between the union’s conference and the national executive. n What are the powers of the union nationally, regionally and locally and how should they be shared.

n How are the decision making powers shared between the union’s staff and elected representatives. n What sort of committee structure at national, local and regional levels best meets the needs of the union. n What constitutional safeguards need to be provided to prevent abuses. n How do you ensure timely and accurate financial management and controls.

Membership Recruitment n Recruitment and retention are equally important. n What are the most effective strategies and practical means. n How can you motivate members at all levels within the union to recruit and retain. n Can the unions expertise be added to by outside organisations cost effectively. n Is there scope for affiliate arrangements with commercial organisations which can provide services which members would value at a reduced cost e. g. insurance, discount shopping.

n What are your communications and publicity strategies. n How do you monitor and react to members views and opinions. n How do you monitor membership trends and demographics. n What scope is there for targeted membership efforts directed at particular categories of potential members. n How do you collect and disseminate best practice.