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smccartney
Joined: 25 Feb 2010
Posts: 24
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 Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2011 8:35 am Post subject: Union representation? |
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| The school I work for in Zaragoza has just formed a Union. Does anyone know of any other English schools in Spain with Union representation? |
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sheikh radlinrol
Joined: 30 Jan 2007
Posts: 1222
Location: Spain
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| Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:32 pm Post subject: Re: Union representation? |
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| smccartney wrote: |
| The school I work for in Zaragoza has just formed a Union. Does anyone know of any other English schools in Spain with Union representation? |
Interesting. Was the Union formed by the owner (doubt it) or the staff? How many members do you have and what are the objectives? I sincerely wish you luck but remember that taking ��industrial action�� has to be done according to strict procedure or you could be in bother. |
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smccartney
Joined: 25 Feb 2010
Posts: 24
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| Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2011 11:10 pm Post subject: |
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The union was formed by the 15 teaching and 3 admin staff. Unfortunately the main instigator was sacked without justification the minute the owner got wind of the situation and I doubt the successful candidate from the election (with 7 votes from 11 cast) will have his contract renewed.
Ironically, the objectives were to stop people being sacked without justification along putting an end to being forced to work illegal hours and other disgraceful practices. |
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sheikh radlinrol
Joined: 30 Jan 2007
Posts: 1222
Location: Spain
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| Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2011 4:01 pm Post subject: |
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Can�t say I�m very surprised about what happened. TEFL in Spain is a disgrace in terms of salaries, conditions, standards etc. Full marks for trying, though.
SR |
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smccartney
Joined: 25 Feb 2010
Posts: 24
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| Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 10:58 pm Post subject: |
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Update, everyone who took part in forming the union have now left. Even the receptionist, a pregnant mother was bullied and harassed into quitting. Several others were told they weren't needed and some, myself included, didn't want a renewed contract.
The owner also staged a break-in to remove some computers and supposedly acquire a crime number to explain the loss of some data should the union or tax man come calling. |
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JimJam
Joined: 06 Mar 2010
Posts: 69
Location: UK
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| Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 3:09 pm Post subject: |
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Doesn't Spain have a national teachers' union you could have joined? Clearly 10 - 20 people aren't going to have the power to protect themselves against an owner.
If people were harassed out of their jobs then they need representation in court which a national union would be able to provide.
It sounds like TEFLers playing at union to me. Shame the pregnant admin got involved. |
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DMcK
Joined: 12 Jun 2008
Posts: 111
Location: Madrid
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| Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 3:48 pm Post subject: |
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This is pretty funny.
Really, why bother?
Unions have had their day; now they are nothing more than a nuisance for those who want to get on and do their job. And you have to laugh at the lazy reps who spend their time doing nothing but faffing about with "union business" instead of pitching in and getting their hands dirty.
Can't stand unions and the whole idea they represent. |
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JimJam
Joined: 06 Mar 2010
Posts: 69
Location: UK
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| Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 4:23 pm Post subject: |
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smccartney: a pregnant mother was bullied and harassed into quitting
DMcK: This is pretty funny.
Yes, it's hilarious DMcK. I couldn't stop laughing at that stupid woman who doesn't even have enough money for justice. I hate the whole idea they represent too, basic human dignity etc.
What's really funny is that you claim union representatives don't get their hands dirty when the ones who are truly guilty of sitting around getting fat on everyone else's work are the owners. |
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DMcK
Joined: 12 Jun 2008
Posts: 111
Location: Madrid
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| Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 4:32 pm Post subject: |
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Baws!
If you don't like a job don't do it. We are lucky to live in a society where free enterprise is an option for everyone. Union reps make me sick.
Look at the hassle it caused the pregnant mother. I doubt any of them would have been fired if they just got on and did the job they signed up to do.
Don't try using the old pregnant mother sob story when that is not the issue. The issue here is that unions cause trouble. You negotiate your job terms before you sign up. If things don't go according to plan then talk with the boss. If that doesn't work then look for another job. |
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AGoodStory
Joined: 26 Feb 2010
Posts: 738
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| Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 5:38 pm Post subject: |
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| DMcK wrote: |
Baws!
If you don't like a job don't do it. We are lucky to live in a society where free enterprise is an option for everyone. Union reps make me sick.
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Oh, wow! That is such great news! Just when did that happen, again? 
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DMcK
Joined: 12 Jun 2008
Posts: 111
Location: Madrid
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| Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 9:05 pm Post subject: |
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| So, whit ye saying? You got something to add then do so. Otherwise away an roll yer eyes back oot yer arse. |
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sheikh radlinrol
Joined: 30 Jan 2007
Posts: 1222
Location: Spain
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| Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 6:33 pm Post subject: |
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| DMcK wrote: |
Baws!
If you don't like a job don't do it. We are lucky to live in a society where free enterprise is an option for everyone. Union reps make me sick.
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I wonder if the four and a half million unemployed Spaniards are really consoled by the fact that free enterprise is an option for everyone. Or the millions with temporary contracts and crap salaries? Of course DMcK will say these people should invest capital, set up businesses, become entrepreneurs etc. etc. |
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smccartney
Joined: 25 Feb 2010
Posts: 24
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| Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2011 8:32 am Post subject: |
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| DMcK wrote: |
Baws!
Look at the hassle it caused the pregnant mother. I doubt any of them would have been fired if they just got on and did the job they signed up to do.
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I generally don't like unions either as they can start more trouble than they solve and I agree that with a reasonable employer you are better off without them.
But ....
We signed up for 9 month 17 hour contracts with 30 days holidays. Were forced to work up to 40 hours and didn't receive any holiday pay until the end of the contract. Even then holiday pay (which was being withheld to deter you leaving) was paid short. We were paid late, making it difficult to budget and pay rent etc. Complaining on an individual basis meant certain retribution or even the sack.
Teachers were being fired for either 'no reason' or some ridiculous made up excuse. He even sacked his business partner and part owner of the school (don't ask me how, I haven't a clue).
On the bright side the his ex partner has set up another school and most of the former teachers are very happily working there without the slightest need or inclination for starting a union. |
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