RECRUITERS The CWU is moving from being a servicing Union to an organising Union. Every member is a recruiter and organisation is the lifeblood of the Union. With this in mind, the CWU has appointed two full time organisers who work with the organising committee of the National Executive Council. The CWU also promotes the recently launched Union Learning Representative skills programme, which aims to increase workers’ voices in the workplace through high quality Union learning.

Trade Union activists must be aware of the changes that are occurring in Irish society. Many workers are not organised and suffer exploitation because they are unaware of their employment rights. The challenge for the CWU is to reach out to these workers and be relevant to their needs.

As a representative you should encourage every member in your area to actively participate in the recruitment of new staff. It might be the case that, particularly in bigger branches or departments, you will not have immediate access to new staff. In these instances it is important that a CWU member is encouraged to recruit where possible. Outlined below are some reasons why everyone has a part to play.

GOOD REASONS TO RECRUITAs a CWU member, recruiting new members can be rewarding in many ways.

• You are making a valuable contribution to the Union’s strength.

• The more members that sign on, the more collective bargaining power we have on your behalf.

• You are giving your colleagues the opportunity to avail of the numerous benefi ts of membership, such as discounts on various products and services.

• Even if you are not the Rep in your branch or department, by recruiting you take some of the workload from him/ her.

• Approaching a new member of staff to join the Union may be a good opportunity to get to know them better.

FINALLYThere is a very simple reason to join a Union - Union members are better off. They are better off fi nancially by virtue of enjoying better rates of pay. This fact was most recently confi rmed by the CSO’s National Employment Survey (2006), which shows Unionised workers consistently enjoy higher pay than those in non-Union workplaces. Unionised workplaces also enjoy better working conditions, with individual Unions frequently negotiating entitlements for members that are over and above the statutory, legal minimum.

You and Your Union – make it happen

The CWU will continue to grow from strength to strength with the efforts of its Union representatives. For any advice or assistance in recruiting new members, don’t hesitate to contact CWU directly.

For more information please contact: Communications Workers’ Union Ceard Chumann Oibrithe Cumarsáide 575 North Circular Rd, Dublin 1

Tel: 01 866 3000 Fax: 01 866 3099 Email: info@cwu.ie Website: www.cwu.ie

Potential Objections | Suggested Response

WHY IS UNION RECRUITMENT ESSENTIAL?Recruitment is the lifeblood of any Union, and the CWU recognises that our Representatives are the fi rst point of contact for potential members. The more workers in the communications industry that choose to join the CWU, the more effectively the CWU can represent our members. Put simply – there is strength in numbers.The CWU has continually invested in recruitment and the steady growth of our membership is proof of the recruitment efforts made by all Union Representatives.The importance of continuing this work cannot be overstated. Successful Union recruitment will ensure that all workers across the communications sector are properly represented, both now and in the future.To assist you in the area of recruitment, the CWU has produced this handbook which sets out the reasons why workers across the communications industry should join the Union along with some sample responses to objections you might encounter.The intention is that this booklet should remain with the CWU Representative for reference purposes.

OUR AIMTraditionally the CWU has recruited in companies that were part of the former Post and Telegraphs industry. However, times have changed and if we are to remain an effective Union we must also change and recruit new members in other areas of the wider communications industry.The communications industry has grown and diversifi ed in recent years, with the result that there are huge recruitment and organising opportunities for the CWU in many areas including call centres, couriers, contractors and newer telecoms and IT companies.In addition to these newer areas, it is imperative that in companies where we have existing recognition agreements that all existing workers who are not currently Union members are actively encouraged to join the Union. We must return to the philosophy of “If you are in the job, then you should be in the Union”.

• Generally CWU communications are sent only to members.

• The CWU has 20,000 members in the communications industry. We have our own magazine, Connect, and two websites - www.cwu.ie and www.callcentreunion.ie.

• Many individual issues are resolved in a low key manner for the benefi t of members.

• We are affi liated to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and have been involved in National Social

• All workers in Ireland enjoy benefi ts that have been negotiated for by the Trade Union movement over many years. These include the right to a minimum wage, maternity leave, health and safety legislation, paid holidays, equality at work, the right to a minimum redundancy payment, the right to challenge a dismissal, pension schemes, the 5 day working week, plus regular pay increases.

• The Union is relevant in every way to your working life, whether you realise it or not.

This is clearly not the case. For example the CWU has negotiated:

• Partnership Agreements

• Co-Operative Agreements

• Recognition Agreements

The CWU has ensured that companies must consult with the Union on a range of issues that affect all workers.

In addition there are legal obligations on employers to inform and consult workers on big changes that affect their conditions. The CWU has vast experience negotiating change agreements in the communications industry.

• It is your constitutional, legal right to join a Union so if your employer says they do not allow Trade Unions, they are breaking the law.

• Even if your company refuses Trade Union recognition, you still have the right to Trade Union representation on disciplinary and grievance issues on an individual basis.

• The more workers that join a Union in an anti-Union company, the greater the opportunity to negotiate a recognition agreement.

• The CWU has already secured recognition agreements in companies that were initially reluctant.

• Workers who are temporary, part time or on probation are at greater risk of having their rights infringed upon and as such should be the fi rst to join a Trade Union.

• The CWU has reduced subscription rates for different categories of workers, whilst still providing a comprehensive service to all members.

• It is important to the Union that the voices of all workers are represented regardless of employment status.

This is clearly not the case. For example the CWU has negotiated:

The CWU has ensured that companies must consult with the Union on a range of issues that affect all workers.

In addition there are legal obligations on employers to inform and consult workers on big changes that affect their conditions. The CWU has vast

Management will do whatever they

want anyway

• All workers in Ireland enjoy benefi ts that have been negotiated for by

• The Union is relevant in every way to your working life, whether you realise

• Generally CWU communications are sent only to members.

• The CWU has 20,000 members in the communications industry. We

• Many individual issues are resolved in a low key manner for the benefi t of

• We are affi liated to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and have been

• It is your constitutional, legal right to join a Union so if your employer says

• Even if your company refuses Trade Union recognition, you still have the

• The more workers that join a Union in an anti-Union company, the greater

• The CWU has already secured recognition agreements in companies that

• Workers who are temporary, part time or on probation are at greater risk of

• The CWU has reduced subscription rates for different categories of

• It is important to the Union that the voices of all workers are represented

I haven’t heard much about the

Union

The Union is not relevant to my life

My company does not allow or

recognise Trade Unions

I’m only - a part-timer- on probation

- on a temporary contract

WHY UNIONRECRUITMENT IS

ESSENTIAL

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YOUR ROLE IN RECRUITMENT As a CWU representative you have a key role to play in the Union’s recruitment strategy. You are the Union’s “eyes and ears” on the ground and will usually be the fi rst point of contact for potential members who have just commenced employment in the communications industry. To operate effectively as a Union and to ensure proper representation for its members, the CWU must be well organised on the ground and recruit workers as soon as they begin employment.

CWU REPRESENTATIVE TRAINING The CWU provides training courses for Union representatives. Certain companies have agreed to grant paid leave to representatives who wish to avail of the Union representative training courses. Where paid leave is not agreed with your company, training is still available for you where you have free time to offer.The training provided by the CWU addresses the practicalities of being a CWU representative including your role, how to recruit new members and how to handle queries and problems on behalf of your members. An important part of CWU training is the development of interpersonal skills such as communication and infl uencing skills.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN BEING A CWU REPRESENTATIVEThe role consists of two key elements, namely:

1. Recruitment Recruitment is an essential function of the CWU representative and one that ensures the overall strength of the Union. As new workers are assigned to your area, introduce yourself as the local representative, outline the benefi ts of membership and ensure the new staff member completes an application form. It is also important that the representative highlights the important role all members have to play in recruitment. Remember that everyone can be a recruiter, not just the representative.

2. Communications Correspondence for your branch/ department will be sent to you, and it will be your responsibility to circulate this to the CWU members. If you have a notice board on the premises, you could ask that notices be left there. Furthermore, the CWU would like to hear of any developments in the workplace as they take place and how many people in your place of work will be affected. As representative, you are ideally situated to let your branch or Head Offi ce know exactly what is happening as it happens.

Support StructureThere are a number of people on hand should you need advice about your role as representative. Your local Branch Secretary or any National Executive Council member can assist you with any information you need and are a very useful resource given their knowledge of your local industrial relations climate. Staff at CWU Head Offi ce can also provide you with all the resources you need to carry out your role effectively. The CWU has a team of trained recruitment specialists who can also advise you on how to carry out recruitment campaigns e.g. assistance with training and providing supporting materials.

Handling Objections On some occasions, when invited to join, a potential member may raise an objection to becoming a member of the Union. The CWU identifi ed many objections used by potential members as a reason for not joining the Union, and enlisted the help of Union activists in compiling some answers to these.Outlined below are individual objections that a potential member of the Union may quote when invited to join the Union. The suggested responses are detailed beside the objection given, which CWU representatives may use in addressing the concerns of those they are seeking to recruit.

Potential Objections | Suggested Response

• It costs les than 1% of your basic wage which is tax deductable (get up to €70 back on your tax).

• The value added benefi ts of the CWU such as discounted travel, car and health insurance mean that you can save more money than you pay in Union subscriptions.

• Today’s employment market is fl exible and constantly changing. Job security is not something that can be taken for granted. Can you afford not to be in a Union?

• CWU members receive advice and guidance on employment rights; they also receive individual representation in disciplinary and grievance matters.

• The CWU aims to improve our members’ terms and conditions of employment, and improve wages, which leaves our members better off than any cost of membership.

• It is a proven fact that it is easier to protect your rights at work if you are part of a large group i.e. a Union, than you are on your own - particularly in the current economic climate.

• Many people view the more individual aspects of the employment relationship as being important, particularly if you are on a personal contract. The CWU offers individual services in the form of legal advice and representation and indeed industrial relations representation should members need to avail of this.

• It may be interesting to note that many employers themselves are members of IBEC, which is a Union for employers. This shows how relevant Unions are in today’s world.

• It is your constitutional legal right to join a Trade Union.

• It is illegal for your employer to victimise or discriminate against you for being a member of a Trade Union. In any event your membership of a union is a private matter and your employer need never know you are in a union.

• CWU members represent people at every level in the communications sector from new entrants to management.

• Many CWU training courses can help members get ahead in their chosen fi eld.

• It is your constitutional legal right to join a Trade Union.

• The CWU has vast experience representing managerial grades and recognises that sometimes the needs of managers are different to other workers. In the past we have negotiated agreements on behalf of our managerial members.

• Quite often the fi rst targets for organisational restructuring are managerial grades. Your Union can give you a voice in the workplace.

• Managers are entitled to the same benefi ts as all workers. The CWU ensures that all of our members receive their legal entitlements.

• Only CWU members get to vote on changes being brought in by their employer. People who remain outside the Union have no vote, no voice and cannot infl uence change.

• By not joining you are weakening the Union’s position and are simply taking advantage of the work and contributions of your colleagues to protect and improve their workplace.

• Only a strong Union can ensure benefi ts for everyone.

• Only CWU members get the benefi ts of Union membership such as the orphans’ benefi t scheme, medical benefi t scheme, hardship fund and can avail of value added benefi ts such as discounted health insurance, travel insurance, car insurance and discounted hotel offers.

• The CWU is a well organised, proactive, vibrant Union; all of our representatives can be easily accessed locally.

• We treat all issues that are raised in a professional and confi dential manner.

• The Union is structured so that each issue raised by our members is brought to conclusion.

• Remaining outside the Union will weaken the Union’s ability to ensure you and your colleagues are protected and to improve your workplace.

• All CWU membership applications are processed on an individual basis. Membership should not be assumed as a given and you may be refused membership if you come to us too late.

• Many situations that become problems can be solved at a much earlier stage with advice and perhaps informal representation from the Union.

• Only joining when you have a problem is unfair on your colleagues.

• All workers in Ireland enjoy benefi ts that have been negotiated by the Trade Union movement over many years. These include the right to a minimum wage, maternity leave, health and safety legislation, paid holidays, equality at work, the right to a minimum redundancy payment, the right to challenge a dismissal, pension schemes, the 5 day working week plus regular pay increases.

• The CWU is an organisation run by the members and for the benefi t of the members in the communications industry. It exists for your benefi t. It is your Union.

• The CWU is an experienced Trade Union that has a proven track record of conducting its business in a professional manner.

• The CWU works in partnership with many companies to attempt to resolve as many issues as possible in an amicable fashion. Where disagreements occur it is important to remember that the Union is serving the best interest of its members.

• Serious actions taken by the Union are done so on the basis of a ballot to ensure every member has his/ her say. The CWU regularly consults with its members.

• It is the members who decide, by way of a ballot, the appropriate action in the event of a dispute arising.

• In the event of a dispute the CWU always uses and respects the mechanisms of the state i.e. the Labour Relations Commission, Labour Court and the National Implementation Body.

Potential Objections | Suggested Response

• It is a proven fact that it is easier to protect your rights at work if you are part

• Many people view the more individual aspects of the employment relationship

• It may be interesting to note that many employers themselves are members

• It costs les than 1% of your basic wage which is tax deductable (get up to

• The value added benefi ts of the CWU such as discounted travel, car and

• Today’s employment market is fl exible and constantly changing. Job

• CWU members receive advice and guidance on employment rights;

• It is your constitutional legal right to join a Trade Union.

• It is illegal for your employer to victimise or discriminate against you for

• CWU members represent people at every level in the communications

• Many CWU training courses can help members get ahead in their chosen

• It is your constitutional legal right to join a Trade Union.

• The CWU has vast experience representing managerial grades and

• Quite often the fi rst targets for organisational restructuring are managerial

• Managers are entitled to the same benefi ts as all workers. The CWU

• Remaining outside the Union will weaken the Union’s ability to ensure you and

• All CWU membership applications are processed on an individual basis.

• Many situations that become problems can be solved at a much earlier stage

• Only joining when you have a problem is unfair on your colleagues.

• The CWU is a well organised, proactive, vibrant Union; all of our representatives

• We treat all issues that are raised in a professional and confi dential manner.

• The Union is structured so that each issue raised by our members is brought

• Remaining outside the Union will weaken the Union’s ability to ensure you and

• Only CWU members get to vote on changes being brought in by their employer.

• By not joining you are weakening the Union’s position and are simply taking

• Only a strong Union can ensure benefi ts for everyone.

• Only CWU members get the benefi ts of Union membership such as the

• All workers in Ireland enjoy benefi ts that have been negotiated by the Trade

• The CWU is an organisation run by the members and for the benefi t of the

• Only joining when you have a problem is unfair on your colleagues.

• The CWU is an experienced Trade Union that has a proven track record of

• The CWU works in partnership with many companies to attempt to resolve as

• Serious actions taken by the Union are done so on the basis of a ballot to

• It is the members who decide, by way of a ballot, the appropriate action in the

I am a manager/supervisor

I can’t join a union

It would hinder my career

I don’t need a Union

Cost too high!I’ll get the same benefits anyway!

I was in a union before and they let me down

If I have a problem, I can

join then

I don’t like Unions

Unions only cause trouble

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WHY UNION RECRUITMENT IS ESSENTIAL