Ask HN: Software Developer Unions?
8 comments
Companies that have unions are on a one way path to oblivion as only the bottom of the barrel will want to work with the low performers unions protect.
The time it takes will vary depending on the rate of change of the industry, but they are doomed.
In tech, things change quickly.
The time it takes will vary depending on the rate of change of the industry, but they are doomed.
In tech, things change quickly.
Someone licked the boot this morning. The NL FNV has been great. Love the free lawyers who help me get lazy corporations to pay their bills.
This is an impressive agglomeration of anti-labour memes.
I’m sure you’re aware that FAANG take extreme measures to prevent union representation or membership in their companies.
Obviously you’re your own person, I recognise that we should unionise, but selfishly I would be concerned with potential blowback; maybe you don’t pass probation somehow.
If you’re intent on doing this, I heard decent things about prospect: https://prospect.org.uk/tech-workers/
In Sweden it would be unionen, but unions are usually country dependent (for obvious reasons)
Obviously you’re your own person, I recognise that we should unionise, but selfishly I would be concerned with potential blowback; maybe you don’t pass probation somehow.
If you’re intent on doing this, I heard decent things about prospect: https://prospect.org.uk/tech-workers/
In Sweden it would be unionen, but unions are usually country dependent (for obvious reasons)
This would be the main reason for joining a union (legal support and resume or contract advice) as a developer.
Research their public profiles: my impression is that some are very much in the “employee advocacy” space (providing enterprise bargaining where appropriate), whereas emerging tech unions in the US (particularly those aligned with specific FAANGs) appear to be more about pushing a particular political line than worker representation and support.
Research their public profiles: my impression is that some are very much in the “employee advocacy” space (providing enterprise bargaining where appropriate), whereas emerging tech unions in the US (particularly those aligned with specific FAANGs) appear to be more about pushing a particular political line than worker representation and support.
United Tech & Allied Workers: https://utaw.tech which is a subsidiary of the communications union (CWU)
In the UK, 'legal expenses' covers that you might have as part of your car or home insurance may often cover some employment-related legal issues.
You might also put the 15-20 quid a month that an union membership costs into a fund to cover any lawyer consultations (which, let's be honest, are rare).
Lastly, note that as part of redundancy settlement agreements the employer will often pay for your independent legal advice.
You might also put the 15-20 quid a month that an union membership costs into a fund to cover any lawyer consultations (which, let's be honest, are rare).
Lastly, note that as part of redundancy settlement agreements the employer will often pay for your independent legal advice.
Previously I have worked for supermarkets and in Academia, both of which advertised their recognised unions during the onboarding process.
Although I recognise I'm being well compensated at FAANG I would like to join a union for the other benefits they offer, such as legal support and advice.