WO toolkit 2012 complete.pdf - GMB

SECTION 2.8
HANDLING OBJECTIONS
One of the reasons recruitment can be difficult nowadays is because in many modern workplaces
people have little or no knowledge or experience of trade unions.What people see on TV and read in the
papers often forms their views.Since unions tend to make the news only when there is a dispute,many
people believe that this is what they are all about.
Some of them may have prejudices or preconceptions about trade unions,it is best to be prepared to
handle these objections before they arise.Here are some of the questions you might be asked and
some ideas on how to answer them:
Why should I join GMB?
Most people join GMB in case a problem arises at work.At some point in their working life most workers
will have a problem at work they can’t sort out on their own.Being in GMB means making sure you get
help from people working around you when you need it,plus expert legal backing if necessary.
You should also mention the work GMB is currently doing where you work on the problems people face
with the employer: health and safety,pay,bullying and other issues.
What has GMB ever done for us?
Be prepared for this question and mention successes in your workplace.Health and Safety,support for
people in grievances or disciplinary meetings(remember to keep personal details confidential)legal
action,improvements in pay,holidays etc.
It is also important to spell out what GMB stands for and is campaigning for now and to invite them to
join on the basis of supporting that campaign.
Why should I join if I’ll get the same pay anyway?
It is important to stress that,although they might get the same pay and conditions that GMB
negotiate it is a matter for the employer and can’t be guaranteed by GMB.However non-members will
miss out on being able to have a say in how GMB negotiate for them.They won’t get a chance to speak
out or vote on any deals being negotiated.If they have any problems at work they are on their own.They
can’t call on the GMB Workplace Organiser or GMB officer to advise and support them.
Non-members also miss out on legal benefits and services,like help from union solicitors.
Every non-member in a workplace dilutes the strength of GMB’s voice when negotiating with
management.
If I join will I have to go on strike?
Not unless you and your colleagues vote for it,reassure new recruits that strikes are very rare.A good
tactic sometimes is to ask them to tell you the last time they remember a strike taking place where
they work.GMB Workplace Organisers and GMB Officers work to settle disputes and prevent the
situation developing into one where people feel they have to vote for strike action.In GMB we normally
only have strikes when a two-thirds majority has voted for them in a secret postal ballot.
GMB sees strike action as a last resort and it is only very rarely that our members take this step.
However,in negotiation with employers you sometimes need to have an ultimate bargaining tool to get
them to listen.
The key point is to tell the worker that it is the members who tell GMB to go on strike and not the other
way around.