Engee,
Well I knew I'd get a response like yours. I did say if you read my post that it would certainly have been a lot worse without BALPA. I just find it hard to pay money to an organisation which RECOMMENDS I take a pay cut for the first six months in command! Of course nobody on the council gave a stuff about that one because it didn't affect them. It's not the money it's the principle. It's a shame there isn't an alternative as I think there was a little too much self interest going on last year (anyone over 60?)
It's not about being tight - it's about expecting the union to stop things like those that were recommended last year even getting to the table. I don't pay subs to unions to negotiate pay cuts for me - simple as that. At the end of the day I'll vote with my feet if ever get to that stage but at the moment I'm happy to be getting what I came here for.