As I understand things, we instructors are not at liberty to enter into cosy arrangements with clubs re employment status. I mean that, even if both parties are happy with self-employment, it is not legal unless the appropriate conditions are met. At my club, they are not. It may be different where you work.
HM Revenue and Customs decided to look at the conditions where I work. They may decide to look at you. If they do, they may well say that you cannot, for instance, claim tax relief on this, that and the other. They will not care that your disposable income is now slashed...you will be taxed as an employee. So, you will then need to negotiate a fair deal for yourself...difficult.
The situation where I work is that, although we instructors talk of Union involvement, we dare not do so openly. Without employment rights, we would be history. I'm hoping that this latest decision by HMRC will change that.
As for me, I am very much in favour of being represented by a Union. I approached BALPA about a year ago, in writing. They were not courteous enough to reply. Perhaps other instructors have had more luck.
The ideas of having sickness benefits, paid leave, employment protection etc, seem marvellous to me. And just as importantly will be the right to negotiate fair pay without the threat of imminent dismissal.
I cannot understand, FFF, why you should take an anti-Union stance. Do you enjoy the complete imbalance of power that, I assume, exists between you and your "employer"?
I do hope that you will be principled enough, if the going gets tough, to stick by your beliefs and not "piggy -back" from the efforts of others.
As to Unions, many of you will know that, at Shoreham, a Professional Instructors' Association has been formed. Its leading light would seem to be Dorothy Pooley. A meeting was held at Cranwell a few weeks' ago and was well attended. I understand that another is being planned for the near future somewhere in the Manchester area. I will keep you informed.