Arena Magazine 2005 Issue 6 November December

Tomorrow's union leaders

Usdaw's youth section is celebrating a growth spurt with more than 6,600 new young members signing up during the last 12 months.

The union now has an impressive total of 55,660 members under the age of 26. This is one of the highest percentages of young workers in any trade union in the UK.

And with a massive 250,000 young people working in retail alone, the potential to improve on this is enormous.

One of the key events in the youth calendar is the annual national youth weekend, a residential two-day event held at the national training centre in Warrington.

Arena called in to meet up with Usdaw's active young members.

The launch pad for any young Usdaw member has to be the annual youth weekend. This year more than 40 young, enthusiastic members enjoyed an action-packed residential weekend in Warrington in October.

"It was a great experience and one I'd certainly recommend," said Tesco general assistant Gavin Holmes, 25, from Aberdeen. "Although I've been a member for seven years I only got involved six months ago when I was asked to join my divisional youth committee up in Scotland. I was a little hesitant at first as I'm a bit shy but I haven't looked back.

"The youth weekend helped to build up my confidence even more. It's a great opportunity to meet people from different workplaces, jobs and backgrounds, all with a variety of experiences but many common concerns. You have to give it a go."

Co-op accounts supervisor Kathryn Hartnell, 23, from Manchester said: "It really was a fun weekend and a real learning curve for me.

"It was very relaxed, well organised and the discussion subjects were thought provoking. It was interesting to hear how Usdaw linked in with a variety of European organisations such as Union Network International (UNI) to offer solidarity and support on global issues.

"There was a great atmosphere and everyone got along really well. I don't think there was one person who didn't make a contribution over the two days."

Morrisons worker Jason Stubbs, 21, agreed. "I'd been a member for 15 weeks when I found out about the weekend," he said. "It was great and I made a lot of new friends. Everything was designed to get you involved and make you think about how you would deal with certain situations. Everyone participated in all the activities from the big brother diary room to games which were designed to help you think about a number of issues."

Deputy general secretary Paddy Lillis joined the young activists for a question and answer session. "There was a good turn out this year which not only reflects the growth in youth membership, but also goes to show that the union's youth section is definitely alive and kicking," he said.

The youth weekend has been the springboard for many young union members to become more active, develop their skills and play a bigger part in the union.

Two of last year's attendees Mark Thomas and Sarah France, were seconded to the union's academy and have spent the last six months recruiting and organising in a variety of workplaces.

"It's hard to believe I was sat here 12 months ago taking part in one of my first union activities," said Mark, 27, a warehouse operative from Runcorn. "I haven't looked back. Working with the academy has been a brilliant experience; I've grown so much.

"My confidence, knowledge and skills have all been boosted. I've enjoyed every minute and can't wait to get more involved and possibly pursue a career with the union."

A number of area organisers can trace their Usdaw career back to their involvement in the youth section.

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