Arena Magazine 2006 Issue 2 March April

Three accidents and a tribunal – one outcome – justice

Four members tell Arena how Usdaw’s Legal Plus service made all the difference to their working lives.

Like many low paid workers Anthony Rose was juggling two part-time jobs to make ends meet but when he was sacked from one of them he faced a substantial fall in his income.

"I'd worked for a local community centre for seven years when out-of-the-blue I received a letter telling me I was dismissed after a meeting held in my absence," said the 45 year-old, who also works for Morrisons in North Wales.

"I was furious and knew this couldn't be right so I contacted my local Area Organiser Michelle Owens. We had to take my claim to a tribunal as the employer would not co-operate.

"Last December the tribunal found in my favour and I received a good cash settlement. "Thankfully justice was done, but if I hadn't been a member I wouldn't have had the money or knowledge to make a claim. I can't thank the union enough."

Serious accidents can happen anywhere as John McNamara found out when he fell over a computer cable, at a sales meeting in September 2002, and sustained a career-ending shoulder injury.

Thankfully for John he knows more than most the value of good insurance and joined Usdaw when he started with the Co-operative Insurance Society in 1988.

"I had expert help, support and advice from the union," said the 55 year-old from Sutton, Surrey. "I was awarded £50,000 in compensation which was vitally important as I've been unable to return to work since.

"I can't stress enough how valuable Usdaw's help has been. The financial costs alone must have run into thousands as I've had appointments with consultants, specialists and even a barrister. My advice is - look on your union membership as your insurance policy at work."

HGV driver Kenneth Bales kept every penny of his substantial compensation award after an accident at work, unlike a friend of his who used a 'no win no fee' firm.

"I damaged my knee when I slipped on oil at the Booker's Hatfield depot in Hertfordshire," said the 58 year-old. "It happened in 2002 and I was off work for four months.

"My local rep sorted out the legal forms for me and within no time I had a solicitor looking after me. The service I had was excellent.

"Unfortunately a friend of mine, not a union member, also had an accident at work. He used a 'no win no fee' company and he was left with very little of his award.

"I don't want other workers making the same mistake he made. Take it from me, being an Usdaw member is the best move you can make."

It took Anthony Williams more time to fill in his membership form than it did to have an accident, but he's the first to admit it was the most important five minutes he spent at work.

"The accident happened in an instant," said the part-time Tesco assistant.

"One minute I was pulling a fully-laden cage the next minute it was on top of me."

The 55 year-old sustained serious leg injuries and spent 11 days in hospital after the accident at the Express store in Hove, Sussex in 2001.

"I'd only been a member for a month when the accident happened. Thanks to Usdaw my legal claim was processed quickly and efficiently and four years later I was awarded £16,500 in compensation.

"I don't know what I'd have done without the union. I'd urge all workers to take the time to fill in a membership form."

For more information visit: Legal Plus Service

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