Arena Magazine 2006 Issue 4 Autumn Arena

People like you – Graham Parkin

Driver Graham Parkin has been on a long distance journey with a difference after joining Usdaw in 1995.

Since then Graham has gone from new member to union activist, branch official, conference regular and is now the senior rep on site. He also looks after the 1,000 members who make up the East Midlands Non-Food branch.

"When I started this job at the Unichem depot in Derbyshire, the union was present, but it wasn't very evident," said the 55 year-old. "It's been a voyage of discovery for me in more ways than one. I've always been a union member wherever I've worked but it was only when I joined Usdaw that I really took it any further. In the mid '90s this was a dormant branch. No one went to conferences or went on training courses."

Graham wasted no time in linking up with his local area organiser and signed up to get trained. "I started with the home study course then health and safety and I've been to summer school four times.

"Now the branch has a presence at all of the union events including the Annual Delegate Meeting where we get involved in the debates.

"We have a good working relationship with the local management who over the years have been very helpful. Like most reps I have to deal with the everyday issues, which can range from pay queries to disciplinaries. I'm also on the wages negotiating committee so there's always something going on."

Graham works 48 hours a week on permanent nights for Unichem, now part of the Alliance Boots company. Driving his heavy goods vehicle he delivers pharmacy supplies to ten sites across England, Scotland and Wales.

"I've met thousands of people on my Usdaw travels and made some good friends. There is a social side to the union, which many people don't realise, and it's a great way of meeting people and enjoying yourself. I've met most of the top Usdaw officials and I've found them all very supportive."

Graham's union involvement goes beyond the UK. He is the longest serving elected-member of the company's European Works Council. His duties have taken him to Paris twice. "A great city. I liked it so much I went back for a holiday there.

"I want to see people treated fairly and I believe in equality, that's what drives me." It is this belief in fairness that prompted him to get involved in local politics and for the last four years he has been a labour councillor for Alfreton. "I'm born and bred here and I'm proud of the town and the people and want to do my bit to improve things."

Graham's commitment to the union follows him everywhere. "I've even recruited my partner Evonne who must be the only civilian police worker in Usdaw!

"In my own time I like to do a bit of gardening, or read. I enjoy all sorts of music, from Johnny Cash to opera with Motown thrown in and a bit of heavy rock! I also like going to auctions and I'm partial to bidding for the occasional antique!"

Graham and Evonne are set to move house soon and have promised themselves a new computer. "I'm a real dinosaur as far as technology is concerned," said Graham. "So I'm determined to step into the modern world."

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