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26 and belowA belief in fairness and justice prompted well-read Co-op rep Robert Harrison to get involved in Usdaw. With more than 50,000 members and 1,400 reps aged 26 and below, Usdaw is one of the best-placed unions to promote the rights of young workers. Typical of this breed of activist is Robert Harrison, 26, who works as a supervisor for the Co-op in Truro, Cornwall, and was prompted to become a rep after Usdaw helped him sort out a problem at work. "I was nearly sacked at my previous store and had it not been for Usdaw I would have been," he said. "I knew I was being treated unfairly at the time and I was eventually exonerated but it wasn't a very nice position to be in. The union did go that extra mile for me and I appreciated it. "I'm pleased to say at my present store the management have a real sense of what's fair and we work out any problems between us on that basis. I've had a fair bit of experience representing members and I enjoy it. I want to help people and being a rep gives you the opportunity to air your views and make a difference at work. I've been on union training courses and learnt a lot. They were informal and informative. I enjoyed them. "I'm a firm believer in unions. They are vital when you are faced with an unscrupulous or unfair employer. With Usdaw on your side you know you have the backing of a professional organisation. It's the people who work in unorganised sectors who are most at risk." Robert has a wide range of interests beyond work and keeps a close eye on the news and current affairs, although he acknowledges not all of his peers do the same. "I don't think most young people are that interested in politics, but you could also say that about the population in general. I'm sure the political spin and sensationalist media don't help either. I'm not a member of a political party, but when Tony Blair goes, and assuming Gordon Brown takes over, I think I'll join the Labour Party. "I'm particularly concerned about the growing waves of political and religious extremism. I also think we all need to take more responsibility for the environment and the damage we are causing. We could make a difference with just a few small sacrifices."
Trivia FileWhat was your first pop/rock concert?Bob Dylan in Cardiff.
Are you going on holiday next year?No plans yet.
What would be your favourite holiday destination?Cuba, sun, sea and history.
What would be your nightmare holiday?Somewhere like Ibiza.
What would be your dream/nightmare job?Nightmare job would be Tory leader David Cameron's beautician. Dream job being a roadie for the Grateful Dead.
What was your first job and what's your earliest memory of that job?My first job was doing a paper round in the pouring rain and lightning!
Who would you invite to your celebrity dinner party?Woody Allen, Bob Dylan, Bret Gurewitz, Philip Roth and Larry David.
If your house was burning down what would you save?Actually my house nearly did burn down and after I'd saved the cat and tortoise I was most worried about my PC.
Which famous person living or dead would you like to meet?Joseph Heller, author of Catch 22, a very under-rated writer.
Favourite Film?Annie Hall.
Favourite TV programme?Seinfeld.
Favourite Band/Artist?Bob Dylan.
Favourite Book?Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky.
Where do you go for a night out?Local clubs and pubs.
Any hobbies, interests?Reading, music, socialising and badminton or tennis now and again. Printer Friendly Page  Email to a Friend
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