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Arena Magazine 2007 Issue 4 Winter Arena |
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Celebrate success
Looking back on 2007 throws up a number of successes for many union members across a range of issues. From national award winners to individual victories, and from groundbreaking partnership deals to endorsement from the new prime minister. It all goes to show how varied, interesting and exciting life can be in Usdaw. So here we revisit some of the highlights of the year.
Cash back
Morrison's member Antony Rose had a year to remember when he recovered more than £4,000 in bank charges and the 46 year-old is keen to encourage other members to reclaim their money.
"There's plenty of advice on how to reclaim your bank charges," said Antony. "You can recover money going back six years, that's what I did. It took me two months to get my money and if I can do it so can any Usdaw member. You don't have to use one of the companies who do the paperwork for you and take a big chunk out of your claim. All you have to do is follow the advice, write a few letters and hopefully it won't be too long before the money is back in your account where it belongs."
www.moneysavingexpert.com
Usdaw's Oscars
Some of the union's most dedicated, hard-working and committed reps were honoured at the national organising awards night - known as the Usdaw Oscars - held at a top Manchester hotel in January.
National winners were chosen from the divisional nominations for eight categories ranging from best recruiter to best learning rep. The union's senior officials, the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, and leader of the TUC Brendan Barber joined the assembled reps for a sparkling night. Preparations for the 2007 awards night to be held in January next year are already well under way.
Premier performance
Gordon Brown gave a ringing endorsement of Usdaw's campaigning work when he made his second visit in three years to the union's Annual Delegate Meeting in April just months before he was to be elected unopposed as prime minister.
He praised the Freedom From Fear and Supporting Parents and Carers campaigns and said he shared Usdaw's values of respect, dignity and fairness at work. "We want to create a society based on justice, fairness and security not just for the few but for the many," he said.
Darran's fear free
Raising awareness of the union's Freedom From Fear campaign prompted Darran Travis to confront his own fears and abseil down the spire of Wakefield cathedral - one of the tallest spires in the UK.
The North Eastern division activist, and former mayor of Wakefield, braved the elements and the 246 feet drop to promote the campaign and to raise cash for his two nominated charities.
"The descent took me 12 minutes but it felt like 12 weeks," said Darran. "It was a great relief to get back down to earth. It was an amazing experience."
Partnership first at Co-op
The first partnership deal between Usdaw and a major Co-operative society was signed in August this year when general secretary John Hannett closed the groundbreaking deal with Mid Counties Co-operative Society.
"This will benefit both our members and the society," said John Hannett. "It will underpin our excellent working relationship. It will also promote mutual respect, improve communications, and strive to ensure job security with fair terms and conditions."
www.usdaw.org.uk/campaigns
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