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26 and belowYoung members play a vital role in the union especially as reps, arena caught up with Northern Ireland’s Paul Best. Why did you join/get involved in the union?I believe all workers should be protected at work.
What's good about the union?The many benefits like free legal advice, employment protection and help for students negotiating time off to study for exams.
What difference has Usdaw made to your life?The high quality training. It's given me more confidence to help members.
How active is the union in your workplace?Not as active as it could be, but I'm working on some ideas for recruitment days in 2008. Membership is around the 70-75 per cent mark - not as high as I'd like but up from around 50 per cent when I first became the rep.
Are there many students working in your workplace?Yes. Having been one I know they are hit and miss to recruit. They're one of the most vulnerable groups of workers and need protection. But many see their current employment as unimportant and would rather keep their money.
Why is it important young workers join the union?They are very vulnerable and get taken advantage of on a regular basis. They are often treated like children and don't realise they have the same rights as older workers.
If you could introduce one new law what would it be?More support for parents with young children.
How would you increase membership?More time given to reps for recruitment activity and more intensive training centred on recruitment to target young and ethnic minority workers.I'd encourage more young members to become reps and get on all the Usdaw training courses because young people are the best recruiters of young workers.
What's next for Paul Best?The mental asylum! But seriously, more training, particularly on recruitment, so I can be a better rep and recruit more members.
TriviaAge: 22Works: Tesco: Dunmurry, Belfast Lives: Dunmurry, Co. Antrim Job: Part-time bakery assistant Student? Not any more I graduated last year from Queen's University Belfast in Film and Media Studies Union position? Rep What was your first job and earliest memory? A paper round - big dogs, bad weather, bad times! Are you going on holiday this year? Yes, I'm away to Portugal in August Favourite holiday destination? My bed! Probably Berlin If your house was burning down what would you save? Myself and my cat! Which famous person would you like to meet? Sir Alex Ferguson Favourite film? Schindler's List Favourite TV programme? Only Fools and Horses Favourite Band/Artist? Fall Out Boy Where do you go for a night out? The local pub What's a typical week/weekend for you? Work, drink, eat and sleep, in that order! I try and fit in the odd game of football in between Which person has had the greatest influence on you? Probably my dad (but don't tell him!) Who would be your ideal dinner guest? Peter Kay If I wasn't speaking to you right now I would be... In bed Any hobbies/interests? Bowling, snooker, football, and basketball |
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