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Arena Magazine 2008 Issue 1 Spring Arena |
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Stephen’s satisfaction
Driver Stephen Sturgess could not wait to tell other members about the high quality of legal representation he had when he called on Usdaw to help him at work.
The 51 year-old from Lowestoft in Suffolk was represented at local, regional and national level over a 12-month period when he brought claims of unfair dismissal and disability discrimination against Tesco.
"The support I have had has been outstanding," he said. "In my hour of need the union was there for me, so thankfully I was never on my own. For legal reasons the details of my case have to remain confidential but I wanted to thank Usdaw for helping me to see it through.
"Twenty six years ago I lost part of my left leg in a road traffic accident and was badly let down by the legal profession but this time with Usdaw on my side I had a first-class service from start to finish. I wish I'd been in Usdaw in 1982!
"My local rep Simon Vincent was excellent and we've become good friends. Local area organiser Paul Curry was also very helpful as was my divisional officer Norrie Slater. They left no stone unturned in their attempts to help me out.
"Christine Peacock in the union's legal department did a fantastic job for me. She was very thorough. She helped to keep me focused and was very reassuring. All the way through, this team of union reps and officials worked very hard and I was impressed and grateful for their dedication.
"We kept a detailed diary of events, which impressed my barrister - again provided by the union.
"I hope my experience will reassure existing members that if they need legal help it's ready and waiting. I also want to say to non-members - do yourself a favour and sign up now - the subscriptions are worth every penny. I've been a member for the last 17 years; I'm working for Morrisons now and hope to be in the union for the next 17.
"I always aim to look after my family and Usdaw helped me do exactly that.
"I'm now looking to get more involved especially in the disability rights area and hope I can help my fellow members in the future."
www.usdaw.org.uk/member_services/legal_services
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