Network Journal 2004 Issue 1

Whatever your current occupation - you could be an area organiser

Applications for area organiser posts come from activists in a range of occupations, all age groups, men and women, and from a number of ethnic backgrounds. Most have taken advantage of the union's education and training courses and all can call upon workplace experience of representing members in a variety of circumstances.

Here we look at the work of today's area organisers, how you can become a candidate, and what you can expect.

Area organisers play a crucial part in the success of the union and play a pivotal role in organising and representing members. Usdaw has a long tradition of promoting its activists to these positions. The job itself requires dedication, commitment and extensive knowledge of industrial relations issues.

Usdaw provides an extensive range of educational and training courses to help reps acquire the skills and knowledge to help them do a better job. Some of those activists will go on to become an Area Organiser (AO). So what does the position entail?

Job description

An AO is responsible, in the first instance, to the divisional officer and ultimately responsible to the General Secretary and Executive council.

The AO will have a specific allocation of branches and be responsible for the servicing of these. He/she will also be required to participate in divisional or national industrial and political campaigns. Recruitment and retention of members will be central to these campaigns.

AOs will deal with members on an individual and collective basis. The former will involve representation at disciplinary/grievance hearings and/or tribunals. The latter may involve negotiations on pay, working systems and other industrial issues.

The AO will also ensure the branches under his/her jurisdiction act in accordance with the rule book when dealing with elections, meetings, finance and workplace ballots. Guidance to branches on annual delegate meeting procedures may also be required.

An AO will be expected to liaise with other officials, activists and company representatives. The best interests of the members should guide the AO's actions.

Recruitment plays an essential role, and the AO will work with divisional officials and the Deputy General Secretary to ensure he/she is working in the most effective way to promote the union's interests.

Clerical and administrative support will be available to all AOs. However, the AO is responsible for responding to written and verbal communications, ensuring meeting dates are kept, and that senior officers are kept advised of all important developments within the AO's area of responsibility.

The role of the AO may involve the preparation of detailed claims and/or reports, sometimes of a technical or statistical nature. The AO should also have, or expect to gain, a clear understanding of the rights and responsibilities as outlined in trade union and industrial law.

"We encourage our activists on to the organising staff," said Sir Bill Connor. "It makes sense for us to nurture and develop the talent among our reps. The opportunities are there. Look out for the next vacancy."

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