|
|
 |
Network Journal 2004 Issue 1 |
 |
Putting people like you in the spotlight
In the first of a regular feature, Network meets up with one of Usdaw’s 9,000 strong army of reps and finds out what life is like at the sharp end. North Eastern division’s Pauline Bailey is our first interviewee.
Fact File
| Name: |
Pauline Bailey |
| Employer: |
Morrisons |
| Job: |
Systems clerk |
| Age: |
53 |
| Lives: |
Leeds |
| Position: |
Branch secretary and union rep |
| History: |
Usdaw member and activist for 11 years |
| Branch: |
Bradford Morrisons F61, Membership - 3,449 |
| Favourites: |
Film: Billy Elliott.
Book: A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute.
TV: Fat Friends.
Which famous person would you like to meet: Nelson Mandela. |
| Hobbies: |
Looking after the grandchildren, union work, dog walking,
reading, and holidaying in Italy
|
What's the most important issue in the workplace?
For staff in my store it's been all the speculation over the merger with Safeway.
Politically, what's the most important issue?
To ensure that Labour win another term in office and to keep the BNP out.
If you could introduce one law, what would it be?
To ban hunting. It's cruel to kill animals in the name of sport and fun.
What one change would improve your members' working lives?
An increase in the National Minimum Wage.
Seven years on, are you satisfied with the Labour Governments' record?
People generally are better off under Labour. The government has introduced some good policies, which have benefited a large majority of people. Family friendly policies, tax credits, and benefits which have helped people who want to work get back into work, have all helped improve people's lifestyles.
Looking back, if you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
There's not a lot I would change. I know it sounds corny, but I've been happily married for 35 years, I have three lovely children and have just become a grandmother for the second time. I love my job and the people I work with. All in all my life has been very good. I enjoy helping people, so being a union rep suits me down to the ground.
Looking ahead, what hopes do you have?
In the workplace, I'd like to see the merger situation all sorted out and I'd also like to see more staff development such as training and lifelong learning etc. Politically, I'd like to see Labour re-elected so that they have the opportunity to finish what they've started.
When and why did you become involved with the union?
I joined Usdaw 11 years ago and almost immediately became a rep. I had a problem at work and the union helped me with it. I really valued the support I got from the union and decided to become a rep.
Is life getting better for workers in the UK?
I think it is. I can honestly say I don't think we've had it so good for such a long time, people really have choices now and there are opportunities out there if people want to take them. There's no way I'd like to see the Tories return. I can remember my husband being out of work during their time in office and he was desperate to work. The effect that this had on our whole family life is an experience I never want to live through again.
How do you feel about being a member of Usdaw?
I feel comfortable at work knowing that I have the union behind me. I'm proud of what Usdaw has achieved, politically through its campaigns, such as the Freedom From Fear and Protect Christmas Day, and in the workplace. I dread to think what it would be like without a union presence.
 Printer Friendly Page  Email to a Friend
|
|
