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Network Journal 2007 Issue 3 May/June |
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ADM 2007: Building the union
Usdaw’s organising agenda has been a real success this year with more than 20,000 new members recruited since January, deputy general secretary Paddy Lillis told conference when he opened the organising debate, which attracted a wide range of propositions from branches.
"I want to thank every one of our reps for their efforts because you are ensuring we are delivering for members," he said. "We are using more stand-down reps than ever and to great effect."
John Barstow (Mid Sussex) described his experience as a rep when he called on ADM to support the introduction of voluntary branch organising officers. "I visited a number of stores across a wide geographical area and was warmly welcomed by staff," he said. "Having such lay reps will help increase membership, recruit new reps and raise the union's profile."
The union should undertake a feasibility study into using electronic mail and faxes more often to reduce the increasing postage costs, Anne Watkins (Northern Tesco) told conference. "The savings could be spent on more reps' training," she said. "And these instant forms of communication are quicker and would avoid any delays caused by postal disputes."
Paul White (South Midlands General) wants to make recruitment materials more user-friendly for the hard-of-hearing and visually impaired. "The union's induction videos should have subtitles and other leaflets should be available on audio tapes to help every one understand what the union has to offer."
The recruitment theme was continued by Philip Stone (Portsmouth & Wight PT), who called on the Government to allow trade unions to recruit members in non-union workplaces.
"We need legislation to allow reps or officials to hold meetings without the fear of discrimination, employees allowed time off to attend, and employers excluded from such meetings," he said.
The debate attracted contributions from a number of delegates including Patricia Page (NW Marks & Spencer) who explained how her company had put up barriers to Usdaw's recruitment drives. "Just because I'm in the union," she said, "it doesn't mean I'm against the company."
Other speakers included; Andy Bray, Steve Lloyd-Janes, Julie Keenan, Douglas Tholen, Dawn Greig, Sue Thompson, George Gannon, Steve Ratcliffe and Jackie Chadkirk.
Propositions on having separate warehouse and distribution conferences were also debated with John Borbely, John O'Brien and Michelle Mooney speaking up in support. These propositions were referred to the executive council for consideration.
"We will be reviewing all trade conferences to see how they fit in, the cost implications, and the demand for them before any final decision can be made," said Paddy Lillis. "Our union is one of many trades and we are proud to celebrate our diversity because we know we are stronger together."
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