Network Journal 2007 Issue 6 Nov/Dec

Recruiting migrant workers

Reps at the Morrisons distribution site in Thrapston, Northamptonshire are proving that language is no barrier as they persuade more and more migrant workers to sign up to Usdaw.

"Our team of four reps - Cheryl Bright, Gerrard Cameron, Rui Patinha and Arkadius Luc, have worked tremendously hard over the last eighteen months to recruit and organise at the site that employs more than 500 staff," said area organiser Charlie McLaren.

"They've more than doubled our membership with the majority of new members from Poland, Portugal and East Timor.

"They are a breath of fresh air, enthusiastic and very proud of the job they do and all are keen to progress further with the union."

Portuguese rep Rui Patinha said: "We had 125 members and one rep when Charlie first got involved with our site. "We now have more than 300 members and a good set of reps looking after every department including the night shift.

"There are many workers at the site who need a lot of support when they come to the UK to work. They know joining the union will give them all the help and support they need.

"Very often language is the only barrier to joining. It can be very simple, they might just need someone to translate for them or some help to fill in the membership form. We're delighted with our achievements so far but would love to improve on this.

"I also spend a lot of my own time speaking to and recruiting migrant agency workers from other companies in my local area.

"There's so much to learn and I'm enjoying every minute of my role as a union rep. I've had great support and training. I've completed the shop stewards and health and safety courses and I attend every divisional activity I can.

"I've applied for the Organising Academy because I want to progress with the union and put my skills to good use because I know there is a job to be done."

Both Rui and Polish rep Arkadius Luc have been out with Charlie recruiting and translating in local workplaces.

"They are both very good reps with excellent skills," said Charlie.

"We're having some real success speaking to and recruiting and organising migrant workers in other companies around the division as well."

www.usdaw.org.uk/getactive

 Printer Friendly Page

 Email to a Friend

© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
This page: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/getactive/network_journal/22/migrant.html
Last Modified: Friday, 21-Dec-2007 22:52:45 EST
Proudly designed and programmed by Social Change Online
Site Credits