Network Journal 2008 Issue 2 March/April

Active reps drive union forward

The union’s biggest division – the North West – has been using get-togethers to unite its teams of reps, improve communications, and provide vital support. Network takes a closer look.

It's been a busy start to the year for officials and reps with a number of special events being held to bring together reps who might otherwise never meet up face-to-face.

More than 300 reps from Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Co-op and the home shopping sector were invited to attend a series of special two-day get-togethers and workshops earlier in the year.

"We tried this approach last year with reps from Tesco and Morrisons," said divisional officer Mike Aylward. "It proved very successful with more members and reps recruited than ever before.

"These events are a mixture of discussion, presentations and problem-solving. They are also an ideal opportunity to develop our team working."

The home shopping sector reps joined senior officials for their special weekend in Lytham St Annes in February.

"This was an ideal opportunity for our call centre and warehouse and distribution reps from Littlewoods, JD Williams, Shop Direct and Optimum Contact Solutions to network and discuss a range of issues," said Linda Craven from JD Williams.

"We discussed the general decline of the sector over the years and the challenges we face. We highlighted current issues such as outsourcing, monitoring and target-setting as our members' main concerns."

Executive councillor Anne Hickson, who chaired the meeting, said: "It was encouraging to see so many new reps attending. We have a long history of activism in the sector and there is a real sense of community among us.

"As usual the spirit of the reps in the sector shone through as we took time to spare a thought for our colleagues over at Redcats in Bradford and Wakefield who are facing hundreds of job losses."

Meanwhile Tesco reps met at the Hilton hotel in Blackpool. "Any rep who didn't attend this event missed out on a great opportunity," said Paul Taylor from the Portwood store in Stockport. "This was my first get-together and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

"I've been a rep for three years and it helped me understand my role better and the support network the union provides to help me do a good job for my members.

"I felt very confident when I returned to work and enthusiastic to get more involved with the work of my division.

"I enjoyed meeting reps from other stores and discussing issues they were dealing with. I definitely recommend the event to every Tesco rep in the division."

Store manager Nick Fletcher went to the Co-op get-together. "It was useful to hear what other reps from retail, distribution, pharmacy and travel thought," he said.

"There were some positive messages about communication and support. It was helpful having senior officials present to answer our questions and concerns.

"There's massive potential for recruitment within the sector. One of my aims is to persuade more store managers like myself to join and become more active within the union."

General secretary John Hannett made a point of calling in at the get-togethers. "Supporting our network of reps wherever they work will be a priority for Usdaw this year," he said.

"Retail is a difficult area to organise because of the high turnover of staff and the number of outlets," he said.

"We will be looking at how we improve the way we recruit and retain members within this very important sector.

"Last year we recruited more Tesco members and reps than any other year in the North West.

"We know home shopping has been going through massive changes but had it not been for our well-organised teams of reps our members would be much worse off.

"It's very encouraging to see so many reps working together, improving communications and building the union's membership and profile."

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