Network Journal 2008 Issue 3 May/June

United we are strong

There’s no doubting that the economic downturn is putting our members under increasing pressure and with rising oil, food and utility prices everyone is feeling the squeeze.

It's during these difficult times that employees need their union more than ever and I'm delighted to report our membership continues to grow- even during the most difficult of times.

We have now broken through the 360,000 membership barrier and we continue to consolidate where we are strong and, just as importantly, make new inroads into previously unorganised workplaces.

Usdaw has always put its members' welfare at the heart of everything it does and we will redouble our efforts to make sure your job security, terms and conditions and career opportunities are at the top of our agenda as the negotiating cycle begins again.

Investing in your future

I'm pleased to report that our new Academy intake have begun their six month secondment to the union. Our decision to invest heavily in our reps has paid off over the years and this has allowed us to go one step further. We have now introduced Academy2, tailor-made for previous Academy organising officers, and designed to make them even more professional in their role as reps and activists.

No other union has committed so many resources to its training programme and I've been impressed with the results. Not only in terms of numbers recruited and new reps signed up, but also in the development of those organising reps who give the union the platform it needs to negotiate on behalf of our members. Our reps put a lot into the union and I've been encouraged by how quickly our reps become more confident, more knowledgeable and more committed to delivering a first-class service to our members.

Strong enough to face new challenges

If I needed any more confirmation of this it was further reinforced by our Annual Delegate Meeting (ADM). Delegates debated all of the key issues and spoke with compassion and insight on behalf of their members. ADM is a wonderful spectacle and shows Usdaw reps at their best.

We all face tough challenges ahead but this union has proved it can stand up and be counted when it has to. We did it during the dark days of the '80s and early '90s when we faced a far more hostile environment than we do at present.

Together we are a strong, growing and confident union and I'm sure by working with our 'One Team' approach, our members, reps and officials will continue to see us go from strength to strength.

John Hannett
General Secretary

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