Stand up – and become a stand down rep

Do you have the necessary skills to organise and recruit in workplaces other than your own? Are you self motivated, committed to Usdaw and can show a proven track record of recruitment and organising? Would you like the opportunity to develop and improve your skills?

If the answer is 'yes' then you might just fit the criteria to become a stand down rep.

Stand down reps are union activists who are seconded to Usdaw for a set period of time to help establish organising and recruitment activities in a variety of workplaces. At the end of the stand down period they return to their workplace.

The union will ensure that each rep is effectively trained, developed and supported and will also negotiate paid time-off from their employer. Usdaw will also pay travel and subsistence expenses.

Reps will be expected to work on their own, with another rep or as part of a team of reps, but always with the back up and support of local officials.

Reps will also be given their own recruitment programme to work to with guidance from a local official.

Tesco team leader Angelique Audas has just completed a three-week stint as a stand down rep in the North Humberside area. "It was a fantastic experience," said the 30 year-old mother of three. "I recruited more than 60 members across a number of stores and made useful contacts with many reps.

"The Tesco partnership allows for 12 weeks of stand down a year and it's important we make the most of it.

"I had excellent support from my local officials and the local store managers co-operated with me. So everything worked out well.

"It's important to keep in touch with the reps and members in-store to keep on top of any potential problems or concerns. I'd recommend being a stand down rep. I really enjoyed it."

The stand down facility is something Deputy General Secretary Paddy Lillis sees as crucial to future growth for the union. "It allows activists a taste of recruiting and organising on a wider scale and in workplaces with different levels of organisation," he said.

"It's a great opportunity for reps to develop their skills and help organise workplaces to be self-sufficient in terms of lay reps and structure."

Interested and want to find out more? Contact your local Usdaw office or e-mail standdown@usdaw.org.uk

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© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
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