Young and Active - Kenneth Anderson

Young people need protection just like any other worker, says Tesco rep Kenneth Anderson, who works at the Abbeydale store in Sheffield.

“Most young workers don’t have a great understanding of trade unions and what they can do for them, so as a rep you need to take some time out to sit down and explain what the union is all about,” said Kenneth, 25.

“Like any other worker they’ll have problems and will need to speak to a union rep. Young people are more vulnerable because often they don’t really know what their rights are.

“If you have a disciplinary or a grievance, your rep can accompany and advise you and more often than not resolve the situation before it goes any further.

“There are more and more students working evenings and weekends in retail and most of them don’t know their rights.

“It’s important you get the message across that as a part-time worker they have exactly the same rights as their full-time colleagues. “This includes; pay, overtime, statutory sick pay, maternity pay as well as training and holidays and if they have any problems in these areas the union rep can help.

“I’m enjoying being a rep. I’m one of five in my store looking after around 300 members. I’ve had excellent support and first-class training from Usdaw, including specialist training for new reps, and how to conduct inductions. I’m looking forward to attending the youth weekend later in the year and I’m going to put my name forward for the annual delegate meeting next year – so I’m going to be very busy.”

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