The busy life of Brian - Driving the union forward at CRL

Meet a man immersed in Usdaw – Brian Loughhead the full-time convenor at the Co-operative Retail Logistics depot in Blaydon, Tyne and Wear who has his work cut out looking after more than 2,390 members at 17 sites across the UK.

Three years in to the job Brian has a team of reps on site and was instrumental in negotiating a deal which gave all shop stewards access to computers, e-mails, office equipment and everything the modern union rep needs to do a good job.

“I enjoy my work as a rep,” said the 44 year-old. “It’s varied and challenging. No two days are the same and over the past few years we’ve managed to negotiate some really good deals for our members and that’s very rewarding.

“I’m heavily involved in my own site but my job also takes me to all of the other sites and involvement in grievance and disciplinaries and also national negotiations for transport, warehouse and clerical staff.

“I deal with all aspects of the union’s work from recruitment, representation, health and safety, pensions and lifelong learning. We’ve just opened a learning centre on site, which is proving very popular.

“It’s all about team work really. We have eleven reps on our site and they are spread across departments and across the shifts. We operate 24/7 here so there’s always something going on. “I also link in with the local and national Usdaw officials to meet up with the Co-operative management to discuss all of the issues surrounding the national agreements. We put a lot of effort into recruitment and it pays off. We have more than 90 per cent membership at our site. It can be difficult sometimes, but when you explain all of the benefits membership can bring from representation, legal advice, free wills and all the other advice most people do sign up.

“We have made some good progress recently but there is still some way to go. We’re aiming to streamline the national warehouse agreement so it covers all warehouse workers and to negotiate increased wages because that’s the most important issue for most workers isn’t it.”

Outside of work Brian enjoys the outdoor life with family walks in the Lake District and fishing top of his hobby list. “My young son also plays football for his school team so I’m often on the touchline cheering him on with his mates,” he added. “If I get the chance to watch TV I like Top Gear and Formula 1 racing.”

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