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 Home Get Active Successful Organising
Youth forum national get-together18 December 2007Usdaw’s national youth weekend is an annual event specially designed for young members aged 26 and below. The two-day event is held at the national training centre in Warrington and is an ideal opportunity for young members to meet and discuss issues important to them with colleagues from a range of different workplaces and from across the UK. Network caught up with this year’s team in November. Why are young workers reluctant to join the union? – that was the question posed to members from retail, distribution, warehousing and funeralcare at the residential weekend. A series of workshops, role-plays and question and answer sessions focused attention on this issue, and also on how reps can organise their own workplaces and what they can do to encourage young workers to get involved. Ideas were bounced around the conference room with pay rates, apathy, and lack of incentives flagged up as to why young people don’t join. “Sixteen and seventeen year-olds should get paid the same as any other worker and then perhaps the cost of joining wouldn’t seem too bad,” said Amy Morrison from Scotland. “A lot of young workers don’t seem interested because they don’t know anything about trade unions,” said Samantha Bell from the North West. “Maybe more youth friendly incentives and benefits would help like a discount card. Our own youth section or a forum on the web site would keep younger members and reps up-to-date with current issues and in touch with each other,” said Darryl Towler from Bristol. Issues such as shift changes, study leave, safety, bullying and harassment and how to negotiate with employers were also discussed. “I’ve taken part in lots of activities and even a trip to the House of Commons,” said part-time student Sachin Patel. “There’s more to the union than you think. Apart from all the issues it campaigns on, there’s lifelong learning, and a whole host of equality concerns.” For more information about young workers you can visit our campaign area. Contact Details Media and Communications Department Ph: 0161 224 2804 Fax: 0161 249 2490 communications@usdaw.org.uk  Printer Friendly Page  Email to a Friend
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