Network Spotlight

As part of a regular feature, Network meets up with one of Usdaw’s 10,500 strong army of reps and finds out what life is like at the sharp end. In this issue Eastern division’s Slovakian born Milan Pavlik answers our questions.

Why did you decide to come to the UK?

There are many more opportunities and chances in England to better yourself if you want to work hard. My English has really improved too, which will help me in the future. I’ve been here for two years now and I’m enjoying the whole experience.

Do migrant workers get a fair deal in the UK?

Yes and no. There are a lot of problems for us and for many reasons. Migrant workers are vulnerable. A lot of the time they have to do the most menial jobs because they are looked upon as not very smart because they can’t speak English and can’t communicate properly. Those who join the union are treated much better.

What prompted you to get involved in Usdaw?

The challenge. I understand unions and how they can help you at work. I know about the training so I can help my colleagues. I also speak six languages and this is useful when I’m helping others who do not speak good English.

The best and worst thing about being a rep is . . ?

Meeting and helping people. Learning new skills and gaining more knowledge, as a rep you are learning every day. The worst thing is not being able to get the answer/solution people want to hear.

What are the most important issues for your members at the moment?

Just to be treated fairly. Also changes in hours at short notice.

What do you think of Usdaw’s training courses?

I’ve done the basic reps course and induction and employment law courses. They were brilliant. I learned so much and met some interesting people. I’ve also attended the national youth weekend and met young activists from all over the UK.

Is recruitment difficult at your store?

Generally no. But you have to take the good with the bad. Some people join straight away, but then others take a bit more persuading. We have quite a good membership on nights.

Have you changed at all since you became a rep?

Yes definitely. I feel more confident and knowledgeable and more able to deal with a variety of situations. I’m also better organised, you have to be as a rep.

What advice would you give to a member who was thinking about becoming a rep?

Go for it, you don’t have anything to lose. If you care about your colleagues and want fairness and justice at work then being a rep is the job for you. I’ve been impressed by the amount of training available to new reps.

What one change would improve Usdaw?

To be more youth-friendly so more young workers would join the union.

What’s next for Milan Pavlik?

I might apply for the union’s Academy next year that looks very interesting. And I’m always trying to improve my English.

Fact File

Name

Milan Pavlik

Employer

Tesco

Job

Team leader (nights)

Previous jobs

Interpreter, bar keeper

Age

23

Lives

Ipswich, Suffolk

Union positions

Usdaw rep and health and safety rep

Branch

Anglia Tesco C54

Activist

Since September 2006

My favourite . . .

TV programme is . . .

Sopranos

Group/artist . . .

Ramazzotti (Italian)

I spend my spare time . .

with friends and learning foreign languages

The last film I saw was . .

American Gangster

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