Driving ahead at Somerfield

Age is no barrier to being a successful rep as 72 year-old John Knobbs has proved.

The part-time Somerfield home delivery driver signed up 40 new members and a new rep in his first few months as an activist at the Connah’s Quay store in North Wales.

“I’ve always been involved with the union no matter where I’ve worked,” said the former bus and coach driver. “I joined Usdaw 18 months ago and at the time we had 15 members with union activity virtually non-existent.

“Many of my colleagues said they’d join the union if there was a good rep in store. I knew this was the role for me. I spoke to my area organiser and I was elected five months ago.

“I wasted no time in speaking to staff about the benefits of having the union on board – legal advice for members and their families, advice and support for employment matters, the will writing service, the list goes on, and it’s all free as soon as you join.

“Within a couple of months I’d signed nearly everyone up and enlisted the help of a new rep. There’s a real buzz about the place now, it’s a very happy workplace and a great store to work in.

“We’ve arranged a couple of get-togethers for members over the next few months and this will help bring everyone even closer together.

“My area organiser has given me every support and my training has been excellent. I really enjoy my role. I get on well with people and I’m very passionate about the union.

“I’m in the process of speaking to my area organiser about time out as I think there’s lots of potential for recruiting in other Somerfield stores in the area and I’m willing to use my spare time to get more involved.”

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