Double for Dorothy

Part-time checkout operator Dorothy Fletcher never misses an induction which explains why she has more than doubled membership in her store over the last year.

“If you’re prepared to spend time with new starters and explain the union benefits properly they will join,” said Dorothy, 52, who works at Morrisons in Meltham near Huddersfield.

“There’s a lot to take in at inductions but you have plenty of time to go through everything and for staff to ask questions. Building up a good rapport with new starters from day one is essential to win their confidence and trust. This has really paid off at our store as members know you have their best interests at heart.”

Dorothy has been a union rep for 18 months and also looks after health and safety issues in her store. “I love being a rep,” she said. “There’s never a dull moment. There’s a lot of variety, one day you can be helping a member with a maternity problem the next it can be an issue with shift changes.

“My role as health and safety rep means I have regular contact with management and again this helps build up a good relationship.

“Recruitment and development officer Sharon Hargrave has given me a lot of support and encouragement - especially when organising special recruitment and spotlight days in store.

“I’ve recruited more than 70 new members over the last year. I’ve also signed up a new rep who’ll be having his training soon. Having another rep will help tremendously so things are looking very bright for the future.”

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