Ready for the challenge

I recently attended the TUC and Labour Party Conferences where a number of major issues were debated, and this now leads us into a busy round of conferences for Usdaw and its reps.

During the next couple of months we will hold the National Retail Trades Conference, the National Road Transport Conference, the National Youth Weekend and a number of divisional conferences.

All these conferences are an important part of the democratic process and give our reps the chance to be involved in matters that affect both the union and, more importantly, the membership.

We will continue to look for innovative ways to provide the best possible service to our members and I look forward to personally attending a number of conferences to speak to our activists directly.

Democratic process

The election process for President, Executive Council and Divisional Councils are about to get underway and will give activists the chance to take their involvement with the union on to a higher level. Successful candidates will serve for a three-year term of office and can make an important contribution to the success of the union. I would urge all reps to consider standing in the elections and to make sure their members participate in the democratic process.

I also welcomed recently the opportunity to attend the First and Second Series Summer Schools and was encouraged by the support for the union, its campaigns and the general direction we are travelling in.

I have often been asked the question of whether Usdaw is a shopworkers’ union and I respond by saying this Usdaw is a union of many trades. I can assure all of you that whatever sector you work in you will be treated equally in terms of representation and support.

Supporting members

On a personal note I would like to express my appreciation to all activists, staff and members who supported me in my re-election as General Secretary. I am determined as ever to work on behalf of our membership over the years ahead. I do not take your support for granted and will do everything possible to live up to our members’ expectations.

In order to do this we will require a united union, and we will of course need to be politically active. I am convinced that Gordon Brown as prime minister has the experience to deal with the most difficult economic circumstances the country is facing.

I am well aware of the difficulties our members are facing due to the credit crunch and the impact this is having on the UK economy. As a union we will do everything we can to support our members through what is likely to mean job insecurity and difficulties as they try to meet their financial commitments of increased utility bills and food prices.

John Hannett
General Secretary

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