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Focus on our members
18 June 2009
Despite the recession and the
political turmoil going on over MPs
expenses, Usdaw’s focus remains
firmly on protecting jobs and
looking after our members to the
best of our ability.
Our recent Annual Delegate
Meeting gave me a great boost because it brings
many of our Reps under one roof in a spirit of
friendship and mutual respect. It’s clear to see that
our small army of dedicated and committed
activists will ensure our union continues to grow
and deliver a first-class service to members.
Even in these most difficult of times as a union we
have a lot to shout about. Our Legal Plus service
recovered more than £18m for workers injured or
treated unfairly. This has been helped enormously
by the introduction last year of FirstCall Usdaw –
our streamlined claims system – which has
improved our efficiency and driven up the number
of cases taken up by our panel of solicitors.
Campaigns
Nor will the recession detract us from our award-winning
campaigning work. Our Supporting
Parents and Carers campaign had a successful
spotlight day on June 3 as well as a high profile
event in Westminster in April.
Most of our members are either parents or carers,
many are both, and they need the help flexible
working offers, the benefits from the Government,
and a progressive and understanding employer.
Our campaign to have the National Minimum Wage
(NMW) paid at 18 and not 22, also goes on. I’m
pleased to say that some progress has been made
on this issue as the Government has agreed to
lower the age to 21 next year, a step in the right
direction but we’re not at the end of the journey
yet. The hourly rates will go up in October, not as
much as we would have liked, but an increase
nevertheless. We also have to be very wary of Tory
attempts to undermine the NMW.
Membership week
Finally I want to urge all Reps to get involved in
Membership Week which runs from June 22–28.
This event will see officials and activists focus
exclusively on recruitment during the seven days.
These weeks have proved particularly successful
in the past but as usual this relies on the hard work
of all concerned.
Usdaw is in a strong position but we cannot afford
to be complacent. Unity has always been the
bedrock of that strength and I’m confident with
your support we will continue to progress.
John Hannett
Usdaw General Secretary
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