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 Home Lifelong Learning
Learning and organising24 March 2005
Usdaw’s Lifelong Learning promotions at the Safeway/Morrisons store in Ayr have not only resulted in over a quarter of the workforce taking up some kind of learning activity – they have also helped to more than double the store membership as well as giving a huge boost to union activism. When Margaret Fleming, Usdaw Lifelong Learning Project Worker and Alison Irvine, Usdaw Recruitment and Development Officer first visited the store, their reception was nothing short of luke-warm. The store had no shop steward in place and there was little or no interest in the union. Not to be put off Margaret and Alison persevered in their visits. Their persistence began to pay off as one of the members, Gerry Thomas, expressed an interest in becoming a Union Learning Rep . “I have always been interested in learning so when I saw the posters in store advertising for a Union Learning Rep I decided to give it a go” says Gerry. Margaret Fleming said, “Gerry took to the role as if her were born to it. Through his hard work and encouragement 45 staff in store have done computer courses. But not only that - Gerry and Alison also managed to persuade Colin Campbell to take on the role of shop steward in the store!” “I cannot believe the difference 12 months has made to this store,” says Alison Irvine. I used to find it difficult to get anyone to talk to me about the union – let alone join!” “Once Gerry Thomas the Union Learning Rep was in place the staff soon began to realise how being a part of the union can benefit them both inside and outside of work. In the last year, I have seen a complete change in opinion about how the union is viewed. The union is no longer spoken of with suspicion. The members see themselves well and truly as part of the union, with everyone working together to build membership and strengthen the union’s position.” “In the last six months I have managed to recruit over 80 new members and I love it! I am now looking forward to my health and safety rep training. The store now also has a second shop steward – so as you see we are going from strength to strength,” says Colin. You see what can happen when you all work together?” Although Gerry Thomas has now moved on to a Morrisons/Safeway store in Troon, before he left he made sure that the good work he had started would carry on. Lisa Shimmons, who Gerry had encouraged to do a computer course, agreed to take over as the store’s Union Learning Rep. Lisa has just finished her ULR course and can’t wait to pick up where Gerry left off. Lisa says “I really enjoyed the Union Learning Reps course – it has given me the confidence to talk to members, not only about learning but also to encourage them to join the union. Three people in my department have already given me back their completed membership forms”. Be prepared for another flood of membership forms… If you would like any further information please contact Margaret Fleming at Usdaw’s Glasgow office on 0141 427 6561 or e-mail margaret.fleming@usdaw.org.uk
Contact Details Education Department Ph: 0161 224 2804 Fax: 0161 257 2566 Email: lifelonglearning@usdaw.org.uk Web: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/lifelong_learning  Printer Friendly Page  Email to a Friend
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