Usdaw is determined to get as many young members as possible
involved in the Union and the National Youth Weekend offers an
ideal starting point.
Getting more young workers to join Usdaw, supporting young Reps and
having a good time were top of the agenda at the 2011 National
Youth Weekend held in Warrington in November.
Young activists came from across the divisions to take part in
discussions and workshops and meet up with like-minded Reps, and
for first timers it was also a chance to make new friends,network,
and learn more about how the Union works.
General Secretary John Hannett stressed the importance of
recruiting more young members and encouraged the activists to give
their opinion on how the Union can involve more young workers.
“This is an opportunity for me to get your views and experiences
of how the Union meets its commitments in terms of young Reps and
potential young members,” he said. “I want you all to tell me what
it is that we do now that you think we could do better? Or what do
you expect us to do that we aren’t doing?”
Deputy General Secretary Paddy Lillis opened the conference with
a question and answer session allowing the young Reps to speak up.
“The Youth Weekend is a real key part of our calendar,” he
said.
“It gives young Reps the opportunity to come along, learn, meet
up with each other and realise that you’re not on your own. Young
Reps are the Union’s best ambassadors to get their colleagues to
join the Trade Union movement.”
Paddy also pledged to bring young Reps to the forefront of the
Union’s priorities. “A sign of a strong organisation is the ability
to listen, and that’s what I intend to do as we start a new young
workers campaign.”
“I’ve learnt a lot that will help me in my workplace. There’s
lots more that I want to do now. I’ll be back again next year
definitely. The weekend has been really good for
socialising.”
Danielle Thurgood, 20, Tesco
“The weekend’s been great. I came last year and hopefully I’ll come
again next year. It’s really interesting and fun too.”
Ewelina Sochacka, 25, Robert Wiseman’s
Dairies
“The Youth Weekend makes you feel valued as a Rep, it’s inspiring.
It makes you want to get out and go spread the word and make a
difference for the youth of today.”
Julian Emsley, 20, Tesco