Trade Unions

She was a checkout lady at a local supermarket and became very concerned  about the amount of abuse that seemed to be a growing trend. She put together a case to her manager for security personnel to be employed.  It was successful. Shortly after she was asked if she might take on the role as a union rep, a voluntary post.

With a background there of over twenty years she spoke convincinglyof the poitive benefits that union membership brought both to herself individually and in the workplace overall.

A lot of it being to assist with education and helping less articulate people, put forward a  case.  Helping people with their rights with things like the new benefits legislation. Health and Safety legislation (where quite often she was asked by managers to help them understand it).

A weekly contribution of some £2.43 obtained protection from unfair treatment and representation for grievances and disciplinaries, as well as cash benefits in time of need and legal assiatance. Strong and effective representation in negotiations with employers engendered mutual self-interest, , encouraging her to consider widening the scope of her union involvement beyond just acting as a local representative.

We need to recognise the past realities of the Industrial Revolution since the early 19thC., and the often physical struggles by unions to achieve the financial and political security of recognition given by the Trade Disputes Act in 1906.( Not that there haven't been notorious events since) .

Members present were grateful for the opportunity to hear and question this voice from the floor.