'Stewards and reps are the lifeblood
of the union' UNISON's John Stevenson
told Congress as it applauded the work
of lay activists and
shop stewards
as
key
to
vibrant and
successful trade unions with benefits
to the employer as well as staff, but
recognised that on a day to day basis
management are taking a harder line.
The STUC will promote the benefits of
facility time, will call on all employers
to adhere to facility time agreements,
and will prepare a briefing to counter
the myths of facility time in the public
sector. An STUC survey of young members
will also identify if there are particular
problems for this group.
Backing a Young Members and Clydebank
TUC motion, UNISON’s
John Stevenson told Congress that most
stewards on the ground don’t
have secondment or blanket facility
time, but have a job to do as well as
their
trade union duties.
“Union reps are coming under pressure
not just because they are radical or
assertive. Not just because they are
educating, agitating and organising.
They are coming under pressure for
just doing the nuts and bolts of talking to
members, representing members and trying
to ensure safety on the workplace.”
John told Congress that it was time
to get the facts out there about the
benefits
of good union organisation in the workplace,
not just for the union but for the
employers. He pointed to UNISON’s
guide to facility time which demonstrates
that
union reps mean up to 25,000 fewer
dismissals each year across the UK;
up to 7,000
fewer tribunals worth up to £43million
to employers and the exchequer; up
to 13,000 fewer injuries at work saving £136
million.
He added, “Union reps
save the taxpayer up to £397
million by helping resolve disputes.
They increase
the take up of training and reduce
staff turnover.
“Tellingly, they contribute up
to 100,000 unpaid hours of their own
time each
week doing duties that directly benefit services
and industry and the people who work
in them.”
But he warned Congress
that attacks against reps are not always
rational
and called
for stronger links at union and local
level on a range of issues not just
facility time.
“We need to prioritise communication and
support between each other, and we
in the broader trade union movement have
to take it seriously,” said John.
“There is always a risk in any organisation
that the high level issues mean that
the eye is taken off the lifeblood
of any union. The stewards and reps on the
ground.
“You can’t beat good local organisation
and strength for protecting members
and protecting the people who organise
them.
But that is not always possible and
the attacks are much more sophisticated
and
organised than just at local level.
“That is why, if any union rep is facing
unwarranted attacks on their right
to represent our members, it is not just
an issue for the local organisation.
It is an issue for the whole union
movement and we need to make sure employers know
that.”
