Reviving My Union Spirit: GFTU’s Young Members’ Development Weekend
By Peter Newman, Sussex Branch Member
It was a pleasure to be invited to the GFTU’s Young Members’ Development Weekend. Over the two days, I accomplished more than in two years of trade union activity and regained the enthusiasm which led me into the labour movement.
Throughout my two days, I never ran out of things to remark on. Whether it was the countless trade union badges (always a guilty pleasure of mine), posters and historical memorabilia, or the expansive garden that led on to a wide field.
The course was introduced by Quincy Raymond from the CWU, possibly the most effusive person I have ever met. Her motivating introduction set the tone for the rest of the weekend. I then met Hannah Baker, from the Pharmacist Defence Association, an organisation I hadn’t heard of before. Further expanding my horizons was Andi Kocsondi from National Association of Probation Officers (NAPO), who yet again introduced me to a new union. Thankfully, there were a few familiar faces too including Future TSSA Chair, Simon Turp and Sarah Woolley of the Bakers Union.
After an icebreaker session, I got to know a Membership Officer from UTAW, a branch of the CWU. The icebreaker helped us to learn about our respective unions, our work towards change, and bond over the similar challenges.
As time went on, I got to know other union members from across the movement. I was keen on hearing about the difficulties they have within their roles, and I saw that we all had the same complaint: low-pay and high-turnover. NOPA members in particular noted the high stress of their role, knowing that a mistake could spell disaster for the general public. A postie from a CWU described the massive increase in workloads, and unpaid overtime in the face of this large turnover of dedicated workers.
Andi and Simon gave an informative lecture on the importance of the Cuba Solidarity campaign, providing great insight into the difficulties facing the country. Details of their solidarity trip the year prior, painted a very detailed picture of the suffering brought about by the US-led blockade. Hannah led a very engaging workshop about negotiation, using elements of game theory and guess work to help us understand the difficulties of engaging with employers over pay and conditions. Our facilitators were nearly flawless throughout, and I thoroughly enjoyed the negotiation workshop.
On the final day, we were introduced to Bianca Todd, granddaughter of the late great Ron Todd, General Secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union (now a part of Unite). Bianca’s insight was something which stayed with me, and her work with the Ron Todd House inspired me. Her attitude to solidarity, which led her to open her door to almost anyone in need, is something that all trade unionists could learn from. Her dedication and experience were something to admire.
I left the event more motivated than ever before. Sharing my experiences within the trade union movement and seeing the opportunities for personal development, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of overwhelming elan. The weeks since my time with the GFTU have been the most productive ever, and I feel the best is yet to come.
I recommend every young member take this course.
To learn more about upcoming GFTU’s Young Members’ Development Weekends and to register a place, see GFTU’s Education Programme.