Member stories
Hear real-life stories about how TSSA helps members and the difference we can make
Tamara
TSSA is at the forefront of campaigning and organising for more inclusive workplaces. Our success in this helped Tamara to find a workplace where she feels accepted and equal. Tamara is a TSSA member at Network Rail and she is active in our TSSA LGBT+ Network and in her workplace staff network, Archway.
Tamara came from another industry where she felt unsupported by her employer when she raised concerns. She was headed towards an employment tribunal but instead chose to leave despite that meaning a significant pay cut. "The hardest thing was that my previous employer stated they wanted a more diverse workforce, they wanted to retain staff and for staff to learn more skills. But in the end, they didn’t live up to any of what they said."
Tamara did her research on her now current employer, Network Rail, before applying for the role, by searching their website and making sure they had supporting policies and LGBT networks in place. Through the bargaining standards we set for LGBT+ Inclusive Workplaces, an employer can increase their workforce diversity and their chances of attracting and retaining skilled workers.
Knowing my employer is LGBT+ inclusive means it is less stressful knowing the atmosphere will be friendlier, more welcoming and I will be respected. It means I can focus on my work and if there are any issues I can be confident that they will be dealt with professionally and taken seriously.
Thomas Cook collapse case study
Graham Whitehead worked for Thomas Cook Travel in Peterborough. After 30 years at the company he lost his job when the company went into liquidation in September 2019, leaving him unemployed just a few years away from retirement. But 18 months later, TSSA won compensation for him and other former Thomas Cook employees.
Despite the company collapsing, TSSA was able to pursue a tribunal case for members with the help of specialist law firm Morrish Solicitors. We secured a judgment against Thomas Cook for a protective award of 90 days’ pay for each of the affected employees. Overall, the tribunal outcome meant that up to 1,500 former Thomas Cook employees could claim as much as £4,200 each – a huge result for staff who were left with nothing when the company collapsed.
“The judgement is good”, said Graham. “Morrish have worked very hard on it and TSSA have been very helpful. It shows the necessity of belonging to a trade union. Employment law can be very difficult for an individual to navigate. I’ve always been a member of a union and this is another example of why it’s so important. You can’t fight these things on your own.”
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