Inspirational reps
On the buses with Unite Education
Building a new rural bus branch has been easier thanks to the support of Unite Education
Unite branch SW8281 at Go Cornwall was set up a couple of years ago by rep Dave Smith who organised existing members and started recruiting new drivers.
One driver was Damian Fisher. After joining Damian stood as rep for his Bodmin depot, soon becoming Health and Safety rep for Cornwall then Branch Secretary with Kim Rushforth as Branch Chair.
Damian said, “Our Branch covers the whole of Cornwall, from Penzance to Callington and all depots in between, luckily I get 40 hours facilities time to get around to all branches to aid our reps and members.”
In such a spread-out rural area buses are a lifeline for passengers, but also a difficult place to support and organise members, so high quality training is key.
Fortunately Unite has courses for the wide variety of reps needed to run a successful branch. Even throughout the pandemic they have managed to keep reps training going, through virtual classrooms, proving particularly popular in rural areas.
Damian said, “All our reps are either attending the Workplace Reps (WPR) courses, or are awaiting to attend. We also have had reps complete Health and Safety (H&S) Reps training and looking at other courses.”
The training has been very popular, with lots of positive feedback, and many reps looking forward to attending more.
Damian attended H&S and Workplace Reps courses, “I’ve found both courses very valuable to me, they’ve given me the ability and knowledge to speak to management on Health and Safety issues and find the information I need.”
"I’ve found both courses very valuable to me, they’ve given me the ability and knowledge to speak to management on Health and Safety issues and find the information I need"
Damian Fisher, Unite branch secretary
“The reps’ course has helped me when attending investigations and disciplinary cases at work, to help members involved and to negotiate successful outcomes. They have given me the confidence to approach management knowing I have the support of Unite behind me.”
Damian feels that managers at his workplace have recognised the importance of a well-trained team of reps, saying; “The management have given Unite sole recognition in Cornwall, which proves to me their support of the union and the importance of having a good working relationship with Unite.”
It hasn’t always been a totally smooth ride setting up a fledgling branch for Cornish drivers, but Damian feels they have received great support from everyone at Unite.
“Jacqui Jones and Deborah Hopkins at the St Austell office have been an invaluable source of information. Special thanks also have to go to Dave Smith who continues to offer advice to us.”
Damian would also encourage other Unite branches to ensure all reps have been fully trained through the union.
“It can't be stressed enough just how important the training to the reps is. As a young branch we have learnt so much about how everything works and we utilise each other’s experience to get the best results for our members.
“Training is key to the success of a good working branch.”
By Keith Hatch
Photo: Geof Sheppard
"It can't be stressed enough just how important the training to the reps is. As a young branch we have learnt so much about how everything works and we utilise each other’s experience to get the best results for our members. Training is key to the success of a good working branch"
Damian Fisher, Unite branch secretary