♡ UNISON: union members made my workplace great

Alex Anthony, 25, library assistant As a library assistant my job is to be the first point of contact for people who come in to use the services – I look after the book stock, order new books, transfer books, advise parents on what level children’s books their child should have and more. I also help with events, like the summer reading challenge which had about 1,500 children taking part in my area. Sometimes my role is to read with children, which is fun. Some actually want to take apart a book and discuss the characters; others clearly haven’t been listening and just stare at you blankly. I’ve been a member of UNISON since summer 2014, when I first started working at the library. I came from a job where the manager didn’t treat people very well, to a job where we are treated really well, and I realised that it’s because of the union. There’s no intimidation in the workplace like at other jobs I’ve had – and that’s because UNISON members built that over the years. So I first joined out of principle. But then I realised I really liked everything about being involved anyway. I’ve had lots of opportunities through UNISON. I’m the chair of my branch and I hold meetings, something I don’t get the chance to do in other areas of my job. I’m interested in politics and on national young members forum I’ve met lots of other people who are passionate about politics too. I find that my UNISON branch is a really good way to understand politics – it’s ve...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article UNISON voices heart unions week Heart UNISON libraries love your libraries trade union bill 2015 young members Source Type: news