With annual trade union membership numbers set to be announced tomorrow (Wednesday 27 May), unions across the South West region are already reporting a surge in new members at unprecedented levels.
The covid-19 crisis has prompted workers to seek advice and support from trade unions especially around keeping safe at work. Many unions saw a particular spike immediately after the Prime Minister announced plans for a return to work earlier this month.
Workers in the heath, retail, education and hospitality sectors are among those joining unions in droves.
Nigel Costley South West TUC Regional Secretary said:
“The crisis has shown how important unions are in speaking up for workers to employers and government.
“Unions fought for and secured the unprecedented job retention scheme that saved millions of jobs and protected incomes. We fought for better guidance to make workplaces safe in the slow return back to work. And we continue to negotiate for a fairer, safer and better world of work for everyone.
“There’s no better time than now to join your union.”
Nick Ireland, South West Regional Secretary for the shop workers’ union USDAW, said:
“From the moment panic-buying began in supermarkets, our members have been on the front line. Our reps have been brilliant in pressing employers for safe working and helping alert the public to the needs to observe guidance.”
Like many unions, UNISON, the largest health union quickly established a crisis help hub that received hundreds of calls from anxious members. More than 600 new members joined in the last week alone.
Source: Unison South West
Joanne Kaye, South West Regional Secretary, said:
“The lack of protection for those in health and social care has been a scandal and the union has been working flat out to support workers. It is great to see people coming out to clap for key workers and we need to turn that spirit into real action to treat these workers better in future.”
The union representing postal workers had to put up a fight to secure better protection for members who have to work in close quarter in sorting and delivery offices.
Kevin Beazer Regional Secretary for the Communication Workers Union (CWU) said:
“Royal Mail management were slow to recognise the threat of the virus. Workers appreciated the challenges involved but we had to argue hard to get social distancing and PPE organised.”
Recently, CWU won a £200 one-off payment for all Royal Mail staff.
The CWU is also supporting BT Openreach members who have been abused by a small number of people who believe the nonsense conspiracy theories about the G5 network causing the virus.
The education unions witnessed a sudden rush of new members and requests for advice when Boris Johnson announced the re-opening of schools.
Hannah Packham, South West Regional Secretary for the National Education Union, said:
“Within minutes of Boris Johnson announcing the re-opening of schools, education unions witnessed a sudden rush of new members and requests for advice.
“The Prime Minister’s announcement to bring children back to school before there is evidence that it is safe to do so caused such a surge in demand that our website crashed. Already, we have received more than a 1,000 calls for advice on this issue, including from school leaders.”
Bus drivers have been amongst those most exposed to Covid-19. They have experienced some of the highest death rates across the country. Many buses have had to be fitted with screens alongside other measures to keep drivers and passengers as safe as possible.
RMT Regional Secretary Barry West said:
“Drivers are afraid of dying; they worry they could transmit this terrible virus to family members, to those they live with, or care for, or even the public.”
Plymouth bus driver and rep for Unite, Andy Worth said:
“We’re getting lots of enquiries from people keen to join Unite for advice, support and protection at work during this crisis”.
Unite the union, covers a wide section of the workforce and has seen membership jump especially in the hospitality, manufacturing, and technology sectors including civil aviation. It has been fighting for government support for a number of key sectors most affected by the lockdown.
Steve Preddy, Unite Regional Secretary said:
“Our reps and officers have been dealing with hundreds of new members seeking advice and support at this time. As an example of the spike, the South West Region of Unite has seen over 5,000 new members year to date.”
The civil service Union, PCS has helped workers set up from home and deal with the avalanche of claims. James Davies, PCS Regional Secretary said:
“Our reps are doing some really good work getting people working from home and ensuring the safety of those still in the workplace, while some one-and-a-half million Universal Credit claims have been turned around.”
Anyone can join a trade union. To find the trade union for your job, visit tuc.org.uk
