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Repping from the box room


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welfare charity htps://www.nuj.org.uk/news/nuj-extra- covid-19-update-may-2020/


A


eting in a fix with the rules on furloughs? Is your boss trying to make you take your holidays in lockdown?


What can you do if a member starts to get backache because she is filing from her sofa? Tese were just a selection of issues that have come up during a new series of Friday morning advice sessions, hosted by tutor Caroline Holmes, with NUJ officials on hand to answer questions and offer advice during these uncertain and difficult times. Caroline (pictured) said:


“Webinars cannot replace the positive experience of face to face meetings, but they do allow reps to feel less isolated, share common


concerns, and really importantly to see and hear each other. It’s a great opportunity to share experiences, discuss issues and have expert advice on tap. And, don’t forget, trade union reps are still covered by their house agreements so have access to facility time. “Health, safety and welfare continue to be a key issue, particularly around home working, equipment, and for many, doing an increased number of hours. Te NUJ health and safety commitee is developing a checklist for reps of issues that need to be addressed in Covid-19 risk assessments.” Aſter the sessions, Caroline sends outs notes of the issues covered, tips and examples of good practice. Te sessions are interactive, but


Quiz night for NUJ Extra?


s the NUJ’s survey has found, Covid-19 has led to hardship for many of our members. So, why not hold a fund-raising event at your branch or donate your room fee if you are meeting by Zo-om. Latest update from the


Caroline Catch-up


for those who cannot make it, they are recorded and put on YouTube. Questions can be sent in advance or made on the Zoom chat function. Laura Davison, national organiser, said: “I have to pay tribute to our reps. Tey are all doing a great job in difficult circumstances – and making a huge difference for members. It is really nice for us all to get together, if remotely, and catch up with what is happening on the ground and how people are geting on. It might be new territory, but the trade union principles remain the same, as do employment law and health and safety regulations.”


Watch Caroline’s reps’ sessions: htps://youtu.be/pDZZ6-wP03o and


htps://youtu.be/bhH6e6Z4Mxo Te next one is on Friday 27 May,


from 11.00 to 12.30. Book your place at tutraining@nuj.org.uk


Watch: Helping you to stay fit and healthy at home and work:


htps://www.youtube.com/


watch?v=JnOBD5_U8yU&feature =youtu.be


ADVICE SESSIONS


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