feature Recruitment


n By Keith Hatch


START SPREADING THE NEWS


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The Unite London Building Workers’ branch was out in full force in West London this April, handing out hundreds of copies of buildingWORKER at the huge Olympia redevelopment site.


Branch organisers regularly distribute the magazine at site gates across the capital to let workers know more about Unite and how it can support them at work.


This is particularly important on sites like Olympia, where the main contractor, Laing O’Rouke, refuses to let the union have access to its members.


Unite regional officer Declan Murphy said, “It’s important that we organise these gate events when site crew are arriving for work. It increases the union’s visibility and gives us an opportunity to talk to workers about their concerns.


“We find out lots about health and safety breaches and poor facilities, information we would not have got if we weren’t here. We also hear that many workers aren’t getting their full employment rights and aren’t even aware it’s an option.


“By being at the gate, we can hand out copies of buildingWORKER and let them know that we are there for them.”


Fellow regional officer Vince McCoy added that many workers feel intimidated by the employer, saying, “Workers are often nervous about talking to the union, but having Unite organisers outside the gate first thing in the morning gives them a chance to see we are there for them.”


“We get lots of people contacting us afterwards to find out more, and often then join Unite. Many aren’t told about their rights when they start on a job and are shocked when they find out they are entitled to holiday pay.”


It was a particularly busy morning in Olympia as organisers and reps were joined by delegates in London to attend the Construction NISC – and they soon made short work of handing out over 500 copies of buildingWORKER, and could have distributed even more if they hadn’t run out of copies.


Soon the team were regrouping and planning the next workplace recruitment drive. They normally aim to have one every week or two at building


Need more copies of buildingWORKER for recruitment drives in your area? Contact your regional construction officer (see page 31) who can have them sent.


sites around the city. Vince added that using buildingWORKER is a great way to reach workers and recruit new members.


Vince said, “Handing a hard copy magazine that they can read in the canteen and share with colleagues is ideal – and I’d suggest all regions give this a go if they aren’t already.”


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We organise these gate events when site crew are arriving for work. We find out lots about health and safety breaches and poor facilities. We also hear many aren’t getting their full employment rights and aren’t even aware it’s an option


Declan Murphy, Unite regional officer


‘‘


Mark Thomas


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