n By Keith Hatch
Organising – Unite’s legendary Tolpuddle branch in action
Lorna explained that “Staff are dispersed at different offices and work bases throughout the Forest, and don’t have regular contact at a localised point.”
Being spread out is something that Alan Daniels, Unite’s Tolpuddle branch chair understands. “Being a composite branch that covers the whole of Dorset can pose challenges,” he said.
The Tolpuddle branch has changed the way it works to accommodate this.
Alan explained, “Traditionally all the branch meetings were held in Dorchester, but last year we started alternating them between Dorchester and Poole, and this year we are aiming to expand to include Blandford and Bridport.
“This makes it easier for members to attend meetings and get involved.” The branch is also raising its profile by having stalls and getting involved in local events.
Alan said, “Events give us a great opportunity to explain what Unite is and how being a member can benefit workers. We had some great conversations and gave away lots of pens, notebooks and stickers, along with membership forms, to jog people’s memories when they get home.
“This year we plan to do more.”
Steve said there is sometimes confusion with some workers thinking
that the NFU is the agricultural trade union for them. So the branch takes the Unite message to rural gatherings.
Steve said, “My branch has sought to raise the profile of Unite by taking a trade stand at the Annual County Ploughing Match and Country Show which is organised by local farmers!
“This is a well-attended rural event and our presence has recruited members and also demonstrated to reluctant aggies that we are not afraid to challenge farmers, who often visit the stand to see what we are about.”
In Yorkshire, Monique Mosley is a Unite convenor and line coordinator at a rural food factory. Monique agrees with the recruitment challenges highlighted by other rural Unite reps.
Monique has found that being interested in the concerns of workers and their lives, and going to places where farmworkers gather, is the best way to organise.
Monique said, “Despite being a female migrant of a certain age, I find that showing genuine interest opens multiple doors.”
Confidence is key. Monique often pops into rural pubs, “under duress, of course”, and chats to locals about the issues they face, getting to know the area and making friends.
Monique explained that having a thick skin is useful: “Not everyone believes in unions. Not everyone is nice. You can’t always win. Learn from that
35 uniteLANDWORKER Summer 2025 ‘‘
Recruit more reps in your branch to help distribute responsibilities, allowing for time to be freed up to invest in recruiting new members
Lorna Bailey-Towler, Unite rep and forestry worker
experience and use it for personal growth. Understand that we’re all different yet might have the same issues and that we all deserve an equal amount of respect.
“But I particularly love talking about livestock, tractors, chainsaws, dogs, food and the current environmental pressures. Living in a house with no heating, awaiting my new cows, going shooting clays, this all makes for a good personal background to draw from.”
Monique also suggested livestock auctions: “They are a great place to get yourself known, and I’ve signed up a fair few new members at one. Always be very confident and patient – but try not to buy livestock – I keep failing at the last one!”
There are always going to be challenges for organising in the countryside, but there are huge benefits and rewards – both for Unite and the workers we represent.
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Keith Hatch
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