ORGANISING TIPS
As we’ve seen Dave and Istvan together with their team of reps at 2Sisters Sandycroft are a lean, mean organising machine. With turnover high at a factory where the workforce is largely transient, Dave and Istvan’s work maintaining and growing mem- bership is never done.
In a major recent achievement, Dave and Istvan signed up every single worker who transferred to the Sandycroft factory after a 2Sisters site in Llangefni shut down.
So what’s their secret? 2023 – A BIG YEAR!
This year, Dave and Istvan have served as Unite delegates to international unions IUF and EFFAT. They were due to
feature at Tolpuddle in drag, performing, but also speaking about organising. “We wouldn’t be where we are now if it
weren’t for Unite organisers Rachel and Nick believing in us,” said Istvan. “Two gay, migrant Romanian gypsy workers representing our workplace, not just in the UK but internationally as well. We have so much to be grateful for.”
DAVE AND ISTVAN’S RECRUITMENT RECIPES
Word of mouth
“One Llangefni worker’s partner had sadly died when they worked at the other site – I helped them secure death benefits from the union,” Dave explained. “From there, this member spread the word. Recruiting is easy if you show people that we get results.”
Speak their language(s), earn their trust
It does helps that Dave and Istvan speak five languages, especially at a site where workers come from nearly 60 different nationalities. Dave says, “When you earn people’s trust, they will follow you no matter what.” Istvan agrees, “You have to connect with people on a personal level.”
Campaign
Start small to get people on board. “If you don’t have the experience, and you start with a big campaign, there’s a chance you’ll lose,” Dave said. “If you start small – like improving toilet facilities – then workers see that you have the power to win and you can build on that.”
Want to use social media in your branch?
If you’d like to recruit with social media in your branch contact your regional office and speak to your regional digital team for advice
23 uniteLANDWORKER Autumn 2023 Empower
Istvan believes what motivates people most is sense of their own empower- ment. “I realised that the union isn’t some outside institution. The union is us, the workers. Together, we make the union – it’s up to us to change things.”
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