You probably have lots of questions. Why not email on gsempowerworkersunion@gmail.com or call 07557 689180 to talk?

Union representatives are workers supporting other workers. When our members face difficulty at work and are called to disciplinary, capability or grievance meetings they have a right to be accompanied by a trade union representative. Workers have the legal right for their companion to put their case, respond to any views expressed at the meeting, sum up the case and confer with the worker. Without being accompanied, workers are by themselves and at the mercy of whatever the employer decides to throw at them. Too often, especially in workplaces where there is no union already, employers act unfairly or incompetently and either do not know the worker’s rights or care! If the worker doesn’t know their rights, then employers can do as they please. Having a companion who is prepared to speak up for the worker is, therefore, vitally important.

To qualify to act as a companion, you will need to be a member of the union and reasonably certified (by us) as trained or experienced in doing the job. There is no text-book or exam or specific qualification; our expectation would be that you know your way around a disciplinary or grievance process in accordance with the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures. You’ll be surprised how many employers do not know the basics of how to run a fair process and your priority will be to make sure that the employer complies with these basic requirements. This is where your training will begin.

After that, everything else is down to experience and learning from other caseworkers about what works and what doesn’t. You can’t become an experienced and adept representative without first giving it a go! The good news is that you will be guided and supported all the way. You won’t just be left to it; support and advice will be available throughout all of your cases. We believe in working as a team. We can’t all be with you in the meeting itself, but being a good caseworker is all about preparation and this is what we can help you with all the way. We don’t expect you to already be experienced, we are just glad that there is someone on the side of the member speaking up for them, and our members will be grateful too.

It would be impossible to train you for every eventuality. Every case and every situation is unique. But we will give you pointers and guidance. We will give you all the help and support you need to prepare for meetings so that you go into hearings brimming with confidence. There is no ‘right way’ to be a representative; each of us has our own style and developing as a caseworker is all about working out what works for you and where your strengths lie. ‘There is more than one way to skin a cat’. The important thing to embrace is that you are the voice of the worker that you are supporting. The employer has power over their employee, but not over you, so you can give a voice to the worker and stand up for their rights in a way that the worker is not able to. Employers don’t always like to be challenged and told that they are being unfair or that the worker has rights and entitlements - but when you speak. the Union speaks and with right on your side the employer has to listen.

As a volunteer you can offer whatever time you wish to the role. The are no demands or expectations on you from us. Cases vary greatly in terms of complexity and challenge so you will be able to choose whether a case is one you are comfortable with. We would not expect you to start with a difficult grievance involving long-term acts of discrimination, for example. But you might, if you are new to this, help a member who is long-term sick or facing a disciplinary for something straight forward. The important thing to remember is that whatever you volunteer to do, we will be tremendously grateful. And the worker that you represent will be grateful too, more importantly.

As a caseworker, you will also be an important part of our trade union. Supporting members helps to grow the union because it encourages others where the member works to join. Perhaps you have an interest in organising? There is nothing stopping you becoming as involved with your union as you wish. You will, after all, be a member too. And as a democratic union, near the start of our journey, this is a good time to help steer our future direction. We know that you will have a lot to contribute and we cannot wait for you to begin!

If you clicked on our ad, chances are you are looking to begin a career in trade union work. Trade union jobs are hard to come by and to get there you would need to have experience and knowledge that unions are looking for. ETWU cannot, yet, afford to pay caseworkers as employees. We do intend to do so in the future as our membership grows and there may be opportunities for employment with us in the future, but we also know that you may be looking for this volunteering opportunity as a springboard. We would be only to happy to help you get to where you want to be by gaining experience and learning with us.

So what is stopping you? Get in touch, have a chat and before you know it you will be standing up for a worker with confidence.

What does being a caseworker involve?

The most important facet of a caseworker is to be a sympathetic ear. Facing a problem at work can be a lonely and scary time. As workers, we worry about feeding our families and keeping a roof above our heads and when our job is threatened or becomes unbearable the stress and worry can become overwhelming. Simply knowing that someone is on your side and that you are not alone is invaluable.

Being a caseworker is about being an advocate. It is very much about speaking up for our fellow worker and being firm in the face of unfairness and injustice. Our rights at work are nothing without the ability to assert these rights and we do that united, together and in solidarity. As we would want and need someone to speak up for us against unreasonable management or to put our case strongly and knowledgeably, so being a caseworker is our opportunity to provide for others. It is very much one for all and all for one!

Me? a Caseworker?

Yes. You. If not you then who? Being a caseworker does not require any special ability. A ‘union rep’ in a meeting, putting a member’s case, explaining to management where they are wrong, standing up for someone else when they need it most - is a worker themselves. The only difference is that you are not the one facing injustice or dismissal or needing to be treated fairly at that moment. Without you and others like you who feel strongly about workplace fairness and the rights of all workers there would be nobody to speak up on behalf of anyone when they need it. What you need to be a caseworker is to care and to have the time to give to others in difficulty.

Will I be trained?

Absolutely! In fact, the training never stops. There is, of course, a lot to know in order to be an effective caseworker - employment law and rights, the ACAS codes of practice, employer policies and procedures. It is vital that we know as much and more than the HR sitting next to the manager giving them advice. Our training is personal and ‘bespoke’. We know that everyone wishing to take on this role will be coming from different backgrounds and experiences themselves so training is continuous and based on what you need and want to know to be the best advocate you can be. You are not ‘left to it’, but you will be supported all the way with guidance, advice on how to handle cases and regular opportunities to meet with other caseworkers to share cases, discuss approaches and gain confidence.

I don’t have the time!

This is the biggest barrier. We’d say the only barrier. But being a caseworker need not take up all of your time and it is voluntary, so you can give as little or as much as you wish or are able. Any help you can provide will make a huge difference to somebody. It is about changing the world one bit of kindness at a time. Whatever small time you can spare adds to the union’s ability to serve each other and that is what being in a union is all about - form each according to their ability to help to each according to their need for help in a time of crisis.

Right now we are looking for caseworkers that are ‘ready to go’ and have some experience and knowledge already. This is because the union has a high demand for representation right now. But we are also seeking activists and beginners who want to start their journey to advocacy through training, shadowing more experienced caseworkers and gaining confidence as you go. Whatever your level of experience and knowledge get in touch. It may be the most important life changing thing you do today!

Email: gsempowerworkersunion@gmail.com or call 07557 689180