''We have been delighted but overstretched by the continuing demand for this training as members step up to become the backbone of this great union.''
GMB union Health & Safety officer Paul Holleran warns that the Coronavirus appears less of a deadly threat, however it has not gone away.
The Coronavirus now appears to be much less of a deadly threat thanks to the vaccination rollout. However it hasn’t gone away and people should not return to behaving as though it has.
In saying that the GMB has just restarted face to face training for our new reps and it is like night and day compared with delivering online and through teams or zoom.
Seeing new keen shop stewards who want to learn the ropes and tricks of the trade is a breath of fresh air, particularly as we have to open as many classroom windows as possible for purposes of ventilation. So far the lads and lasses appear to be enjoying the experience too with plenty of laughs along with anger at shocking tales of bad management.
We have been delighted but overstretched by the continuing demand for this training as members step up to become the backbone of this great union. Employment rights and health and safety including how to tackle bullying are on the course agenda and the new recruits of varying ages and gender are lapping it up.
Covid as an issue to discuss still lingers as apparently some managers regularly chance their arm on avoiding sticking to risk assessments and simple safeguards. It is also amazing how the Covid pandemic is getting the blame for most things by certain politicians. Shortage of fruit and veg, closure of petrol stations, delays and waiting lists for cancer treatment.
Some elements of the media appear to be content in repeating these political claims instead of asking questions about the impact of Brexit or many years of disinvestment in the NHS leading to staff shortages and lack of new equipment.
Let’s tell it like it is, there are serious problems in the UK caused by political mismanagement of a major kind. Problems that are a matter of life and death and it is up to all of us to tell the government it is unacceptable and needs to change now.
Paul Holleran
Health & Safety & Education officer
GMB union
North West & Irish Region
