The real work in all trade union branches is of course done at ground level and where the workplace is. A well trained network of activists ensure that a large branch, such as mine with 2,300 members, functions well. But then you have what I call 'technical' problems with servicing members that are spread all over London. The Lambeth branch has, for example, 400 members who are not employed by Lambeth Council and whilst some of those 400 are situated, geographically, within the Borough, around 300 are not. So we have the 130 Ofsted members who can be anywhere in the Greater London area and a number of other members with other ad hoc outfits with Head Quarters that can be as far away as Birmingham (Nursing homes) This creates a logistical problem in that the 5.5 f.t.e officers we have on part or full secondment are paid by Lambeth who would not, in real terms, be happy for someone like myself running to Holloway to do a disciplinary hearing. The question here is that I need to take annual leave to cover this and if I didn't then who will do what when or if I am disciplined for unauthorised absence? The Union has to rethink this policy of attaching members from other employers to any branch they like?
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