I remember it was last year that I placed an entry on here asking whether the union had any mechanism through which activists involved with doing a lot of 'heavy' case work can get help and support. There was a help line a few years ago that people could call and talk to someone but that idea soon died. HRH John from Barnet then started a self help group where senior activists in London could meet and share their stories, experience and basically help each other but I have not been able to attend those meetings.
The reason I am bringing this subject back is because I have recently been involved with supporting a number of members who have been affected severely by the treatment they received at work. One of the cases has specifically affected me and has concerned me. I won't go into the detail of the case for obvious reasons but I find myself in the same position I have found myself before. In other words the affect this case has had on me (listening to the horrendous story and having to absorb the problem and offer support) means that I am personally affected yet there is no where for me to go for support and of course the wise guys amongst us would say I should be able to handle this given the senior position I hold in the branch and I will most probably be able to do this for the 100th time in my 22 years of doing this job, my question, however, is how do others with less experience and not so much exposure get support? And the unacceptable answer is there isn't any help or support. So the next question is what do we do about that? We have limited resources in the branch and haven't got any trained counsellors to help and since we don't trust the employer we seem to be stuck with a situation that would be totally unacceptable elsewhere? The other question must be whether the national union has a duty of care towards those of us who have been actively involved with supporting members on the ground? I think they should and it should be their responsibility to ensure that activists are supported.
You are absolutely right to raise this issues and of course you should also mention the fact that the national union, as you put it, not only fails to support its activists it goes on to discipline them and stress them out even more? I notice you have chosen not to cover tomorrow's demonstration re the appeal of the 4 in your blog?
ReplyDeleteMark
Hello Mark,
ReplyDeleteI prefer to concentrate more now days on what's happening to my branch etc, thanks
You should surely show more of an interest in other matters given your involvement with regional affairs.
ReplyDeleteMark
Blimey, that Mark chap is a bit narked, isn't he?
ReplyDeleteAll power to your elbow Nick on focussing on the branch, but I do think you need to consider remaining a presence at regional and even aspiring to national level, and occaisonally commenting on those areas. We need people who can take a balanced look at stuff rather than the 'knee-jerkism' we seem to get from certain quarters.
Thanks anon at 14.08
ReplyDeleteI have an interest in regional matters but will leave national to the 'big boys' and I am indeed a member of regional committee and a number of other bodies.