Union members join mainly because they believe in the principles upon which the TU movement was created. But many also see their membership as a kind of insurance policy when and if the need arises and compared to other 'insurance policies' quite a few of them pay as much if not more, so a lot of people want to see higher standards of service and quick responses.
But the reality on the ground is that resources made available through facilities agreements are very limited and those who take on the challenge to represent their colleagues at the work place are also expected to do their own work. The result of this is immense pressure and major stress.
In addition to that I know from my own experience that representatives sacrifice their own careers so that they can help others, so whilst I agree that union activists should be better trained and more responsive ordinary members (those who don't take up positions) should be getting more involved by helping out.
Activists who take up positions and represent members should also be given more support from national and regional offices and not left on their own when the going gets tough!
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