Female Reps

[Spartacus]

Bread and Roses was the name of a women's co-operative wholefood shop in Islington back in the 80's.

Comes from the 1912 textile strike in The USA, have a google, great story, Ken Loach also made a film about immigrant workers in the US by the same name, well worth watching.

Joan Baez has also got a song of the same name.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Joan Baez has also got a song of the same name.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYRcCa-ddOo" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[drb]

I was Legal and Medical rep for the first part of the 90.s along with being a comittee member, then mid 90.s too almost 2000
I was the DO Rep which included the lateshift driving duties,

Unfortunatly My personal life took a bashing and now have son to bring up on my own,so not active anymore also moved to a different area, but I come on here and report back to union rep and take anything in and put up on the board.

I was also succesful in getting the poll cards paid to us, so I am a little active behind the scenes.

I also voted no as I cannot see RM changing there tune

Essex mum

Wish there were more like you! Well done you and keep up the good work,(all round!)

[TrueBlueTerrier]

I was Legal and Medical rep for the first part of the 90.s along with being a comittee member, then mid 90.s too almost 2000
I was the DO Rep which included the lateshift driving duties,

Unfortunatly My personal life took a bashing and now have son to bring up on my own,so not active anymore also moved to a different area, but I come on here and report back to union rep and take anything in and put up on the board.

I was also succesful in getting the poll cards paid to us, so I am a little active behind the scenes.

I also voted no as I cannot see RM changing there tune

Essex mum

Wish there were more like you! Well done you and keep up the good work,(all round!)

I'd like to echo that sentiment. I don't do the "comrades" language a lot but Sister you Rock

[music4essex]

Wish there were more like you! Well done you and keep up the good work,(all round!)


I'd like to echo that sentiment. I don't do the "comrades" language a lot but Sister you Rock

[
Thanks For the Kudos and positive replies,

But also for your support on here, times have changed a lot since I was the rep and cannot remember all the agreements in some ways wished I had kept some of the documents(Had an old cabinet full of them) as I am sure some would come in handy now, but Some other priorities took place instead .

I even went on a course at the Elstead and a couple of CWU Conventions in the 90.s, Since moving area I kept my head down and just done my work DELIVERY, but I seem to be getting drawn back into it, but until my son is in his late teens then I will see what happens

Whatever area women in the workforce are, there does not seem to be as much preportional representitives, is that the right phrasing?
I also think that from the late 80's you was only really getting women working in RM Letters unless you worked in admin.

I remember just starting and one older guy said to me you won't last long, and when i became rep he use to be abusive until I took a grievence, out then he shut up and soon after left, and I am still here 21yrs later, finding it hard now though.

Essex Mum

[motherhubbard]

finding it hard now though.

Essex Mum

I think we are all finding it hard but you are an inspiration to us all.

[Stormproof]

I have been thinking about becoming a rep for a while, but I get wound up easily and don't think I could remain calm.

Also I'm not confident about standing up in front of a group and talking......something I need to work on.

[motherhubbard]

Also I'm not confident about standing up in front of a group and talking......something I need to work on.

Fear of speaking in public is top of most people's list of fears. (Dying is apparently seventh)
They say only practice helps you get over that fear.
I hope you do it.

[andy2007]

Although (to my knowledge) she's not on here, we gained a new Female H&S Rep this year. Although you're right. There's definately a shortage of Female candidates for Rep's positions in my experience. Hopefully that'll change over time. Remember: We once had the same problem with MPs, but we're gradually seeing more Ladies in Politics.

[music4essex]

" Quote Also I'm not confident about standing up in front of a group and talking......something I need to work on."


I had that same problem and for a while I use to get the area rep to do it for me for while especially if it was on an important issue,
I was alright trying to negotiate with management after time as long as I had all the info in front of me and even when it went up to divisional, but i just could not get up in front of all the men,

I remember years ago I went on one of those feeder sessions for management springboard but that incensed me to become rep instead.
15yrs down the line and our L/M has just attended one and she thinks it is great but she had trouble standing up in front of us at the weekly huddle but she does it now .
Though I usually have a bit to say back, especially since the poll cards issue
I have just had a week shift off so will see what has been done when i get back.

Maybe you could always have a word with the people you would represent and say you find it hard and maybe give you some slack for a while,
Good luck it whatever you choose, I know the union advocate trying to help more women to be reps and have there own conference.
I don't know how big an office you are from maybe just strat out as H/S rep or driver to work you way into it to get confidence maybe if you already have a rep go for deputy so you don't have the full responibility ,
I use to write newsletters to put up on the CWU board to let the folks know what was going on as appose to standing up in front of them

Essex mum

[silverback]

I have been thinking about becoming a rep for a while, but I get wound up easily and don't think I could remain calm.

Also I'm not confident about standing up in front of a group and talking......something I need to work on.

You should go for it. If you get voted in the cwu would put you through training which involves everything you need to be a good rep i.e. staying calm, confidence building, public speaking etc.

There aren`t enough women reps but if women dont stand for election then the situation wont change. Go for it.

[Big Daz]

I have been thinking about becoming a rep for a while, but I get wound up easily and don't think I could remain calm.

Also I'm not confident about standing up in front of a group and talking......something I need to work on.

It's something that will get easier with time, ive been a rep for 9 years this summer and do find being a rep a lot easier