For some it means making sure staff do not feel alone when struggling with work situations.
For others it has given them the confidence they never knew they had to make a real difference in the lives of their colleagues and co-workers.
But what does the role of a rep in a major union involve?
Martin Bentley in UNISON’s Dwr Cymru branch has been a member of a union for most of his adult life and, after a few years as a branch member, wanted to become more involved.
Martin (pictured above) said: “Whilst rep work often means attending meetings with members to make sure they are treated fairly; the most important part of the work is being a contact for members.
“We often find we can prevent issues getting worse, simply by being able to listen to our members and raise concerns with management before anyone is seriously impacted.
“From personal experience I have benefitted from having a rep and it meant I did not feel alone when I was struggling with a work situation.
“As a rep myself, making a difference for others and making sure they feel supported is immensely rewarding.
“Rep work can transform your working experience where you are part of a community that supports each other.
“That feeling makes a massive difference to how I feel about work; and I would hope it does for others too.”
Corina Majorana is a rep in UNISON’s Neath Port Talbot branch and works for Neath Port Talbot Council as an engineering support assistant.
Corina (pictured above) took part in a campaign to bring leisure services in Neath Port Talbot into public ownership and attended her first ever demonstration outside Port Talbot Civic Centre to hand over a petition supporting the campaign.
She said: “The atmosphere and camaraderie were amazing; it was lovely seeing UNISON and members of the public involved and then to see that they had won that campaign was amazing.
“I would advise anyone to get involved with their local UNISON branch as this has made such a difference to my life.
“I work full time and look after two elderly parents but still find the time to do something to assist UNISON.
“The team are very good and understand my family commitments and let me work around this, so that I can do both.
“Getting involved with UNISON and helping people in such positive ways really helped me with my mental health during covid.
“It has given me the confidence I never thought I had.
“It has made me stronger and prouder that I can help make a difference with the help of such an inspiring team of people.”
Local Government worker Gwawr Williams joined UNISON in 2008 looking for support after having problems at work.
She said: “I did not come from a union background and had previously worked in the media.
“Over the years, I slowly became more involved with UNISON. I was always supporting staff unofficially and it was just a natural progression that I became a workplace contract. I became a rep and branch secretary of UNSAIN Gwynedd, Môn a Prifysgol Bangor at the same time and left my substantive role for full time release.”
Gwawr (pictured above) added: “I was raised in a family with a strong social conscience, that were always ready to help others. It’s ingrained in me. When I became involved with the branch, it changed my life. I changed career and can honestly say that I love my work. Naturally, there are low points, but they are rare, and the successes far outweigh the negatives.”
Gwawr represents workers in Gwynedd in North Wales and was once involved in a campaign to support school staff which saw her visit every school in what is a huge geographical area.
She said: “There is nothing better than going out and meeting members, even if it does involve a lot of travelling. You really cannot beat the Gwynedd landscape and small rural schools are a delight to visit.
“There are of course memorable cases. There is no better feeling that getting a favourable outcome for a member, especially as you get to know them throughout the process. Getting a good outcome that also includes support for the member to move forward is incredibly satisfying and that feeling stays with you for a long time.”
Anthony Boyle has been a member of the UNSION Neath Port Talbot branch for 17 years and decided to become a rep after seeing the hard work of his branch to overturn changes being imposed in his workplace such as downgrading and outsourcing.
Anthony (pictured above) supports around 80 members in his department and works in a complex health learning disabilities day centre.
He said: “I would be very happy to see more members take on this role because you can really make a difference and support your workmates in many ways and work at your own pace.
“I would be very happy to help anyone who would like to become a rep.”
If you are interested in becoming a rep in UNISON’s Neath Port Talbot branch, please either call the branch on 01639 763820 or email unison@npt.gov.uk.
