GFTU BGCM Minutes 2017

was shaped at that event, we got that plan on the book, done with the building

sold in round about 10 months to a year, so that is an example of how we can

look carefully at future planning. So that was good.

Then we had the union building conference at the back end of last year and for

the first time we actually encouraged some of our administration staff to go on

the event. We hitherto would not have got that opportunity and thanks again,

Doug and the GFTU, for your generosity in making that possible. That was

pretty critical in terms of the enthusiasm that that generated, the reports back

from staff to their colleagues, to allow us again to think ahead in terms of future

planning. We have now moved into a smaller but compact premises. When

you walk in the door in the morning, hell, you actually see people, you say

“Hello”, “Good morning” and you have a bit of a discussion, whereas where we

were before people were spread around four floors and you could be two days

not seeing anybody. It is hardly conducive, is it, to modern day trade union

professionalisation. They are small things, but they are actually important.

From that we have now started to develop more flexible team working and

people are coming up with ideas that probably two years ago they would not

have. So they are two case studies as to how the GFTU can help.

Finally, we are working now with the AEP in terms of working through a system

where our advocates (we call them national representatives) who are skilled

advocates, not legally qualified, some are in work, some have retired, are pretty

good at getting you out of trouble if you need them and talking to our brothers

and sisters in the AEP they clearly have similar problems in their organisation

and we are working closely now. I think we are setting up an interview panel to

enlarge that group with obviously representatives from the AEP. We cross

cover each other’s cases, build knowledge, build experience, so one example

of shared working that is already up and running. I hope that is helpful, chair,

conference, and I would echo what Oshor said, let’s get out there and show

support for these events. Thank you so much. (Applause)

BRO ROY RICKHUSS (Community): As you can see, I was well prepared for this. I

hastily scribbled a few notes at the back as I was asked if I would say a few

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