The National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) is on the hunt for new, younger members.
General secretary Richard Green said they were looking to refresh their ranks and spread awareness.
“We find that the demographic in the public service reflects one where it is ageing, very much in line with the national demographic. So there are fewer younger members working in the public service and thus, in the union.
So in terms of that succession and bringing younger members on, it is recognised as one of our challenges, hence the effort that we’re making today to engage the young workers in the public service, letting them know the benefits and advantages of collective responses as opposed to individual responses in the workplace,” he said.
Green was speaking to the MIDWEEK NATION during a youth seminar for public service workers under age 35, featuring the union’s youth division, at its headquarters in Dalkeith, St Michael, on Monday.
“We are looking to increase membership and participation, to increase our visibility and increase our engagement. There’s a lot that we do, but there’s a lot of people who don’t know what we do. While it may be good to continue to present fair, honest and unencumbered representation, we think we need to engage with people, let them know exactly what we are doing on their behalf, and definitely create a greater awareness and consciousness of the work of the NUPW and the work of unions.
“There’s a gap in knowledge and understanding of rights in the workplace and also responsibilities of the employee in the workplace. We see that as part of our responsibilities to our membership, to bridge that gap so that there’s greater knowledge and awareness,” he said.
Green said there used to be orientation sessions for those entering the public service but now modern workers were ignorant to things like employment legislation, the Public Service Act and the General Orders.
The seminar broached topics such as neurological disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the “old boy” mentality of some human resource departments, the lack of upward mobility in some organisations, and issues pertaining to sexual harassment and the LGBTQ community.
Deputy general secretary Wayne Walrond said the latter two issues were almost taboo in industrial relations but it was time for honest discussions.
“Trade unionists have to get comfortable with these discussions because you have to treat everybody with respect. Nobody should be prejudiced against, regardless of creed, colour, sex or sexual identity. It does not matter if you support the lifestyle, LGBTQ individuals must be treated like anyone else. We need to deal with the stigma and have an honest conversation and not skirt around the issue and whisper,” he said.
As for sexual harassment, Walrond said some employers were reluctant to deal with it until the matter escalated.
The seminar was part of the NUPW’s activities commemorating Public Service Week.
