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Grassroots hero

25 June 2010

Sittu Ahmed believes her union involvement not only helps tackle workplace issues, but also gives her a set of transferable skills. Sittu explains

Factfile

Name: Sittu Ahmed
Occupation: Conciliator
Workplace: ACAS
Union responsibilities: Health and safety rep

That persuaded you to get involved in the union?

Joining PCS was the most natural thing for me to do on my first day at work after hanging up my coat. As an active Unison steward in my previous post, I understood only too well the importance of being involved in the workplace and taking issues at grassroots level up the union food chain to be addressed.

What benefits have you found from getting involved?

It’s a win-win situation. I’m involved from the outset, exposed to the wider union and privy to information, which satisfies my inquisitive mind. It has also built up my skills and experiences and accessibility to a wide range of development and training.

These transferable skills are a real advantage, especially in the current economic climate.

How do you balance union work with your life outside PCS?

My union work enhances my personal life and my personal life embraces my PCS work.
It’s not just union reps who struggle with worklife balance; it’s a culture we need to eradicate. I’m prepared to give a little more if the result is a legacy we can all live with.

It can get a little intense if you let it consume your life but I’ll only start to worry once I see Union Reps Anonymous advertised!

Which person has had the greatest influence on you?

Barbara Castle, the red queen! And not just because she was Baroness of Blackburn, my birth town. More importantly, after 40 years of legislation, we’re still battling to win equal pay; female workers are still paid 16% less on average than their male counterparts. I agree with the sentiments of the New Statesman that without her groundbreaking work “we would be poorer, less safe and less equal”.

What has surprised you about the union?

PCS’s commitment and strength to its campaigning agenda, where everyone is invited to play a part in the workplace. There’s a campaign for everyone to participate in. As health and safety rep I have found the Report it! campaign particularly useful in highlighting my role.

Are you happy with the support you’ve had? What have you found most useful?
I’ve been fortunate to receive the most welcoming and supportive advice from local, regional and national officers.

If you were general secretary for a day what would you do?

As general secretary for a day I would lobby the government to put trade unionism back into our schools, colleges and education system. We need a real commitment to encourage the benefits to our young generation, empower the minds of future decision makers and bring back the heart of collective bargaining.

What would your advice be to other members who may be thinking of becoming active in the union?

You get more than you put in. Where else in your life do you get that?

Could you make a difference where you work? Speak to your PCS rep about getting more involved in our union.