Organising Award Winners Q&A: Louise Adams, United Utilities
Equalities, Individual Award
First reaction and thoughts when you found out that you had won your award?
Surprised and really pleased. Also very proud of our branch for what we have achieved.
Was there any particular reason that spurred you into action, or that made you think you could make a difference?
The Gender Pay Report and the discussions around encouraging a diverse workforce triggered discussions around what we could do companywide to make positive changes.
As I am part of the ‘Policy Review Group’ I thought looking at policies and procedures was a great way to start.
In terms of your union activity, what are you most proud of in the last year?
The writing and ratification of the Menopause policy was massive for me. Being asked to speak at a conference fringe event on Menopause in the workplace was a really proud moment too. I’m glad we were able to have a Zoom Webinar instead so I could give my presentation.
What help and support have you had?
My branch and full-time officer, Steven Roberts is always very supportive, as are all the Reps that form part of the Joint Trade Union Forum at United Utilities.
Our regional organiser Jessica Norris deserves a special mention for all her help with my presentation and the campaign as a whole. She has helped in many other ways too including getting members and non-members on board back in the days when we were able to have stalls in the workplace!
As a branch, what sort of engagement have you had with your employer?
On the whole we have a really good working relationship with our employer. We have a good forum structure covering all parts of the business including a policy forum. There are four trade unions recognised and despite Prospect being the smallest we definitely have an equal voice.
What are some of the challenges and obstacles that you’ve had to overcome in this period?
The pandemic has been a really difficult time for lots of our members. While many people have been working from home, our members in the laboratory and out in the field are classed as key workers so have continued to be in the workplace throughout.
As Health and Safety Lead Rep for Prospect at United Utilities, I was asked to help with the company wide Covid-19 Risk Assessment. This was quite a challenge as we have a very diverse workforce with many different roles.
What’s your advice to other members or branches hoping to replicate your successes?
When it comes to changing policy and procedures it is always best to try to work with the company instead of against them.
Focus on the positives and the gains for the company as a whole and not just the individual.
Get members on side and talking, and, finally, make it easy for the company to implement and don’t give up!
What are going to be some of your branch’s priorities over the next 12 months?
The pandemic and dealing with our members’ wellbeing and safety in the workplace has been the priority the past six months and will most likely continue for a good while yet.
When it comes to policy, we have a list of things we want to tackle including fatigue, periods, transgender, working from home and, potentially, a pandemic policy.
For you, personally, what’s the best thing about bring in Prospect?
Being part of a union is very important to me. The protection at work and the support available on a wide variety of subjects is vital.
Being a Union Rep and a Health and Safety Rep is very rewarding too. I love being able to offer help and advice to colleagues in personal cases as well as helping shape the way the company works.