Organising Award Winners Q&A: Michelangelo Staffolani, British Library

Case Handler Award, Personal Cases

First reaction and thoughts when you found out that you had won your award?

It came as a complete surprise. I always thought I was just doing what members expect of their workplace rep, but it was really nice to be recognised for it nonetheless.

Was there any particular reason and/or incident that spurred you into action, or that made you think you could make a difference?

The example set by other Prospect reps who helped me early in my career, who showed me the difference that good union representatives can make in the workplace. I was finally spurred into action, when I witnessed colleagues being unfairly treated in a restructure.

In terms of your union activity, what are you most proud of in the last year?

The support that I have been able to give to members throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. While the office was closed, and members were working from home, I felt good advice and representation, and a strong collective voice, were vital in ensuring members were not left to face the challenges brought about by the pandemic in isolation.

What help and support have you had?

When I became active in the branch, more experienced reps were an invaluable source of advice and inspiration. The training courses delivered by Prospect have also been of great help in developing the skills and knowledge necessary to be an effective rep. So too was the informal exchange of experience and information with reps from other branches at conferences and events.

As a branch, what sort of engagement have you had with your employer?

We have our disagreements, but on the whole I would describe the branch’s engagement with the employer as a constructive one.

What are some of the challenges and obstacles that you’ve had to overcome in this period?

The increase in workload has been the greatest challenge. Responding to a public health emergency and a rapidly changing external environment has required a different type of engagement with the employer, with a much greater emphasis on health and safety in the workplace.

What’s your advice to other members or branches hoping to replicate your successes?

It sounds obvious, but always make time to listen to members, and invest time and energy in preparing the case. Also, ask for help from Prospect HQ when you need it and don’t take work home with you (this may be tricky when you are working from home!)

Maybe, most importantly of all, don’t lose sight of what motivated you to become a rep in the first place: fairness and equality in the workplace, and a positive difference in members’ lives at work.

What are going to be some of your branch’s priorities over the next 12 months?

In the short term, the priority is negotiating with the employer on the safe return of staff to the office, while supporting home working for those who continue to work remotely.

Longer term, the priorities will be protecting jobs, while safeguarding living standards, terms and conditions, especially if the economic outlook remains bleak.

For you, personally, what’s the best thing about bring in Prospect?

Being part of a large movement and knowing that we can achieve more in the workplace through collective endeavour and the strong and credible voice that Prospect provides.