USDAW aims to revitalise safety rep network

Shopworkers' union USDAW is planning to revitalise its safety rep network and raise the status of their safety reps. Part of its plans include introducting a new system which will bring the accreditation process of safety reps into line with that of shop stewards. In future accreditation will go through union branches and a proper credential card will be issued. USDAW has 3,000 safety reps, and their aim is to increase the number to 5,000, with a target of 4,000 safety reps by 2004. The union is reviewing the facilities and assistance it provides to safety reps by talking to branch activists to find out what they want. A new safety reps resource pack has just been produced and is proving very popular.