'Patrols' initiative aims to assist young workers


The TUC plans to pilot a “summer patrol” for young workers in Yorkshire next year following a visit earlier this year to observe a Norwegian patrol.


This summer, the LO Norge Norwegian trade union confederation invited activists from the UK’s GMB general and BFAWU food workers’ unions to observe and participate in their annual summer patrol exercise targeting young workers. The patrol operates on the basis of a business door-knock, where activists travel from town to town, visiting businesses unannounced to speak to young workers about their working rights and conditions.


Four young union delegates from Yorkshire took part and saw how the exercise raised the profile of unions among young people, as well as acting as a watchdog on working rights.


The process also afforded unions the opportunity to collect data and raise their media profile, drawing attention to zero hours contracts, low pay, safety concerns and insecure work. And it fostered an important cross-union sense of solidarity. 


In addition, it served as an important socialising opportunity for young trade unionists to build networks, which encouraged a high level of participation.


The TUC has made 2019 the Year of Young Workers, and says that next year provides an opportunity to develop best practices from sister unions, and experiment with this model.

https://www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/The%20TUC%202019%20Summer%20Patrol%20project%20for%20Young%20Workers_report_G%20LEWIS_FINAL.pdf