From day one of the
recognition agreement being signed at Polestar Sheffield by AGS Mr
Tony Burke, the Polestar Sheffield Chapel have continued to lobby
the management at Polestar Sheffield while Unite officers continued
to negotiate, a suitable place for a Trade Union / Chapel office
on-site at Polestar Sheffield. This would be to sit alongside the
Unite/Polestar Learning centre, and by used by all the reps
including the ULRs.
‘’ Its been a
long, hard road to get this far but people have kept determination
and doggedness to get this key piece of the jig saw and raise the
union profile.’’ Said Neal Offer – FOC
‘’Everyone involved
from the chapel were like a terrier with a bone!’’ added Paul
Shippin – Chapel Member
It was finally agreed
at Christmas 2009 that an office space would be built and a
partnership was formed between Unite and Polestar Sheffield on
joint funding arrangements.
‘’ You need a modern,
professional resource where members, officers and reps can
meet...’’ Commented Ged Dempsey Chapel secretary
On Monday the
19th April 2009 a small but significant opening ceremony
took place at the Polestar site. Vernon Robson National
officer for the Print sector along with Steve Sibbald - Unite
National Officer, Andy Hogg - Industrial officer and Russell Morgan
– Unite Regional Learning Organiser also attended along with other
Chapel representatives.
There were short
heart felt speech’s given by the FOC Neil Offer who thanked the
officers of Unite for their support in achieving this
milestone.
By way of showing the
Chapels appreciation and wishing Vernon Robson good health and
happiness in his forth coming retirement a presentation of gifts
were handed over to Vernon.
This was followed by
Vernon opening the Union office with a swift pull of the curtain
cord to reveal a brass plaque to commemorate the opening of the
office.
Clearly Vernon was
touched by the sentiment and he duly gave a short speech thanking
the Chapel and wishing the members well for the future.
After the event some
of the gathered made haste to a near by hostelry where a good night
was had by all.
Russell Morgan –
Unite RLO
