What made you want to become a rep?
We were facing significant changes within our fire and rescue service, and I wanted to make sure that we had a voice as the frontline - so that instead of being passive, we could shape those changes as a collective.
What are the major issues impacting members in your region?
The main issues that people come to me with are typically around workload, issues with equipment, and concerns for their future with the service.
We are also concerned about new models of breathing apparatus equipment, and are raising issues with the emergency alarm being too quiet. Because in our service we only ride with a minimum of four crew instead of five, it means if we have to go into a fire, the alarm could be missed – while firefighters inside a burning building could be in danger.
What's been your proudest moment as a rep?
Representing a member who had worked in the service for 30 years, but had to leave due to ill health. He was worried about the finances but having a rep there to support him through the ill health retirement process made it much less of a precarious and isolating position. I felt proud when he thanked me.
Who are your working class or trade union heroes?
My granddad, who was an organiser and a member of the fifth Pan-African Congress, held in Manchester in 1945. It was a historic gathering of trade unionists and anti-colonial organisations from around the world, demanding an end to colonial rule, full racial equality, and workers' rights.
What piece of advice would you give to a new rep?
Attending courses is a great opportunity to meet people and learn. The old cliche of knowledge is power does ring true when you’re pushing back against misinformation.
When was the last time you had a conversation that made you think differently?
I recently attended a workshop on the struggles of Black and ethnic minority women in the workplace. It was an eye opener, and I started to truly grasp the scale of the inequality and discrimination they face at work. Solidarity is the only way forward.
If you had the aux cord at a rally, what song would you play?
Harder than you think by Public Enemy.
