Kate Yhnell, Gloucestershire organiser and South West women’s rep
1. What made you want to become a rep?
I wanted to support firefighters and their families. When the person who had been leading the union locally for a long time retired, someone had to step up. I figured that you can’t always have the easier, quieter lifestyle – sometimes you just have to take the fight on…
Gloucestershire has highest population of women firefighters in the UK, but the worst level of maternity pay. The Fight for 52 campaign is really important, and I’ve heard from many women in the service how much it can impact you to be forced back to firefighting too soon after birth.
2. What is your proudest moment as a rep?
As part of our ongoing campaign around shift pattern changes imposed on firefighters in Gloucestershire, members submitted over 70 handwritten individual letters to councillors.
It’s inspiring how members have come together for this campaign, where we’re fighting against changes that would impact firefighters with childcare or caring responsibilities. It’s been a real display of unity, with women and men in the service taking a stand together. Now we’re in a stronger position generally because we’ve shown that we won’t just roll over.
3. What piece of advice would you give a new rep?
It’s always worth getting support from the wider union for a local dispute. In Gloucestershire, we’ve had great support from metropolitan brigades, the regional committee, reps across the union and head office.
4. Who are your trade union heroes?
Mick Lynch, RMT general secretary, is a legend. I admire the way he fights for his workers, and he’s always ten steps ahead in interviews. I’d love to be able to answer difficult questions in his style.
5. Describe yourself in three words.
Tenacious, stubborn, competitive
6. What was the last conversation you had that made you think differently about something?
A friend sent me a quote a few days ago, saying ‘Your company culture is not words on your website or posters on the wall. It’s how your people feel on a Sunday night.” The same applies to the fire service – most of us are proud to work in it, but staff need to feel valued.
7. Which TV show could you not live without? (What’s your favourite band or musician?)
I'll admit it ... Eastenders.
