Meet the rep

1. What made you want to become a rep? Having had no interest in the trade union movement, on joining the fire service I quickly recognised the importance of a union to ensure democratic process, giving a voice to those marginalised and unfairly treated in the workplace and providing general...

1. What made you want to become a rep? There was a vacancy on station, and a colleague asked would I be interested. I’ve always been up for a new challenge so thought I’d give it a go. That was nearly six years ago. I’ve since moved from station to brigade level and now I’m working on a national...

1. What made you want to become a rep? Becoming a Dad changed a lot for me. Amongst the obvious joys and challenges, was an overwhelming desire to leave the world in a better place than I found it, to protect my son’s future. This provoked some interesting conversations at work and, thanks to a...

1. What made you want to become a rep? Overall, my decision to become a rep is driven by a combination of personal values, a desire to help others, bringing people together, and my commitment to workers’ rights and well-being. 2. What is your proudest moment as a rep? My proudest moment as a rep was...

1. What made you want to become a rep? I was ‘encouraged’ to become a rep by an existing area/brigade official on my station who I had been questioning over things I didn’t feel were right within the service. He saw an opportunity for me to channel that frustration into something which would give me...

1. What made you want to become a rep? I didn’t want to become a rep. I had just returned from maternity leave and the reps in North West Fire Control had stood down. I was passionate about the issues we were facing and nobody else was coming forward. I’m glad I did though! 2. What is your proudest...

1. What made you want to become a rep? I was asked regularly to become a women's rep and every time I declined. I had no interest in being a face of a trade union until around five to six years ago. There was an issue within the brigade, I felt I was treated unfairly. Although the eventual outcome...

1. What made you want to become a rep? As a child my family lived through the pit strikes in the 1980s. During my working life I have always been part of a union. The FBU gave me an opportunity to use my voice and fight for equality and justice for our members. 2. What is your proudest moment as a...

1. What made you want to become a rep? My whole family were involved in trade unionism and, as a consequence, I was brought up to challenge. Just because somebody says something is right doesn’t make it so. Firefighters make a difference to outcomes daily, often placing themselves last with regards...

What makes union official, retained rep for East Midlands Philip Williams tick?