The weekend was a fantastic opportunity for student reps to expand their knowledge of the trade union movement, network with other young members and bring new ideas back to the PDA.
Osayuki Igbinoba, Kingston 4th year student said: “I had a great time at the GFTU Young Members Development Weekend. I learnt about how to represent members in the workplace and how to negotiate with employers. I also learnt more about the trade union movement and employment rights. Additionally, I learnt about the political structure in the UK and the media.
I enjoyed meeting young members from other trade unions and the organisers were friendly as well. I also made new friends.”
Denis Buckley said: “Coming from a trade union family, I have grown up being extolled with the virtues of trade union and have had many history lessons from my parents about the trade union movement. The weekend allowed free discussion about everything, and it was great to learn about people working in other sectors, from the probation service to seafaring.
There were seminars in all manners of subjects including social media, how to negotiate and what trade unions have done for us historically. It was a thoroughly enjoyable weekend, and I am looking forward to the next one. I recommend any PDA student or trainee rep who is new to trade unions to attend next year”.
Osayuki, Denis and all of our PDA student reps play an integral role in ensuring the PDA can represent and support student members and create positive changes in their universities. Pharmacy students are treated like professionals from their first day on the Mpharm course, and as such, they deserve the same representation and support pharmacists receive from the PDA.
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