Rosa Luxemburg Foundation/ BFAWU Course Review
This blog from an anonymous contributor employed by one of the UK's best-known, most controversial pub chains describes the experience of joining the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) during the first Covid lockdown in 2020, and how attending a course run by BFAWU supported by the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation in 2023, they gained the skills, confidence, motivation and support to become a better workplace organiser.
“Get a job at Tesco”
- Tim Martin
In March 2020, my employer, the pub chain JD Wetherspoon was forced to shut its pubs immediately when the UK lockdown began. Government furlough payment plans were still being finalised, but unlike many other hospitality industry employers, JD Wetherspoon refused to pay its staff while they waited for the furlough money to come through. At that time no one knew how long that would take. The advice given to staff in a video sent to us from boss Tim Martin was to get a job at Tesco.
Awareness
I remember the exact point I encountered the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU). I read a joint letter circulating on a Wetherspoon’s employee Facebook group from BFAWU and Spoonstrike criticising the head office's refusal of stopgap pay and comparing them unfavourably to the other large employers who were offering their workers much better alternatives. The letter demanded full pay for staff and was the only official communication from a union I had seen that stood up for people like me – people who had been forgotten and ignored. That was when I decided to join the BFAWU.
Isolation
During lockdown being unable to physically meet fellow union members sometimes felt isolating, particularly for a single member of an unrecognised company. When the lockdowns ended and the cost-of-living crisis worsened, the appetite for agitation in my workplace increased, but I felt demotivated. A lack of confidence in my abilities and a fear of job security impeded my ability to organise with others. My convictions remained the same but outside forces, like the escalating economic crisis, affected my ambition.
An opportunity to learn
Fast forward to a few months ago. I read an email from the BFAWU on my work break about a new course they were running about the political economy with the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation. This had become my hobby study topic during the pandemic so I was interested. I wasn’t certain if I was eligible for a place but applied anyway, hoping for the best. When I received confirmation that I'd been accepted I was extremely excited but nervous too because it was the first time I’d been on an educational course in my adult life.
As an ordinary union member, I was also concerned about my lack of experience but I needn’t have worried. When I finally met the people involved - from the course organisers to my fellow students – everyone was welcoming, encouraging and supportive.
Valuable connections
On the first day, course attendees were asked to introduce themselves and reflect which was a great opportunity to learn about one another. I met union members, branch secretaries and the general secretary which was extremely useful. Some had been members for decades; others just for a year or two.
Course Theory
In module 1, course tutor Joe covered political economic theory and history in depth, emphasising the foundational points. There was time for interaction, debate and discussion, as well as opportunities to digest learning and hear about the experiences of others. It was a good grounding in economics and trade unionism, mainly in the UK. My takeaway was that although the trade union movement has witnessed dramatic shifts in recent years, it’s never static. Historically it has been in much tougher situations, fighting challenging political and economic threats, but has always emerged stronger. This gave me a greater sense of agency and showed me it’s still possible that the working class can be successfully organised in the UK’s current work environment.
Organiser Training
Module 2 applied the theoretical knowledge from Module 1 into practical action. Raf the tutor, was a great communicator with excellent people skills. Learning how to communicate effectively, agitate and organise a workplace was invaluable, and this, combined with the learning Joe imparted, gave a solid base of information to use for in-depth conversations in the workplace.
The Food Sector
Module 3 was delivered by Alex and Michael from FAWN on the UK food sector. It covered economic structures of the food industry, sector unionisation and prior and possible legislative wins. I enjoyed crunching into the details surrounding my workforce sector and learning about the macro-economic environment.
The BFAWU
The final module delivered by Sarah of the BFAWU was a short history of the union. It examined recent wins and union developments over the past decade. As a relatively new member, I found it fascinating and my only complaint was that it was too short.
A formative experience
This course gave me newfound confidence and purpose. I now feel energised to make practical changes. Organising is hard in high-turnover work environments but equipped with the knowledge and skills I gained; I managed to get my first workplace sign-up only two weeks after the course ended. That’s just the beginning. Now, every shift feels like an opportunity to recruit.
I also gained an invaluable, new network of comrades. These are some of the most encouraging, friendly, and inspiring people I’ve met, who motivate me to improve my workplace for fellow workers.
Something for everyone
I’d recommend this course to all union members. Perhaps you’ve been a member for a while and a good organiser but might benefit from better knowledge of the broader context for our work. Or, you support the trade union but feel demotivated or unsure how to make a change – there’s something for everyone.
The biggest benefit is meeting people in person. This fosters a sense of community and solidarity that I believe is the best way to fight the atomisation of the working class. That's what gave me the motivation to organise.
