Capital City College student wins Organising Award at TUC conference

Award-winning Union Representative Hadi Naqui tells us how his studies at Capital City College have helped him grow into and define his role.

Capital City College (CCC) student Hadi Naqui was awarded the Organising Award at this year’s TUC Congress Awards. After winning a regional Organising Award, he qualified for the national award and was selected as the winner of the national Organising Award, which he proudly accepted at this year’s TUC conference in Brighton in September.

After taking up a role as a supermarket delivery driver in Croydon in 2019, Hadi recognised the importance of better representation for workers and became a member of Usdaw (The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers).

A year later, in August 2020, Hadi became a Union Representative. Hadi’s background working in mortgages gave him a strong understanding of compliance and the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) so he has always been keen to broaden his understanding of key topics to better support his members. He chose to enhance his skills and knowledge with CCC courses and completed Shop Steward (Level 1 and Advanced) courses before enrolling on the TUC Diploma in Employment Law provided by the college.

During the pandemic, Hadi’s workplace faced a number of issues. He joined a team of 7 reps and was instrumental in growing that team to 20 members by providing guidance and support to his peers. Hadi has represented union members at his workplace on a number of issues and ensured that their rights have been protected. He has also organised campaigns to enhance union vitality, promoted anti-racism initiatives, and continues to ensure that members are kept abreast of developments, are aware of their rights and understand their capacity to influence their working lives.

We spoke to Hadi to find out more about how his studies at Capital City College supported his role as a Union Representative.

How did your Shop Steward training help you in your role as Union Representative?

When I started out and was first representing people for the union, I saw my role as similar to that of a lawyer. I banged my fists on the table, jumped in and answered on their behalf, everything that went against the ACAS code of practice because that’s what I thought a rep [Union Representative] should do.

When I got onto the Shop Stewards course, I learned to focus on other things within the union role like recruitment and campaigning. With my shop steward training I could bring it all together and when the pandemic kicked in my mind was more open to what the role of the rep was, and what the existing reps could be doing better.

I liked knowing the power of the rep and finally understanding how to do things. As a result, we were able to put action plans in place. When I joined the union, we were at 44% density with membership but now we’re up to 77%. We’ve gradually changed the culture by bringing in new reps and, during the pandemic, we were able to stop our drivers from putting themselves in harm’s way. Everything was already in policy, but no-one knew where to find it so I found it and plastered it out there.

How did the Capital City College tutors support you with your studies?

They supported me throughout. They gave me time out when I needed it and were always available to talk about the course.

The best thing about the course tutors is that they have the experience and authority to talk about these subjects. When they share their experiences, they’re relating the theory to the practical side, so we can visualise how things work. It’s great talking about theory, we know theory inside out, but unless you know how to apply the theory, it’s meaningless.

One of our tutors, Terry, who has sadly since passed away, encouraged us to organise, mobilise and antagonise. Our other tutor, Fred Behardien, reminded us that a union is only as good as the reps on the ground, so we had to make sure we knew what we were doing. 

What do you like about your current course at Capital City College?

I chose the TUC Diploma in Employment Law provided by the college because it was an online course. I’m loving it and Mike Kidd, the tutor, is so supportive. It’s another remote course and I’m really enjoying meeting people from all over the country and different unions. There’s something about proximity – when you have proximity and association with more of the same people, you feel adjusted and inspired to keep doing what you’re doing. It’s so useful that we’re actually trying to arrange for this course to be run for Usdaw reps.

How is your current course influencing your role?

The course itself has influenced my role in the union in more ways than one. It’s given more confidence to talk about legislation. I’ve learned about the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Race Relations Act that inspired the Equalities Act and have been able to apply them to my role.

I’ve been able to show other union members what their rights are and have encouraged them to use dynamic risk assessment as they carry out their roles.

What have you found challenging about completing your courses?

My greatest obstacle has always been time management. Thankfully the union allows time out for me to complete my studies. 

How do you feel about winning this year’s TUC Organising Award?

It still hasn’t sunk in. I really have to thank my mentor Sucha Singh and my Capital City College tutor Fred Behardian for all their support.

It is overwhelming and wonderful to win this award, to receive national recognition not just for the work I do as a rep, but for the team of reps and members in my workplace, along with the wider Usdaw family. I work in grocery delivery and started just before the lockdowns were imposed. We are key workers delivering an essential service, and that was barely recognised until the pandemic. I am proud to be an Usdaw rep, standing up for my members, helping them get a better deal and giving them a voice.

What’s next for you?

I love what I’ve done but there’s still some jealousy and prejudice to face. I’m half Indian, half Pakistani and there’s an unconscious bias against Asians in many places. When people see someone like me, it can throw them off guard. In the future, I’d like to become an area organiser or a politician.

Hadi’s success as a Union Representative and subsequent award was also recognised by his union Usdaw.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary said: “Hadi is a shining example of the army of trade union workplace reps Usdaw and all unions have across the country. He has greatly improved union membership in his workplace and supported many colleagues when they needed help. 

Paddy added: “Hadi has represented members on a whole range of issues, ensuring that their rights are upheld and that the correct processes are followed. […] Hadi has also run campaign activities to tackle racism, including the promotion of Show Racism the Red Card. In difficult, sometimes polarised times, Hadi has promoted a message of acceptance whilst helping to make it absolutely clear that there is no room for racism.”

Congratulations Hadi on winning the TUC Organiser Award!

Aspiring trade union representatives looking to increase their knowledge should take a look at our range of TUC courses.

If you’re interested in studying Law, take a look at our A Level Law course or our Access to Higher Education Diploma in Law.

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