Knocking down the barriers

Migrant workers at Sports Direct (SD) in Shirebrook have praised Unite for assisting them with learning English.

The union has established eight English for Speakers of a Second Language (ESOL) classes, two in Shirebrook and two each in Mansfield and Nottingham. The classes are fitted around people’s shift patterns at the SD giant warehouse and logistics centre at Shirebrook, where over 3,000 people are employed but of which only around 300 have permanent contracts.

In June, SD boss Mike Ashley admitted Shirebrook workers were, thanks to time-consuming unpaid security checks at the end of each shift,  being paid below the minimum wage of £6.70 an hour. A legal victory has just ensured workers, most of who are from overseas, will receive back-pay of about £1m for non-payment of the minimum wage.

“Unite took action because the union understands that organising migrants is necessary to help halt the ‘race to the bottom’ which is reducing standards for all workers. We are determined to improve conditions, including ending zero hours that the vast majority are being forced to endure, for SD workers,” said Unite regional officer Luke Primarolo.

Most workers at Shirebrook are from Poland, where wages average just ÂŁ561 a month or around ÂŁ3.50 an hour. It therefore makes sense to seek employment abroad.

Vulnerable

The ESOL classes are facilitated by the Unite regional learning organiser for SD, Cheryl Pidgeon, who has previously won awards for running projects that reach out to migrant communities. “Workers who can’t communicate in English are vulnerable, being unable to understand important health and safety rules at work and not knowing the rules and traditions within the communities where they live.

“We want to prevent people becoming isolated as then you get racism and intolerance. We are trying to remove barriers within communities and workplaces. I think we are managing to do this, but it takes time.”

The ESOL classes are staffed by volunteers from amongst Unite Community members. They include retired ESOL and headteachers. “Unite Community is all about community engagement and we believe in reaching out the hand of friendship to migrant workers. The ESOL classes have helped Unite to gain the trust of Shirebrook workers and this has allowed the union to find out more about the poor working conditions they are experiencing within SD,“ said Liane Groves, the head of Unite Community nationally.

The students are full of praise for Unite’s efforts. One Polish worker, a picker, said, “I came to Britain to earn money for my family. I attend the classes to learn English and to make new friends. We learn about English traditions, culture and history. The course is very interesting and positive. I am made very welcome.”

A Polish truck driver at Shirebrook said, “I am glad of regular work but the shifts are very hard and I get very tired as we are pushed to work hard. Nevertheless, I want to attend Unite’s English classes to learn the language and also the teachers are my friends when I have a problem. They make us feel like we have a family in England.“

According to Cheryl many of the workers who have attended the ESOL classes have joined Unite. “Obviously Unite is looking to develop a working relationship with SD and to sign a recognition deal with the company that would include a learning agreement so that every worker can be given an opportunity to improve their English and other basic skills.”

“The ESOL classes have been pivotal to the work and successes we have achieved at Sports Direct as they have helped build relationships with staff at the company. I have nothing but praise for those brave workers who have attended the classes and the volunteers who have given freely of their time,” said Unite regional officer Luke Primarolo.

Photo of Cheryl Pidgeon by Mark Harvey

@unitetheunion