Throughout November, we’re hearing from different young members across Yorkshire and Humberside about what being part of UNISON means to them. Today, it’s the turn of Greg…
Who are you?
I’m Greg Mott, full time biology student, part time database admin at York Hospital, young members officer for UNISON North Yorkshire Health branch, president of the Biosciences Society at the University of York, and receiver of very little sleep.
What do you do for a job?
I work as a database administrator within York hospital, which basically means I read through patient notes, collating patient information and storing it in useable forms. This information can then be processed to understand organisational demand and refine resource allocation.
How did you find out about UNISON?
I have always been political, and working in the NHS for nearly a decade has done nothing but amplify that. My parents are both in the public sector and both are union members. Joining a union felt like the easiest way to connect my work to the world of politics in a way that gave me more power over the way I am governed.
What made you decide to join UNISON as a young member?
Right now, I believe young people are becoming more and more disadvantaged, whether through “experience required” for entry level positions, lack of development opportunities, or simply low pay. Being a young member in UNISON not only benefits everyone by evening the balance between workers and bosses, but ensures that the union is fighting for the members who will be the next generation of activists and officers.
Why should other young people join UNISON?
I believe other young people should join UNISON because it is the right thing to do, both for you as an individual, but also for the union overall. For the union to fight for everyone, it has to fight for the youth. The youth should get a say in the fight. More money, more staff, working services.
