Your shopping cart is empty.
Log in
SearchYoung union representatives gathered for professional enrichment and inspiration
This year's YOUTH conference brought together 22 young union representatives from across the country for two days of learning, inspiration and community. The goal was to give participants the knowledge and tools they need to make a difference in their workplaces.
Listen to the case
0:00
0:00
– It is valuable to meet other young shop stewards and learn and get to know both professionals and shop stewards in other industries. I go home with new knowledge and new acquaintances, says Jan Egil Ødegård, shop steward at Sporveien in Oslo.
UNG-samling is an annual gathering for young members of YTF between the ages of 18-34.
The goal is for more young people to gain a sense of belonging to the union and to want to become elected officials.
Academic refresher on digitalization and rights
The gathering, which was held at the Quality Hotel Hasle Linie in Oslo, had a varied program.
Participants heard from professionals and experienced shop stewards about topics such as digitalization, workplace rules, and the importance of communication.
Nora Arnkværn, associate attorney at YTF, gave a popular lecture about what changes an employer can make to employees' positions.
– I learned more about my rights as an employee. I have been a shop steward for a few years already, but you never fully learn the role of shop steward, says Ødegård.
Other highlights were Christina Selles's motivational presentation on why one should become a shop steward, and a group assignment where the participants tried their hand at negotiation.
Community and socializing
In the evening, participants had the opportunity to get to know each other better through activities such as bowling at Duckpin and socializing.
– Getting to know others, both elected representatives and professional drivers in general, gives a unique sense of community. We are actually stronger together, says Ødegård.
The future shop steward
The YOUTH gathering is an important part of YTF's focus on young members.
The goal is to give them knowledge and inspiration to take on positions of trust and contribute to better pay and working conditions in their workplaces.
– We want more young people to experience the value of being organized and standing together in a union. The YOUTH gathering is an important step in ensuring that we have skilled union representatives in the future, says Rameen Sheikh from YTF, who led the gathering.
