At Stewarts Care, a voluntary organisation providing community-based support for individuals with intellectual disabilities, SIPTU’s presence is flourishing thanks to dedicated Shop Stewards like Bernard Kessie.
Bernard, a Day Services Support Worker, has been with Stewarts Care since 2017. After transitioning from private healthcare and an earlier career in the print trade, he is now a workplace facilitator, along with his colleague, Joan Devereux, who is a Care Assistant for people with intellectual disabilities.
Alternatingly, they are released from their duties at Stewarts Care one day a week to manage the SIPTU member’s point of contact office at the organisation.
They also collaborate with a team of Shop Stewards at Stewarts Care, Keith Moore, Michal Borowski, Chris Maguire, Mushiira Nawoor, Vincent O’Toole, Maria Menton, Michelle Kenna, and Olivia O’Brien to represent SIPTU members at the organisation.
It is a model of representation that has seen SIPTU membership increase at the employment by 20% recently.
Bernard took the time to sit down with us; and tell us about this journey in the SIPTU office on the first floor of Stewarts Care’s Palmerstown, Dublin headquarters.
The Union’s role has grown significantly in recent years at Stewarts Care.
Next door, SIPTU Organisers Peter Ray and Lynda Daly are introducing new employees to the value of union membership at a staff induction—a reflection of the proactive approach that the Union has taken at Stewarts.
The establishment of a dedicated point of contact Union office is just one of many initiatives negotiated to strengthen SIPTU’s presence in the organisation.
Shop Stewards now have access to necessary office equipment, and a secure space to store documents. The office operates once a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. providing a welcoming and private space for members to seek advice, discuss issues, or manage grievances.
Bernard has embraced a hands-on approach, ensuring the office is a hub for communication. He regularly emails staff to highlight the Union’s presence and remind his colleagues of the office hours.
When things are quiet, he takes the time to visit nearby houses, engaging directly with members and reinforcing the Union’s accessibility.
“Communication is key”, Bernard emphasises.
“If you don’t have good communication, you’ve lost everything.” This ethos has fostered a strong working relationship between SIPTU Shop Stewards and Stewarts Care’s HR team, enabling many issues to be resolved informally before they escalate.
Bernard explains that much of his work involves addressing members’ queries about policies, interpersonal disputes and grievances, often preventing these from becoming larger problems.
However, the role is not without its challenges.
Navigating GDPR requirements, keeping track of policy updates, and supporting members who are frustrated or upset can be demanding. Yet, Bernard credits tools like access to the company’s intranet for helping him stay informed and effective.
Reflecting on his time as a Shop Steward, Bernard highlights the positive changes he has seen in union-management relations. He is particularly proud of the increase in union membership at Stewarts Care, a testament to the effectiveness of SIPTU’s enhanced presence.
“I think having this facility of the office and dedicated Shop Stewards makes it easier for the Union to be accessible to staff. What Stewarts has done to facilitate the weekly union clinic has been very, very positive,” he says.
The model of representation at Stewarts Care shows how proactive engagement, and resources can empower union representatives to resolve issues and grow membership.
Could this be a blueprint for strengthening union presence in other workplaces? That is a question for SIPTU members and employers to consider—but the results at Stewarts Care are hard to ignore.