Stuart Duff speaks to Installers Union about the organisation’s roots and its aims for the future.
For those who may not know about Installers Union, could you give us a bit of background on when and why you were formed?
In February 2017, we heard of a scheme being imposed called the CGCS – which, in its own words, was making Gas Safe Installers safer. A few installers got together to oppose this, feeling it to be both unnecessary and very controversial. Within days, we built vast support and stopped this scheme – tackling Capita and Gas Safe as single front line installers. We grew from there as we heard a call for a voice to be involved in such changes.
How many installers are currently on board?
At present, we have approximately 3,500 members spread across social media between Facebook and Twitter – and it’s growing daily.
With no outside help or funding, what motivates you to give up your time?
As you’ve said, we each give our own time freely because we are passionate and care about our great industry. We just want a change for the better. We feel that frontline installers are not supported enough or given a chance to have their say in the changes that affect our daily lives.
You have a meeting scheduled with the EUA/HHIC – which runs Installers First – today (August 13th). What are you hoping will be the outcome?
We tried in 2017 – when they approached us to work together – offering all we could, but we felt it was very one-sided. Since seeing certain changes with the IF Group recently, we asked to meet to try to build a relationship. If we can work equally together, we have a great opportunity to be successful in our aim of giving installers a real voice in the meetings and changes organisations and government make upon our industry.
How can gas engineers get involved with Installers Union to help make their voices heard?
Follow us on Twitter @InstallersUnion or join our Facebook group. Contact the admins, talk to us, get involved, and let’s do this together.
