Community Celebrates Pride at the Workplace

As part of our Pride Month activities, Community recently had the pleasure of spending time at the AA sites in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Basingstoke and Cheadle, where we engaged with new starters and current members to promote the importance of inclusion, diversity and union support across the business.

Representing Community was National NEC Member for LGBT+, Paul Thomas, who discussed the role of the union in helping to forge an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Steve Millman, NEC Member for the Logistics Sector, Laura Ellis, AA People Partner, and Paul Thomas at AA Tunbridge Wells

During his visit to Royal Tunbridge Wells, Paul spoke to new starters who were being inducted and provided expert advice on crucial workplace matters and an understanding of how the union can help workers thrive in their careers.

Attendees actively engaged in discussions around equality, diversity and inclusion, asking questions of their own and sharing their personal perspectives.

Over in Cheadle, Pride flags placed on monitors around the office sparked many positive conversations and demonstrated the AA’s continued commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and able to be themselves.

Community’s Pride in the AA Tour

Paul was supported by the AA’s Employee Relations Specialist, Kieren Cart, when he visited the site in Cheadle, and AA People Partner, Laura Ellis, and NEC Member for the Logistics Sector, Steve Millman, during the session in Tunbridge Wells.

In Basingstoke, Paul was welcomed by the HR shared services team who showed their commitment to creating a positive workplace by championing the AA’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Events like this are an important reminder that meaningful engagement starts from day one. By engaging with members, new and old, and connecting with new starters during their induction, we can help ensure that colleagues are aware of the resources, support and representation available to them from the outset of their careers at the AA.

Paul Thomas, Community Branch Secretary at the AA and National NEC Member for LGBT+, said:

“It was fantastic to meet colleagues at Royal Tunbridge Wells, Basingstoke and Cheadle to discuss the importance of inclusion, diversity, and workplace representation.

“Pride Month is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our differences and promote understanding, and I would like to thank everyone who took the time to engage with us during our Pride in the AA Tour.

“We look forward to continuing these conversations and supporting colleagues across the business.”