Newtownabbey woman proud to be still part of the 'big Labour Relations Agency family' half-a-century later
A Newtownabbey women has been reflecting on being the Labour Relations Agency’s longest-serving employee as it marks a half-century.
Lorraine Armstrong, who provides admin support for colleagues delivering dispute prevention and dispute resolution services, has been working for the LRA for most of its existence.
“I’ve been working with the LRA now for nearly 48 years – it’ll be 48 years in September,” she explains. “I can’t believe it’s been that long.”
In the early years, Lorraine worked in the typing pool, before moving through a series of roles as the organisation evolved and relocated, including time in Windsor House and later the Gordon Street building, both in Belfast.
“There are so many memories, especially working in Windsor House,” she recalls. “There are really good memories there – the lovely people that I worked with. It’s just been lovely.”
“I think I originally aimed for maybe a couple of years,” she explains. “Then I thought maybe I’d stop when I turned 50, but I can’t believe I’m still here.
“I’m getting a bit emotional about it actually. I just can’t believe it’s been 50 years of the Labour Relations Agency. It’s amazing."
Lorraine, who is deaf, has also seen first-hand how workplace safety and accessibility have evolved.
“A long time ago, the technology was so different to the point that we really didn’t have much technology at all,” she explains.
“There were also no interpreters back then for meetings or anything like that. I explained that they would be helpful for meetings, and I said I’d be happy to have one for accessibility.
"We did try to arrange interpreters, but they weren’t as available as they are these days.”
Modern technology and enhanced procedures are now part of everyday working life for Lorraine.
“At the minute, I have a personal pager,” she adds. “Every week we have a fire drill test to make sure the alarm system is working, and my pager alerts me.
"If there’s a real fire alarm, I also have a buddy who makes sure I get out of the building – they’re part of the buddy team.”
Through all the change, she feels the culture of the organisation has remained constant.
“It feels like a big LRA family. It’s just so good, I really do love it. I’ve made so many friends – old friends, people who’ve left or retired – and there are always new people coming in to meet as well.
“People are maybe thinking it might be time to go, but I’m not ready yet. Maybe two more years – I think I’d like to get to the 50 years.”
Her long service was recently recognised with a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her contributions to workplace relations.
Outside of work, life is just as full. “I have two baby grandchildren at the minute, so I’m helping to look after them, and we have a third on the way in September. I also have two dogs, so that keeps me busy,” says Lorraine.
“I love going out with my friends too, but the caravan is really my happy place. We started going again last week, so we’re getting back into that time of year now.”
Lorraine remains an integral part of the LRA’s day-to-day continuity as it continues evolving 50 years on.