New general secretary at Unison named

Christina McAnea has been elected as the new general secretary of Unison – the first woman to head the UK’s largest union.

Ms McAnea replaces Dave Prentis, who is retiring after 20 years as general secretary and will take up the post later this month (22 January).

Currently one of Unison’s five assistant general secretaries, she has worked at the trade union since its formation in 1993, having previously joined local government union NALGO as women’s officer in the late 1980s.

She grew up in Drumchapel, a big council housing estate in Glasgow. She left school at 16 and worked in the civil service, the NHS and retail before going to university at the age of 22.

Having achieved a degree in English and history, Ms McAnea first worked as a housing officer for Glasgow City Council, before moving to the GMB, where she advised workers taking cases against their employers to industrial tribunals.

‘I’m so grateful to everyone who voted for me and for the trust placed in me. I become general secretary at the most challenging time in recent history – both for our country and our public services,’ she said.

‘Health, care, council, police, energy, school, college and university staff have worked throughout the pandemic, and it’s their skill and dedication that will see us out the other side.

‘Their union will continue to speak up for them and do all it can to protect them in the difficult months ahead. Despite the risks, the immense pressures and their sheer exhaustion, the dedication and commitment of our key workers knows no end. I will not let this government, nor any future one, forget that.

‘Supporting public service workers through the pandemic, securing an early pay rise for NHS staff and ensuring the government backs down on its plans for an ill-judged pay freeze will be my immediate priorities. Pushing for the funding and the political will to create a quality, affordable national care service, where staff are respected and paid fairly, comes close behind,’ she added.

Outgoing general secretary Dave Prentis said: ‘This is a historic day for our union, and I am delighted that Christina – a close friend and colleague for over 30 years – has today been elected as general secretary of our great union. As an experienced and respected negotiator and passionate campaigner, I can think of no better person to pass the baton to and take our union forward.’

Photo Credit – Supplied by Unison