Assistant General Secretary Christina McAnea presented not one but two awards in this inaugural year of the Eric Roberts Organising Ward at Regional Council on 23 May.
Following the loss of our President, Eric Roberts, in 2016, Regional Council decided to introduce an annual award in his name to acknowledge activists and branches in the region who have achieved demonstrable results in organising and recruitment.
The London Ambulance Service UNISON Branch was the first recipient; specifically for the excellent project the branch is undertaking in Patient Transport Services. This has seen a significant increase in membership and equally as important, the organising and supporting of these members.
The second was a posthumous award. The Regional Council Officers decided to make a special award in tribute to Irene Stacey, for her dedication and commitment to UNISON, the Greater London Region and specifically for her work in recruiting and organising low paid women.
Jo Marren, Irene’s daughter and a UNISON activist herself in the Havering Local Government branch, attended to receive the award on her mother’s behalf.
Irene was a long standing NEC member and played such an important part in the union nationally, the London Region was so proud of her and all her achievements. She was a stalwart of the union and an inspiration to other low paid women.