A message from Karen Loughlin, Regional Secretary.
As many members will know, John Cafferty has retired from UNISON and I became Regional secretary from from August.
John wanted to say to you all, “It’s been a fantastic privilege to work for an organisation devoted to helping people and bettering society for all. I have worked with some fantastic people over the years, too many to mention here. I just wanted to say thank you to all for your help, support and the great work you’ve done over the years. Thanks for all the gifts, cards and best wishes.”
I also want to thank John for all he has done for UNISON members in Yorkshire and Humberside, he will be missed.
Wendy Nichols, Regional Convenor, has said “I have worked with John for many years, he was my Regional Organiser when he first moved to Y&H from Scotland. John then went on to become a Regional Manager and then was the Regional secretary for the last 11 years. John has been committed to UNISON and has been a dedicated to making a difference to UNISON members.”
Some of you will know me from when I was a Regional Manager in Y&H, and during the last two years I have been Regional Secretary for UNISON in Cymru Wales. I am honoured to be taking up this new role, and I am looking forward to working with you all moving forward.
My top priorities for UNISON in Yorkshire and Humberside include defending and enhancing the conditions of public service workers and the public services they provide, linking trade unions with communities to campaign against the cost-of-living crisis and the need to get “strike ready” to deploy industrial action if this becomes necessary.