Usdaw celebrates excellence in organising and recruiting at national awards ceremony

Winners of Usdaw's Organising Awards 2005

Usdaw reps from across the UK have been honoured at the union's inaugural Organising Awards ceremony held in Manchester with cabinet minister Ian McCartney MP as guest of honour.

The awards were split into eight sections reflecting the diverse work of the union with each of the union's divisions nominating their best reps and the Executive Council voting for the national winner in each category.

The event was hosted by Usdaw General Secretary John Hannett and his deputy Paddy Lillis using the latest audio-visual equipment to create an 'Oscars' style presentation showcasing the achievements of all the nominees.

“This event was a huge success and I was delighted that we had such strong nominations from all over the country reflecting the strength in depth of the union in our workplaces,” says Usdaw General Secretary John Hannett. “I offer my congratulations to all the nominees and national winners who have done so much to advance our organising agenda in their workplaces the length and breadth of the UK.

“This was a celebration of excellence so reading though the nominations I was very impressed by the innovation and commitment to building the union that every nominee has clearly demonstrated, and the work of these outstanding reps reassures me that Usdaw has a very bright future indeed.”

The awards were presented by Ian McCartney, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber, Union Network International General Secretary Philip Jennings and Usdaw President Marge Carey.

“All our guests were very impressed with the achievements of the nominees and how professionally run the event was,” John Hannett says. “It sends a very clear signal to the Labour Movement that we are a progressive union determined to modernise for the future but equally determined to properly recognise the outstanding work that our lay reps voluntarily do for this union every day of their working lives.

“One of the national winners said his award was for the families at home who support our reps and I couldn't agree more with that sentiment. But although these awards celebrate the very best of the best they also recognise the achievements of the teams that the nominees work with to find new members and make sure we represent them effectively when they do join up.”

Notes to Editors:

• Photographs of the 2005 Organising Awards can be viewed at http://www.usdaw.org.uk/gallery.
• Contacts for newsdesks: Usdaw's Media Officer, Paul Clarke, can be contacted on 0161 249 2469 or e-mail paul.clarke@usdaw.org.uk.
• Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union, with over 340,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
• More information and news releases are available at our online Newsroom.
• Journalists can subscribe to receive Usdaw news releases via our online e-news service.

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