As we come to the close of another eventful year, we want to thank every GMB member across the North East, Yorkshire and Humber for your hard work.
Over the past year, GMB members across our region have delivered significant victories that demonstrate the power of collective organisation.
Through unity and determination, members have secured improved pay deals, defended jobs, protected pensions and achieved better terms and conditions across a wide range of sectors.
A major achievement this year has been the continued success of GMB’s equal pay campaigns. Across the North East, Yorkshire and Humber, GMB members, many of them women working in vital frontline roles have won long-overdue recognition for the true value of their work.
These victories have delivered fairer pay, compensation for historic underpayment and lasting changes to pay structures to help prevent future inequality. Our work in this region has put £100s of millions into the pockets of our members.
GMB campaigns in many workplaces this year have resulted in:
- Equal pay settlements that corrected historic injustice and delivered justice for low-paid workers in Sheffield and Leeds
- Improved pay agreements helping members cope with ongoing cost-of-living pressures
- Jobs safeguarded and redundancies challenged through negotiation and collective action
- Stronger health and safety protections, ensuring safer workplaces
- Increased GMB recognition, with more workplace reps trained and more workers joining the union including Seah Wind
- Public services defended and strengthened, protecting quality jobs and accountability
These wins were not handed out, they were won through the courage, persistence and collective strength of GMB members, workplace reps and activists campaigning.
Members across our region stood together and made their voices heard.
Our successes at Sheffield Childrens Hospitals Playteam this week, is an example of how when we campaign together we win. Our members support terminally ill children and they can continue to do this all week.
We are especially proud of our workplace representatives and branch officers, whose tireless work ensures members are supported and empowered.
As we look ahead to the coming year, challenges remain, but we face them with confidence.
Our great big region continues to grow month after month. None of this would be possible without your hard work.
Thank you. Enjoy the break and rest up. 2026 is going to be busy!
Best Wishes
Andy & Farzana
Andy Belfield Farzana Jumma
Regional Secretary Regional President
