Dear Colleague,

As we reach the festive season and the promise of a brighter year in 2015 GMB continues to campaign for a better future for our members and their families. The continued growth of GMB this year, up by nearly 10,000 shows the ever growing reputation of a union fighting for its members and for the social justice so many in the United Kingdom are denied. GMB local and national representatives have won pay rises and working improvements despite political and management opposition. 2015 will show that more workplaces will refuse to accept living standards being cut or threats to job security.

It is a fact that trade union members in GMB organised workplaces earn more than workplaces without trade union bargaining. Trade union workplaces are safer and more secure. Exploitation and bullying are real problems our union fights against every day and we will continue to do so. Decent jobs, guaranteed work and respect from employers is not a New Year resolution but a demand to every employer not just for Christmas but as the saying goes ‘it’s for life’.

Our work fighting blacklisters, for care staff the NHS and our great tied pubs campaigns show what the strength of GMB can be used for. For those not working during the festive season, have a wonderful break. For GMB members in particular in the services we rely on like hospital, ambulance and paramedics, energy supply, British Gas engineers and the army of care staff looking after our elderly and vulnerable. Thank you. You are the real New Year’s Honours List.

Best Wishes

Paul Kenny
GMB General Secretary