Community Union’s General Secretary, Roy Rickhuss CBE, told delegates it had been a “fantastic week” as he closed our 2026 Biennial Delegates Conference on Thursday.
Our NEC President, Reg Gutteridge, also gave some closing remarks and told members: “When I see all of you come together, it makes me proud to be part of this union.”
Delegates celebrate at end of Conference party
Opening the final day of our #StrongUnionStrongFuture Conference was Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, who told delegates there will be further investment in Welsh steel projects through the National Wealth Fund.
Also on Thursday, delegates voted on motions to do with compassionate leave, inequality in women’s health and reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
Among our NEC speakers of the day were Head of Equalities Jennifer Dean, and NEC Member for the South West Regional Seat, Natalie Roberts, who spoke about the menopause policies we have secured at some of our key workplaces through the tireless work of our reps.
After the day’s activities, delegates were treated to an end of conference party where members, guests and staff got together to celebrate three days of speeches and motion voting that set forth the union’s priorities for the next two years.
Welsh Secretary pays tribute to Community
Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens
During her speech, the Secretary of State for Wales paid tribute to Community and the other Labour unions that helped to make the Employment Rights Act a reality.
Jo Stevens MP said:
“The Employment Rights Act – the biggest upgrade of workers’ rights and protections in a generation – is landmark legislation and I’m really proud to be part of a Government that has delivered it.
“Statutory sick pay from the first day of illness, maternity leave, and unpaid parental leave, are now a day one right in a new job.
“(Alongside this there are) stronger protections for workers who report sexual harassment and simpler requirements for trade unions, including greater protections for workers who take industrial action.
“And I want to pay tribute to Community and to all our Labour-affiliated unions for the years of work that helped make that legislation a reality…
“This act did not happen by accident, it happened because unions like yours made the case year after year for workers who deserved better.”
General Secretary Roy Rickhuss CBE gives closing speech
“I have to say – and I hope you all agree – what a fantastic week it’s been. We’ve had some excellent and passionate debates, which will help to shape the work that we will be doing together over the next 2 years.”
Our General Secretary Roy Rickhuss spoke to close our 2026… pic.twitter.com/Pzk8bHhL62
— Community Union (@CommunityUnion) July 9, 2026
Our General Secretary thanked speakers and the contributions made by delegates as he gave his closing remarks.
Roy Rickhuss CBE said:
“I have to say – and I hope you all agree – what a fantastic week it’s been.
“We’ve had some excellent and passionate debates, which will help to shape the work that we will be doing together over the next two years.
“We’ve also heard some fantastic speeches and contributions. We thank all of our guest speakers, in particular Minister Dearden – Kate – who, as the song goes, is one of our own.
“We are very proud of the work she’s done with us on forming and delivering the Employment Rights Act.
“All of the motions that have been passed here this week will be progressed further.
“Many are sector-specific motions that will form part of our sectoral campaigns.
“However, there are other issues that are cross-sector, and will inform our national campaigning work.
“For example, we had a great motion on Responsible AI. We are already working and forming partnerships to ensure our members are supported and workers voices are heard, but following the motion this week, this is something we will aim to accelerate.
“In his speech yesterday, Alasdair referenced the opportunities that new technologies could bring to further our organising work, particularly around trade union access and recognition, which is on track to become law in October.
“You may recall Alasdair also mentioned that the union is well-resourced and in a good place to take advantage of these opportunities.
“That is why Alasdair and I, having listened to the debates this week, have had a discussion about how best to do this. We will now work on developing a proposal with a view to presenting it to our NEC in August.”
© Community Trade Union 2026
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