GFTU – passing on the baton

Community @communityunionMay 18, 2023

The General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) held its Biennial General Council Meeting (BGCM) on 14 – 16 May 2023 at the Quorn Grange Hotel in Leicestershire. Affiliated trade unions from across the UK came together to discuss the unique challenges faced by workers in 2023 and what action was being taken to tackle them.

The meeting also saw the official transfer of leadership, with Gawain Little taking over as General Secretary from Doug Nicholls, and the General Secretary of the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU), Sarah Woolley, taking over as President from Community’s General Secretary, Roy Rickhuss CBE.

Speaking after the meeting, Roy Rickhuss said:

“It’s been inspiring to see all of the great work from our sister unions on full display over the last two days. The world of work has drastically changed since the last time we came together, so to see how unions have adapted to those changes fills me with hope for the future.

“I’ve worked alongside Doug for many years now, so it was well deserved to see his long service to our great movement celebrated as he steps down as General Secretary. After speaking and working with Gawain, I’m confident that his vision will build upon the strong foundations of those who came before him.

“Whilst I’ve enjoyed my time as President, I pass the baton to Sarah knowing she will bring a new approach to the role that will make a positive impact on the strategy of the GFTU going forward.”

The GFTU meets once every two years to celebrate the great work undertaken by affiliated trade unions across the UK.

The BGCM has collated a full report on the work of the GFTU over the last two years which you can read here.