Retired steelworker celebrates 83 years with Community

Community Union has commended retired steelworker David Williams, who is celebrating 83 years of membership service on the turn of his 100th birthday.

In recognition of his service, Port Talbot Retired Members Branch presented the centenarian with a £250 cheque.

David was aged just 15-and-a-half-years-old when he began work as an office boy at the plate mill, later doing shifts at the heavy plate mill when he turned 16.

In 1944, as the Second World War raged on, he was conscripted into the British Armed Forces and stationed in India.

He left the army in December 1947 and in January 1948 he returned to the Port Talbot Steelworks, which is where he worked until he took early retirement from his role as a steel planner in June 1980.

Altogether he served 38 years at the steelworks, inclusive of his National Service.

(Left to right) Dai Bowyer, David Williams, John Tetsil Sammy Jenkins

Community is proud to have lifelong members like David. As a general union we represent workers from many different sectors including education and early years, finance, logistics and the justice sector. We use our resources and strong collective voice to secure better, safer and more equal workplaces across the UK.

Regional Secretary for Wales, Abbey Gutteridge, said:

“It is amazing that Community has members like David who have been a part of the union for so long.

“His service has not gone unnoticed, and Port Talbot Retired Members Branch were very pleased to recognise his contributions with a cheque.”