TIM ROACHE
UPDATE YOUR DETAILS AT www . gmb . org . uk
SAYS
A word from your GMB General Secretary
Building a 21st century GMB …
I t was the proudest moment of my working life when I was elected to lead our great union . If you ’ d told the 17-year-old Tim Roache , when I started in the GMB post room in London more than three decades ago , that one day I ’ d be GMB General Secretary , I ’ d have asked you what you were smoking ! Now as I write this , I ’ ve just finished giving my first GMB Congress speech as our General Secretary . What an incredible honour .
I used the opportunity to lay out what I practically mean by building a 21st century union . For me , that means listening to our members and reps , understanding the threats and challenges we all face , and making sure our union is ready , able and eager to meet those challenges head on .
Under my leadership , we will build an army of activists in workplaces right across the UK . Activists who are then supported , trained and skilled to look after our members in their hours of need .
I recognise that people don ’ t join the GMB because the General Secretary gives a good speech … they join because a rep in their workplace asks them . A rep who has credibility and the respect of the workforce and who knows the challenges and threats in that workplace . Here ’ s the thing – the public agrees that trade unions are a force for good . We offer workers more security , safety , skills , education and better pay .
LABOUR LEADERSHIP Tom Watson and Jeremy Corbyn meet Tim Roache .
And under my leadership , we will be relevant and attractive to young people , to women and the many minority strands that together make up the rich diversity that is GMB ’ s strength .
I opened my Congress speech with a short video that shows exactly what GMB does for our members every day , and what being a 21st century trade union means . And the minute I sat down from making my speech – which we live tweeted on social media – our video was emailed to every member . That ’ s just the start of how we ’ ll embrace new technology to communicate with you quicker and on issues that directly interest or are relevant to you . You ’ ll see some changes in the coming weeks and
months , changes that we ’ ll be asking for your thoughts and opinions on .
This will be the final issue of the GMB magazine you ’ ll receive , as we change how we communicate and engage with you . If you ’ re on Facebook , head over to our new page and give it a like – that ’ s just one way we ’ ll stay in touch on a day to day basis : www . facebook . com / gmbunion
As the world of work has changed , so will GMB . With you , we ’ ll build a 21st century union that always gets the best deal possible for you , your colleagues , you family and your community .
Thank you for your membership which I value so highly .
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