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date: 14 September 2006

embargo: Immediate release

Unison woman workplace rep elected TUC President

Alison Shepherd, an administrator at Middlesex University and member of the public services union Unison, has been elected as TUC President today (Thursday).

Alison was elected at a meeting of the TUC's governing body - the General Council - on the last day of the 138th Congress in Brighton and takes over from Gloria Mills a senior Unison official.

Alison joined NALGO (one of Unison's founder unions) in 1972 and has been a union activist for more than 20 years. She is currently secretary of her Middlesex University Unison branch and chair of union's international committee.

Alison has represented Unison on the TUC General Council for over ten years and has held a number of important roles within Unison including a year as union President. During her career Alison has focused on improving the pay and working conditions of members working in higher education.

Alison Shepherd, TUC President, said:

'I look forward to my year as TUC President. It is as important as ever for people to belong and be active in a trade union and this is a great opportunity for me to spread that message.'

Alison is 55 and was brought up in Grinshill, Shropshire. She is also a keen Shrewsbury Town Football Club supporter.

Contacts:

Media enquiries: Ben Hurley T: 020 7467 1248; M: 07881 622416 ; E: bhurley@tuc.org.uk
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248; M: 07778 158175; E: media@tuc.org.uk

Unison press office: 020 7388 6609

Press release (300 words) issued 14 Sep 2006