Meet the TUC president 2026, Steve Gillan
If anyone was destined to become president of the TUC it has to be Steve Gillan. Born into a trade union family in the west of Scotland, Steve left school at the age of 16 to work at the NatWest bank as a clerk. He joined the Banking, Insurance and Finance Union (Bifu) and became a shop steward after just six months.
Steve got an early taste of industrial action when he took part in a strike, still aged 16, joining a picket line during a campaign to improve pay. He couldn't understand how some of his colleagues crossed the picket line, so called a branch meeting and suggested anyone who didn't strike should give the pay rise won by the action, to charity, as they "obviously didn't need the money."
That sense of determination to fight for better pay and conditions has followed Steve throughout his career. He was already acutely aware of the importance of unions to make sure jobs were safe and well paid, as most of his relatives worked in the shipyards, where unions were organised and strongly represented for generations across the community.
Steve is proud that his own family is also heavily involved in trade unions - his wife was a member of the shopworkers union Usdaw for 30 years, his daughter works for the train drivers' union ASLEF and his son is a member of Unite.
"I grew up in the trade union movement and I am so proud that my son and daughter are in the union family," said Steve.
After leaving the bank, Steve had a number of jobs in the motor and security sectors - always making sure he was in a union - before starting a career in the prison service.
He became a prison officer at HMP Chelmsford, where he joined the Prison Officers Association (POA), quickly rising through the ranks of the union at local level, but witnessing a controversial decision by the Conservative government which remains in place today.
The Tories passed into law Section 127 of the Criminal Justice Public Order Act in 1994 which restricts prison officer grades in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from taking any form of industrial action and making it a criminal offence to do so or to induce that action.
The POA in general - and Steve in particular - has campaigned tirelessly for the ban to be scrapped, arguing passionately that the right to strike is a fundamental human right under international law. Steve points out that the Scottish government has reversed the ban, with no impact on industrial action, and the European Committee of Social Rights said the strike ban was a breach of their human rights.
He transferred to HMP Bullwood Hall, where he also became a POA branch official, and in 2001 he worked at HMP Pentonville as a senior officer. He witnessed local disputes first hand, honing his skills as an officer and negotiator, always campaigning successfully on behalf of POA members.
His route to POA general secretary started in 2000 when he became assistant secretary, followed by national vice chairman, national finance officer and his current job leading the union.
Steve is now in his fourth term as general secretary, testimony to his popularity among POA members. He knew about the importance of the TUC from the backing the POA has received over the years for the strike ban to be lifted, but in his 12 months as president he has witnessed a new level of support.
The TUC family has been superb. Nothing can prepare you for being president of the TUC, but the staff have done everything possible to help me chair meetings and speak at many conferences and events.
Steve is pleased that the slogan for this year's Congress is Unity Works because he is a strong believer that unions are a force for good, fighting for equality and justice - in unity. The political backdrop to Steve's year as president has been difficult, to say the least, with wars raging abroad and turmoil at home, culminating with the resignation of Keir Starmer as prime minister.
Looking ahead to the next year under a different Labour prime minister, Steve says unions should not be embarrassed to call for improvements to workers' pay and conditions.
"The Employment Rights Act was a step in the right direction but we now need a Mark II to build on the new rights, especially to help the elderly, disabled people, minority groups and young people.
I hope the government will see that working with unions should be a priority and that our movement is part of the solution.
"The previous Conservative government inflicted financial vandalism on this country, dressed up as austerity, and we need things to change."
What hasn't changed is Steve's ability to speak on behalf of the 35,000 prison officers on issues affecting the UK prison service.
He recently warned about overcrowding, understaffing, drug taking and the influence of organised crime gangs in prisons which he said was forcing experienced officers to quit and preventing new recruits joining.
Steve believes he has chaired TUC meetings fairly in the past year, listening to individuals, respecting their views, not giving any favours, and showing a degree of humour to help get through some of the more serious general council meetings.
His winning temperament is matched by his beloved Celtic Football Club, which won the Scottish league for a record 56th time last season. He's a season ticket holder which shows some loyalty given that he lives in Essex.
Steve lists football, family and walking his two dogs as his major interests - but delegates at the TUC Congress will witness his strong links with unions and his passion for how Unity Works.
His winning temperament is matched by his beloved Celtic Football Club, which won the Scottish league for a record 56th
time last season. He's a season ticket holder which shows some loyalty given that he lives in Essex.
Steve lists football, family and walking his two dogs as his major interests - but delegates at the TUC Congress will witness his strong links with unions and his passion for how Unity Works.