2024 Congress Awards winners

Sharon Foster - UNISON
Women's Gold Award

Sharon has worked as an executive assistant at Bristol City Council for nearly four decades while actively supporting equality, inclusion, and diversity through her role in UNISON. She has played a leading role in advocating for women's rights, fighting domestic abuse, and addressing race discrimination. As an active member of several committees, including the National Women's and Black Members Committees, Sharon promotes the voices of marginalised groups at local, regional, and national levels.

Sharon's long-standing contributions to the trade union movement have resulted in several significant achievements, including drafting the National Black Members motion and fighting for changes to Universal Credit that benefit women. She has worked on leadership training programs and lobbied ministers on issues like the Windrush scandal. Her work reflects a strong commitment to improving workplace and social equality for women and underrepresented communities.

Beyond her trade union activism, Sharon has served her community as a Magistrate, Presiding Judge, and School Governor. She also held the prestigious position of High Sheriff of Bristol, focusing on reducing school exclusions and youth violence. Sharon’s dedication to promoting positive change in education, justice, and social inclusion has made her a well loved activist, and she is highly deserving of recognition with the TUC Women's Gold Badge Award.

Syed Hadi Naqvi - Usdaw
Organising Award

Syed (Hadi) has been an Usdaw member since 2019 and became actively involved when he took the role of shop steward in August 2020. At that time, his workplace was grappling with pandemic-related issues. Joining a small team of just seven, Hadi played a crucial role in expanding to 20 members by providing support and guidance to less experienced reps. His leadership and dedication in building trade union representation on site have been pivotal, including efforts to address safety concerns and improve employee welfare, such as securing over £20,000 for safety equipment and advocating for better food options in the staff canteen.

Hadi has effectively represented members on various issues, ensuring their rights are protected. In one case, he helped a member struggling with migraines avoid disciplinary action by demonstrating that the condition was a disability under the Equality Act. He negotiated a shift change that alleviated the members symptoms without financial loss. In another instance, Hadi addressed bullying and harassment by a manager by organising a collective grievance. Although initially rejected, Hadi pursued the issue through the Union's Legal Department, leading to a successful Employment Tribunal case. His persistence and dedication were crucial to this victory.

Since becoming a rep, Hadi has significantly increased membership density from 50% to 75% at a site with nearly 1,200 employees, adding around 300 members. He has organised various campaigns to enhance union vitality and ensure members benefit from services like Legal Plus and Free Will Writing. Additionally, Hadi has promoted anti-racism initiatives and engaged actively in his trade union branch. His involvement includes presenting key issues at the Annual Delegate Meeting and keeping members informed about important motions and developments.

Helena Fletcher - UNISON
Youth Award

In 2023, Helena Fletcher received UNISON's Eric Roberts award for her effective and innovative campaigning as a young member. Nominated by her branch, Sheffield Community Health, she was praised for becoming the Young Member's Branch Officer in her first year. Helena has actively campaigned for young members, established a network of colleagues, and worked tirelessly to set up a young members' group in Yorkshire & Humberside. She attended the National Delegates Conference, forming bonds with other young members and learning more about union operations, encouraging unity, and arranging social events.

Helena has led a branch development session on young members in UNISON, recruited student nurses at Hallam University, and demonstrated strong leadership on young members' issues. She was also awarded the Bill Ronksley Award by Yorkshire and Humberside TUC for recruiting over 40 young members at a university event. Her branch workshop on engaging young members through social media was so successful that she was invited to present it to other branches in the region.

Helena holds two job roles: as an engagement officer in the NHS, working with diverse community groups and ensuring the voices of patients, families, and carers are heard, and in equality for staff, where she supports staff network groups and promotes inclusivity. She has volunteered at local food banks and churches, is learning British Sign Language, and has been supporting deaf Ukrainian refugees.

Darren Hincks - Unite
Learning Award

Darren is a passionate advocate for the working class, understanding the challenges faced by workers due to socio-economic pressures. Darren has organised open days with his employer, supporting causes like Pancreatic Cancer and Mind charity, while also promoting inclusive learning opportunities. His efforts to introduce topics such as Nepalese culture, Shakespeare, and beekeeping have helped create a vibrant and inclusive workplace culture.

Darren has been actively involved in providing music lessons to fellow members, creating a space where learning and creativity thrive. With guitar, keyboard, and drum lessons, he has helped members discover new skills, turning dreams into reality. His contributions have been warmly welcomed by his branch, and these initiatives have led to the formation of clubs and societies.

Darren's personal journey has also been shaped by his desire to further his education. At 50, he re-entered formal education to support his daughter, earning multiple qualifications in adult social care and autism. This dedication led to his recognition as First Bus Learner of the Year in 2019. Re-elected for a second term by the membership, Darren continues to find new ways to boost learning within the Unite and First Bus partnership.

Martina Vrajitoru - GMB
Health & Safety Award

Martina joined GMB in 2023 and has already driven remarkable cultural change through her activism. She led a successful campaign for women-specific PPE, pushing for female-designed equipment rather than smaller male versions, aiming to expand the campaign across all workplaces. Her efforts, backed by the Wales and South West Equalities Forum, are being evaluated for adaptation to become a national health and safety campaign.

Martina has also highlighted the link between health, safety, and equality at Hinkley Point C. She urged all reps to undergo neurodiversity and menopause training, focusing on safety-related hazards. The menopause training led to three campaigns, including an awareness day and gaining the support of HPC's Senior Management for GMB's "Smash the Stigma" menopause policy.

As a woman working in construction, Martina challenged outdated risk management practices, addressing issues like mental health, healthier food options, and better toilet facilities on site. Her drive and determination, alongside technical knowledge, have achieved impressive results in a short time as an activist, making her a deserving award winner.