UNISON workers from across Wales have been honoured with a series of awards.
The annual awards recognise everything from education and training to outstanding contributions across the trade union movement.
The Education and Training award was presented to Rhian Lewis from the UNISON Cwm Taf Health branch for her tireless support and promotion of an education programme for healthcare assistants within the Cwm Taf health board.
The 2023 awards also saw the introduction of the Betty Campbell Award to recognise outstanding contributions to the trade union and labour movement.
The inaugural award was won by Sam Alkarnaz, Neelo Farr and Shirley Newbury who worked as a team to put anti-racism and equalities on the agenda at Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.
Sam, Neelo and Shirley have been part of groups and networks to bring equalities to the fore and have encouraged discussions and actions for the local authority to take to benefit branch members and wider communities.
Kemba Hadaway-Morgan of Cardiff County Council was also highly commended in this category for support of her branch in recruitment and retention of Black members.
The Billy Liddon Award recognising an activist who has provided substantial contribution to the area of health and safety went to Mark Pritchard of Carmarthenshire County Council for his commitment to excellence in health and safety inspections, translating his expertise into actionable safety measures and reducing risk in the workplace.
UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea presented the Organising and Recruitment Award to Jo Jones from the union’s Carmarthenshire County branch in recognition of her contributions to developing branch organisation and recruitment.
The Linda David Award honoured excellence in communications went to Cardiff County Council branch communications officer Will Barton for his role in recruitment and retention of membership.
The One Team Award went to Cymru/Wales and the South Gas for providing an outstanding contribution in the work place.
The Above and Beyond Award went to Elfrys Mason from Hywel Dda health board who has worked for Hywel Dda health board for 34 years and goes above and beyond for her patients, their families and staff.
Elfrys has been a member of UNISON since she joined the NHS.
The final award of the evening, the David Galligan Award, went to Mark Fisher from Neath Port Talbot Council who works above and beyond to support members undertaking the majority of branch casework, negotiating and campaigning on their behalf, as well as carrying out his NEC roles at various levels.
