UNISON Cymru/Wales today (Friday 26 January 2024) backed Vaughan Gething MS to be the next First Minister of Wales and leader of Welsh Labour.
The union, which represents tens of thousands of public service workers in Wales and across the UK, this morning met with leadership candidates Vaughan Gething MS and Jeremy Miles MS at its offices in Cardiff.
Both candidates put their case to UNISON’s Labour Link committee, the connection point between the party and the union.
The committee interviewed both candidates and voted on the preferred choice.
UNISON Cymru/Wales Labour Link committee chair Dan Beard said: “Both candidates were very impressive.
“Vaughan’s views, aims and values struck a chord with those present, who were delighted to support his nomination.
“In these difficult times, with workers still dealing with the worst cost-of-living crisis for a generation, Wales needs a staunch defender of public services and union rights as its leader.”
Vaughan Gething MS said: “I’m honoured the largest public sector union in Wales supports my nomination and shares my vision.
“As a UNISON member, I’m all too aware of the vital contribution public service workers make to life in Wales each day, be it the NHS, local government, education, the police, third sector and more.
“I look forward to working with UNISON during this leadership campaign.”