UNISON has appointed Jo Galloway as regional secretary in the south east of England, it was announced today (Thursday).
Jo was previously regional secretary in London where she led major campaigns to improve pay and conditions for low-paid NHS staff.
These included successful strike action by healthcare assistants in Greenwich over pay gaps affecting black and female workers. Jo also oversaw the return of the largest group of outsourced workers back into direct employment at Barts Health NHS Trust.
She returns to the south east having previously worked in the region as head of equalities. In that role, Jo was instrumental in improving representation and tackling discrimination in workplaces.
Jo also led a race equality campaign that secured commitments from more than 15 employers to sign up to UNISON’s anti-racism charter. The charter was drawn up to challenge racial discrimination in the workplace.
UNISON south east regional secretary Jo Galloway said: “It’s a privilege to be returning to the south east.
“This is a challenging period for public sector workers. Years of underfunding have left services stretched, with staff often overworked and underpaid. Women, younger workers and those facing discrimination feel the impact most sharply.
“I’m committed to ensuring everyone from NHS staff to teaching assistants get the support they need.”