BAD BOSSES TAKE NOTE..
Unite’s new general secretary has a message for employers... and for Scottish Labour on IndyRef2
A LEFT-WINGER who believes independence is for Scots to decide has become Unite’s first female general secretary.
Sharon Graham defeated her male rivals for one of the top trade union jobs in the UK.
She won 46,696 votes, ahead of favourite Steve Turner on 41,833 and centrist Gerard Coyne who came third.
The result will be seen as a clean break from the era of outgoing boss Len McCluskey, who has been in post for 11 years and backed Turner.
Graham said: “As general secretary, I will put all the power of our union into defending their jobs, improving their pay and protecting their rights.
“Bad bosses take note. A strong Unite is the best defence that our members can have – my focus now is to build that strength.”
Leading the superunion also has a major political dimension as Unite is Labour’s biggest donor.
However, despite being on the Left, she may not be a thorn in Labour leader Keir Starmer’s side.
Graham signalled during the election Unite would involve itself less in
Labour politics than during McCluskey’s time.
On Scotland, the former waitress told the Record during the contest that she would put more power in the hands of union members north of the Border.
“We need now to devolve the responsibility, accountability, and the decision-making of the political decisions around Scotland into Scotland,” she said.
She said this could mean Unite members deciding whether to fund Scottish Labour: “I don’t know what will come out of that debate but it will [be a] debate that will be had in Scotland.”
She also said members will determine the union’s position on the constitution, adding: “As far as IndyRef2 is concerned, I have long believed in self -determination.
“It’s up to the Scottish people to decide what they want to do.
“Whatever that outcome will be, will be their decision, not anybody else’s. And that goes for how I intend to run the union.”
McCluskey said: “I thoroughly congratulate Sharon on her victory, which reaffirms her as the most formidable campaigning force in our movement.
“Sharon comes into office at a time of great uncertainty for our members... but I know she will build on our values and harness the talents of our great union in the service of our members and our movement.”
I have long believed in self-determination