New union chief Gary vows to lead with ‘strength and energy’ after landslide victory
Paisley man speaks out after landing top job at GMB
A Paisley man has powered his way to the top of one of the big three UK unions.
Tough talking Gary Smith smashed his rivals to take over as general secretary of the GMB.
The 53- year- old Buddie now becomes one of the most powerful trade union leaders, looking after the interests of more than 600,000 workers.
Thousands of those workers are in Paisley and Renfrewshire as the GMB is prominent in health and social care, local government, retail, security and utilities.
Gary has landed the prime post at a union branded institutionally sexist in an independent report into sexual harassment.
Karon Monaghan QC said “bullying, misogyny, cronyism and sexual harassment are endemic”.
As he was elected after landing more than half the votes, he said: “Let me be clear that I will work with and be guided by our union’s president Barbara Plant and our Central Executive Council to ensure the full implementation of the Monaghan Report.
“Never again can we lose sight of the duty we have to our people.”
Gary had led the Scottish operation for the past six years and becomes the tenth general secretary of the union since 1924.
He has a tough reputation for standing up to union busting and earlier this week launched a broadside at Morrisons supermarket, saying: “Another employer trying to stab key workers in the back. Top bosses helped themselves to a fortune in pay and bonuses too.”
He has been congratulated by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.
Anas, who worked as a dentist in Paisley, said: “He is a tireless campaigner for his members and takes no nonsense from politicians.
“He has transformed my union in Scotland and I know will do the same across the UK.”
Gary said it was an honour to take the top role and has been a member since he joined as a 16-year-old gas apprentice.
He said: “Everyone wants a better GMB. We must shed the practices and cultures that have blighted us in recent times and rediscover all that is good about this union. And there is so much that is good.
“We have fantastic people, talented and committed activists, and incredible members who pay their hard-earned money to be part of an organisation that fights for justice in the workplace.
“Everyone deserves to be part of a union that brings people together in good faith to build a better future and to make work better. GMB will be that union, we will be different, we will be better and we will win together.
“Throughout my entire adult working life, I’ve tried to repay this huge debt by fighting hard, every day, to improve the working lives of our members.
“As general secretary, I promise to lead with the same strength and energy.”
He won just over half the 61,000 votes cast, defeating rivals Rehana Azam and Giovanna Holt, who got 28 per cent and 22 per cent.
His predeccessor Tim Roache resigned last year after allegations were made about his conduct.
We must shed the practices and cultures that have blighted us in recent times