Catherine McKenna, who works for the Education Authority in Northern Ireland, is the new president of UNISON, the UK’s largest union.
UNISON’s national executive council (NEC) elected Catherine at the end of the union’s national conference, which took place in Liverpool last week.
Catherine has two roles at the Education Authority – in special needs transport and in school meals.
She has served on UNISON’s NEC, the union’s governing body, for the past four years. And has just been re-elected to the seat reserved for low-paid workers in Northern Ireland.
Catherine has been a UNISON member for 18 years and belongs to the Belfast education branch. She has previously been the branch secretary and is now chair.
Catherine said: “I’m excited to be elected president. I’m looking forward to winning for public sector workers everywhere, especially the lowest paid.
“Coming from West Belfast and working in a low-paid role, I know what it means to feel unseen, unheard, and undervalued. That’s why I’ve never been more determined to ensure our union is a home for every public service worker, no matter their job title or background.
“It’s a huge honour to take on this role, not because of the title, but the people. I come from the same workplaces, the same struggles, and I carry that with me in every decision. I’m ready to give it my all, because our strength lies in how we listen, how we care, and how we stand together.”
Catherine is committed to international solidarity and women’s issues are a big part of her union life. Through her work on the union’s women’s committee in Northern Ireland, She has campaigned on menopause policies, as well as those on domestic violence. These are now being used to support school staff across Northern Ireland.
Catherine will hold the position for a year. She is joined on the presidential team by James Anthony, a registered nurse from Birmingham as vice president, and Debbie Rowden, a local government project manager from Norfolk.
Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk