Activists: an inspiration at the heart of our union

General secretary Dave Prentis takes inspiration from visit to Southampton District branch

“UNISON activists are the people who make our union so special,” general secretary Dave Prentis declared today, as he visited the Southampton District branch.

The branch and members – working at Southampton city council, Hamwic Education Trust, Solent University, Capita Southampton Ltd, Active Nation UK Ltd and elsewhere – have been through a difficult time. Mr Prentis praised “a great group of activists” who have helped them get through that.

A mix of “old stewards returning to the fray” or new branch activists –  particularly women – who have come forward to support their colleagues, have created a branch “that’s really going places,” said Mr Prentis, “and it inspired me.”

Activists are at the heart of the union, and the general secretary praised their professionalism, loyalty and commitment.

Like thousands of UNISON activists across union, said Mr Prentis, the team at Southampton has “only one priority – coming together collectively to provide the best possible support for our members.

“This is what makes UNISON so special.”