Andrea Egan
Britain’s biggest union could soon be headed up by a working class militant determined to “put members in the driving seat”.
That’s the vow of social worker Andrea Egan, who is running to be the Unison union’s next general secretary.
“I truly believe in a member-led union where workers’ voices are listened to,” she told her campaign launch on Wednesday night.
“Action in the workplaces changes people’s lives for the better. I’ve fought for others my whole life and I’m ready to fight for you.”
Andrea, who is supported by the left wing Time For Real Change group, is standing on a platform that would see her build on workplace struggles and “create a truly inclusive union.”
One key test will be how Unison—which largely represents workers in the public sector—reacts to the cuts and attacks promised by a Labour government. “Labour’s programme should reflect the demands of trade unions like ourselves,” she said.
“So why is it that time and time again Labour’s leadership has reneged on promises to our union?”
She called for “no more blank cheques”—“Let me be clear, if Labour wants our support they better deliver it.”
John McDonnell—one of the seven left wing MPs suspended from Labour—told the meeting that Andrea has “shown she’s up for a fight whenever necessary”. He said, “We want to see our agenda implemented by a Labour government, but at the same time if there are more fights to be fought Andrea will lead those fights.”
McDonnell had the Labour whip suspended after voting to repeal the child benefit cap in July 2024. “When we win, we will transform this union,” he said. “And it could play one of the most influential roles in the trade union movement and in the wider movement across society.”
Around 200 people joined the meeting in central London and online, where they heard from trade unionists who had worked with Andrea in the past.
Christophine Obigwe said Andrea’s approach was “not just about helping you get this or helping you get that.” “She believes what I believe—she is a fan of justice and solidarity,” she said.
In the 2020 general secretary election, incumbent general secretary Christina McAnea won with 48 percent of the vote. But Time for Real Change backed candidate Paul Holmes scored 34 percent.
There was a real desire for a left candidate and a union that took the fight to the government. With four years of a cost of living crisis and attacks from the top, that thirst for change is likely to be even greater this time around.
The schedule of the election is yet to be published.
Unison members should throw themselves into this campaign.
Unions have called a general strike
Interview with a member of French revolutionary socialist group Autonomie de Classe
