At the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Annual Congress in Perth (10:00 hrs, Wednesday 16th April 2013) Johann Lamont MSP, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party will present the 2013 One Workplace Equality Award to recognise the role of Scottish trade union members in promoting equality

This year’s STUC One Workplace Award recipient is Sharon Edward of Glasgow, a member of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS).

Sharon has been a committed trade union activist for over twenty years and continues to show exceptional commitment to PCS and the wider trade union movement in all her roles. As chair of the PCS Scotland Equality Committee and as Editor of the PCS National Women’ Network Journal she has underpinned her commitment to equality.

Sharon has taken the lead in the setting up of the PCS Women’s Network and plays a key role in the direction of and application of campaigns whether on a UK, Scotland or on a more localised basis.

Sharon was instrumental in launching a new PCS journal for women in 2011 as editor. Women make up 64% of PCS membership and the role Sharon plays in reaching out to women is of vital importance in terms of supporting women in their working lives and she has become a role model for young women from the course.

In her job at the Identity and Passport Service (IPS), Northgate Glasgow, Sharon’s promotion of learning and support of young members has recruited new reps over the years. She successfully campaigned for equality forums in the workplace and her campaign for equality proofing of job adverts within her department was agreed and has now become standard practice.

Sharon’s tireless pursuit of equality and in breaking down barriers for underrepresented groups shows no sign of abating. In these uncertain times for the public sector with unprecedented attacks on pay, pensions, jobs, terms and conditions, Sharon has led from the front and this makes her an exceptional recipient of this year’s One Workplace Equality Award.

Grahame Smith STUC General Secretary commented:

Sharon’s remarkable work as a lay rep for over 20 years has progressed and inspired action on equality issues within her union and the trade union movement. In particular, her support of new reps and women is tireless and invaluable.

Sharon said:

“I feel truly honoured to receive this award and being recognised for the equality work that I do. To say it was unexpected is an understatement. Equality is an ongoing battle and injustices in the workplace and in society continue to drive me as an individual.

ENDS

STUC Vacancies

To view STUC vacancies, click here.

To view affiliate and other vacancies, click here.