GMB Magazine GMB24 The Pulse Spring 2016 | Page 26

EQUALITIES

UPDATE
Goodbye
to
Graham
r acceptance

GMB fights fo

WORKING TOGETHER
Senior organiser Desiree Risebury
with GMB member Emily Warrillow
and actress Tracy Brabin.

After 28 years
of hard work, it’s
time for a rest!

GMB senior organiser
Graham Benton is set
to retire in April after
28 years’ service.
He’s been a
stalwart of GMB, first
as rep in 1982, then
as branch secretary.
In 1988, Graham
was appointed organiser
before transferring to
Sheffield and becoming a senior
organiser in 2003.
Graham’s done so much for GMB
members over the years, managing GMB
staff in Sheffield and Chesterfield, and
looking after retired members, too.
He said: “In a time before computers,
life was a little less hectic – but the issues
remain the same, employers looking to
squeeze the last drop of labour from their
workers at the lowest possible price.”
Graham went on to pay tribute to GMB
staff. “I have worked with many people in
my time – thank you to all. I will watch
with pride how GMB continues to grow.”
Thank you, Graham, for all your years
of service. Everyone wishes you a happy
retirement with your partner, Christine.

A day of
INSPIRATION

The annual GMB women’s event
in Leeds was a great success!

S

tars from stage and screen were
invited to address a GMB delegation
recently when the Region held its
annual women’s conference in Leeds.
The conference, which celebrated women
from across the Region, was held at The Met
Hotel and was a huge success; supported by
GMB activists and members alike, the women
enjoyed an inspirational day.
Guest speakers included actress and
writer Tracy Brabin, famed for her roles
in Coronation Street and Emmerdale; MP
for Dewsbury and Mirfield, Paula Sherriff;
Sheffield councillor Chris Peace; campaigners
Anne Scargill and Betty Cook from Women
Against Pit Closures; local businesswoman

Rachel Salway; and Marcia Clarke from
Leeds Women’s Aid.
Desiree Risebury, senior organiser, who
headed up the conference, said: “GMB’s
network of women activists is second to
none. It was heartwarming to see so many
of our young members attending this event.”
Tim Roache, General Secretary, added:
“GMB has been at the forefront in the fight for
equality within society si