My personal history

Joined AEU when started work at Rolls Royce Bristol in 1975 as an apprentice

Elected as Shop Steward in 1984

Elected as Deputy Convener in 1987

Elected as Convener for the Test Areas in 1990

Elected to the Amicus National Executive Committee in 2003 (polling the highest vote in the Aerospace and Shipbuilding sector).

In June of 2005 a 48 hour occupation of the ’Test Areas’ saved the jobs of two fitters who were facing dismissal. Six weeks later I was sacked by Rolls Royce using trumped up charges, unfounded allegations and anti union legislation.  A tribunal pre-hearing found in my favour and that in all probability I was sacked for Trade Union activities i.e. victimised. 

Union democracy

In 2002 Derek Simpson questioned the right of Sir Ken Jackson to remain as AEEU General Secretary as he had only been elected by the minority former EETPU section of the union. I am now questioning the fact that Derek Simpson was only ever elected by the AEEU section of Unite and that members of the former MSF, Unifi and GPMU have not had a democratic vote on who should be the General Secretary. Using the same legal opinion given to Derek Simpson, who successfully challenged Sir Ken Jackson in 2002, I am challenging Derek Simpson’s right to remain as General Secretary now his period of office has been extended by a year beyond his retirement age. In 2002 Derek Simpson was highly critical of the decision to extend Sir Ken Jackson’s period of office by two years beyond retirement. Now he has hypocritically arranged for an extension of office for himself! It is widely accepted that the ruling in 2002 opened the door for a positive change in the union and the same ruling is being sought now.

I believe in elections by the members with officers answerable and accountable to the members. As proof of my commitment to the principle of election of officers I was offered a Full Time Officers Job with the Union in 2003 by Derek Simpson but declined his offer as this would have been an appointment and so against my belief in elections. By accepting the removal of the democratic decision of the members at the 2005 Amicus Rules Conference to elect officers as part of the instrument of amalgamation to form Unite, Derek Simpson has now abandoned his election promises in 2002 of support for the principle of election of officers.