Sharon Graham, Unite’s new leader, plots a radical overhaul
British workplaces are likely to see more strikes
AGED 17 AND working as a silver-service waitress in London, Sharon Graham led an unofficial walkout in support of colleagues on casual contracts, which won them equal pay. It gave her a taste for facing off against employers. Now 52, she will soon have plenty of opportunity to satisfy it. On August 25th Unite, Britain’s second-largest—and by far its loudest—trade union, elected her as its new general secretary. She is expected to move the union away from Westminster and back into workplaces. The impact will be felt not just on the political left, but in boardrooms.
This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “Bosses beware”
Britain August 28th 2021
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- Sharon Graham, Unite’s new leader, plots a radical overhaul
- How German bombs shape London’s gangs
- Big British companies are entering the rental market
- Crossrail, London’s new train line, is almost finished
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