News

Dear Colleagues,



It is with great pleasure that we announce the decision to appoint Christy Hoffman as the new Deputy General Secretary of UNI Global Union.



Christy is a member of the UNI World Executive Board and has worked for a number of unions in the USA, including the SEIU, the Teamsters, the Mineworkers and the Machinists. Christy worked with the UNI Property Services Global Union from 2004 to 2008, during which time she achieved a number of global agreements with leading multinationals. We are delighted to welcome her back to UNI. She will be based at the head office in Nyon.



In appointing Christy, the panel recognised her wide union experience, ranging from the workplace to national and international leadership positions. She has extensive experience as a negotiator, strategist and leader in the trade union movement. Christy is also a qualified lawyer and defended her union in cases related to the strike against Pittston Coal and later won a landmark arbitration award following the UPS dispute. Currently she works on behalf of SEIU to promote initiatives with the Obama Administration to benefit working people, including significant public procurement reform.



The interview panel, as mandated by the UNI World Executive Board, agreed unanimously to appoint Christy, who will take up her appointment following the retirement of Philip Bowyer.



The panel, which met over two days and interviewed several strong contenders, consisted of:



· UNI President – Joe Hansen

· the four Presidents of the Regional Organisations – Bones Skulu for UNI Africa, Ruben Cortina for UNI Americas, Joe De Bruyn for UNI Apro and Frank Bsirske for UNI Europa

· the President of the UNI Women’s Committee – Denise McGuire

· UNI Treasurer – Michel Gobet

· UNI Vice President – Ann Selin

· UNI General Secretary – Philip Jennings



Christy is looking forward to rejoining the UNI team and working with all affiliates in all regions and sectors to promote and implement our Breaking Through initiative.



I am sure you will join me in congratulating Christy on her appointment and give her all your support in her new role.



Yours sincerely,



Philip J. Jennings

UNI General Secretary