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After four challenging years at the helm he reflects on his and the unions' achievements.

"Our main objective was to make UNI a truly global active union - and I really think we have achieved that. We are relevant to the working lives of our members everywhere.

"In Asia we achieved a real breakthrough in our dialogue with the ABU and are now recognised as an important voice in media debates in Asia. In Korea we are actively supporting our union fighting negative moves towards more concentration of media in fewer hands.

"In Africa we are working with affiliates to develop our unions, in Europe we have built greater social dialogue and made advances especially on issues like gender equality. We've been able to give practical solidarity to unions in Greece and Spain or Hungary where the unions are fighting to defend freedom of expression - a very important issue.

"Being able to be in each place personally to deliver solidarity has been important.

"I am proud of the trust member unions put in me and together we have done good and successful work and developed MEI as a global union. Our voice is heard inside UNI and in the industry. I am very honoured to have been President".

Heinrich will step down at the end of conference, needing to devote more time to his important role in VERDI but UNI MEI will not be losing his talents. He will continue as a member of the management committee - still championing the cause of working people. “Whenever UNI MEI needs me I will be there”.

Click here to see photos from the conference.