When the TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber announced the 2007 TUC award winners last week, the CWU Birmingham Branch's Pete Eggleston was named as winner of the Safety Rep's award for 2007.

This is the second time a there's been a CWU winner with Barry Gapes (London City West) the winner in 2005.

National Health and Safety Officer Dave Joyce said,

"I'm of course delighted for Pete, his Branch and the Union as a whole. Having had two winners in the last three years is a great result for us, demonstrating the quality of our Safety Reps and the strength of our Safety Organisation within the CWU. Safety Reps are the best and sometimes the only defence workers have, making sure that health and safety risks are managed properly by employers. We know Union Safety Reps cut the rate of serious injury at work by more than 50 per cent, and over the years they've saved many lives and prevented many injuries by diligence, hard work and commitment. The fantastic work done by CWU Safety Reps like Pete in our branches up and down the country is helping to improve the lives of our members every year. The time, effort and work these people put in to help their colleagues often belies the time and resources they have available. I am delighted that the TUC have recognised our nominee as the best and I am sure the whole Union will join me in recognising the fine work of our Safety Reps collectively and Pete's achievement individually."

The TUC Safety Representatives Award recognises the contribution made by Safety Representatives in promoting health & safety in the workplace. Pete will be invited to receive his award at the TUC Congress in Brighton later this year 11-14 September.

Source: CWU