The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has announced that the recipients of this year’s STUC health and safety award are the Unite health and safety representatives at Spirit Aerosystems at Prestwick.
The award sponsored by Thompson’s Solicitors will be presented (11.30hrs Monday 19 April, Caird Hall Dundee) by the Secretary of State for Scotland, Jim Murphy
Spirit Aerosystems took over the facility in 2006 from BAE systems and the health and safety representatives have ensured that union involvement in health and safety in the workplace did not suffer as a result of the uncertainty that comes with change on ownership.
With the support of Unite, a highly effective team of 17 safety representatives, representing the 750 employees have developed positive working relationships with the company that have not only been of benefit to the health, safety and welfare of Spirit Aerosystems employees but also other employers, and schools in the wider Ayrshire community through school visits and the representatives providing training for local employers.
Grahame Smith STUC General Secretary said
“The Unite health and safety team health and safety team at Spirit Aerosystems should be proud of what they have achieved so far and the driving force behind much of this work was Stevie Ryan, one of the Senior Representatives, Chair of the Scottish Hazards campaign group and a committed health and safety campaigner.
“The STUC knew Stevie Ryan through his work with Hazards and we were all shocked when he passed away very suddenly in Early February. We are delighted that his wife Karen will be in Dundee for Congress and to see his colleagues receive this award.”
Patrick Maguire of Thompson’s Solicitors said “Thompson’s are proud to sponsor this event. The award winners are an incredible example of what can be achieved. Campaigns likthis, reducing accidents, reducing injuries, making our workplaces safer is something we are absolutely dedicated to”
ENDS For further information please contact Ian Tasker 0141 337 8100