Christina McAnea made history when she became the first female general secretary of UNISON back in 2021. As the leader of the UK’s biggest union, she has had an incredibly busy tenure – whether it’s been navigating the post-Covid world of work, dealing with the damage caused by years of Tory government austerity or tackling the rise of far-right populism.
As Christina starts her well-earned retirement after over 35 years spent serving the trade union movement, first at Nalgo and at UNISON since its formation, we look back on just some of her many highlights.
All about the members
Christina inherited a union in rude health, but her achievement in ensuring UNISON has remained the UK’s biggest union should not be underestimated. Against a backdrop of hostile Tory governments and their anti-union laws, the union has continued to grow for four consecutive years.
UNISON New Cross Rd., Depford, Ambulance picket line
Events, events, events
The fact that UNISON is still the largest of all the unions is even more impressive given that Christina took over at the height of a global pandemic when public services and its many workforces were under immense strain. That she was a steady and reassuring presence in charge of the union in such unprecedented times was incredibly important and valued by activists and members alike. Her role was formally acknowledged by the Covid Inquiry last year.
Christina McAnea giving evidence to the Covid Inquiry 2025A new ERA
Christina has been one of the main supporters and a key driver of the new Employment Rights Act. Ever since Labour came into power in 2024, she has made sure UNISON was working behind the scenes, pushing ministers and civil servants to make certain that the final draft of the legislation brought about the biggest change to worker and union rights in a generation. It comes with two major advances that UNISON fought for – the fair pay agreement in care – that should be the first step towards a national care service – and the school support staff negotiating body for England. Around 400,000 members will benefit from these important developments.
UNISON college
A key promise in Christina’s election campaign, the UNISON college was duly launched in January 2023 and has since trained thousands of members and activists. The college offers a ridiculously wide array of training and courses – currently over 1,000 are on offer – that helps both members and activists. The courses and training aren’t just work-based either. Although the support on offer is aimed at improving job interview skills or gaining a promotion at work, courses about enhancing mindfulness and keeping on top of household finances are also there for the taking. There is something there for everyone and Christina was instrumental in making sure the union supports all of its members and their lifelong learning.
A national care service
Another key priority for Christina was the union’s campaign for a national care service. Her personal involvement was key in ensuring it was part of Labour’s manifesto in 2024. While an NHS equivalent for the care service remains a long-term goal for both the union and the current government, the first fair pay agreement for care staff is coming together. And that will make a massive difference and is the first step in fixing care.
Pay fair for patient care
UNISON has always been about making a practical, positive difference to members lives and nowhere is the theory better made a reality than in our ongoing Pay fair for patient care campaign. It’s a brilliant example of what UNISON does best. Over £250m has now been secured in back pay for healthcare assistants and other low-paid support workers across the NHS during Christina’s time as general secretary. Incredible.
Christina McAnea visits picket line at Longley Ambulance Station, Sheffield, in support of striking ambulance and support crews. ©Steve Forrest/Workers’ Photos
Organising and winning
The success of Pay fair for patient care was in no small measure down to the success of Organising to win, which has kept on delivering more members and activists over the past five years. As well as delivering an organising strategy fit for the modern world of work, Christina kept her promise to put more resources into branches, local campaigns and disputes, supporting members on picket lines.
Lights, camera, action
Christina massively increased the amount of media work undertaken by the union’s general secretary. She gave the union’s point of view in the print, digital and broadcast media on a regular basis and frequently appeared on LBC phone-ins, and as a panellist on Radio 4’s Any Questions, BBC1’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, ITV’s Peston, BBC 2’s Newsnight and many other TV and radio programmes. As Christina herself has said: “The aim hasn’t been to get a quick headline but to get the best outcome for members – and to make a difference.”
Trains, planes and automobiles
Being general secretary of UNISON is a big job and during the last five years, whether it was supporting striking members on picket lines across the UK, speaking at conferences or leading marches both at home and abroad, Christina certainly racked up the miles.
Often liaising behind the scenes with unions from across the world and supporting their campaigns for justice, Christina worked hard to get the wider labour movement involved in our campaigns for Palestinian rights and to use our influence to achieve recognition of the state of Palestine. A fact that was recognised by the Palestinian Ambassador last year.
UNISON National Delegates Conference 2023, Liverpool. ©Steve Forrest/Workers’ Photos
The final word
It’s only right that we give the final word to our first female general secretary. The woman who has opened doors for others to follow: “My job has been to ensure there is a voice and a space for everyone. To ensure no single group or faction dominates and to work with all the different parts of our union. To make sure under-represented groups have both a place and power in our union. Whether that be school or care staff, migrant or disabled workers.
“I’ve always been aware of the responsibility we have, as the biggest women’s organisation in the UK, to make sure women’s voices and issues are at the heart of our union. Our equalities work on race, gender, disability and LGBT+ issues is second to none in the union movement. We should be very proud of that.
“It’s been amazing to be able to represent members and be the face and voice of the union. UNISON members do incredible jobs across our essential services. They keep our entire country well, educated and cared for. Our streets safe, help prevent crimes and look after victims. Local services running, libraries and youth centres open and our pavements clean. Providing the water and energy we need and protecting our precious environment.
“I’ve worked for the union movement for over 37 years. I am eternally grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and above all to have been able to do a job I love for so long. I will miss the many friends I have among the staff, members and activists. And I will of course now join the ranks of our wonderful, retired members.
“No matter what I do next, I will always have UNISON in my heart.”
