16-19_ARENA_SPRING2016_Arena_A5 11/02/2016 09:46 Page 2 Feature daw Awards 2015 Us Top reps win recognition and awards Activists across the UK gathered at a top Manchester hotel in January to celebrate building the fastest growing UK union... T alent, commitment and dedication to the union cause was everywhere at the union’s 11th annual awards night which saw nine national prizes handed out to divisional nominees during a sparkling evening. Senior officials joined the reps to celebrate the hard work, energy and never-say- die attitude of Usdaw’s small army of reps who provide a first-class service for their members day-in day-out. General secretary John Hannett, deputy general secretary Paddy Lillis and president Jeff Broome awarded the eight national prizes chosen by the executive council from more than 750 nominations. “This is a great night,” said John. “It puts the activists centre stage and rightly so. 16 arena They are at the sharp end when issues arise and they are the face of the union. Obviously we can’t have all 10,000 reps here on the night but this event shows how much they are appreciated. “Congratulations to the national winners and the divisional nominations but a big thank you to all of our reps across the UK who do a fantastic job for their members. “Every year we have a new set of nominees and that shows how much talent we have in our ranks. This night recognised those reps who went the extra mile in 2015 and we’ll be doing the same again for our reps next year for 2016. I’d recommend all of our reps to consider nominating themselves or a colleague for next year’s event when the process starts again later in the year.” The 2015 winners ce national at the aw lebrate ards nigh t