Michael J. Leahy

Biographical Information
Michael J. Leahy OBE, General Secretary, Community.

"Born in Pontypool, South Wales, married with two sons, Michael began his career as the youngest branch representative at the age of 16 and Sheet Trade Board representative at 17 years of age at the Panteg Works, South Wales. Michael then started his full-time career as an Organiser in 1977, progressing to Senior Organiser, 1992-1993; Assistant General Secretary, 1993-1998; General Secretary Elect 1998-1999; General Secretary, 1999 to date.

"Michael’s main responsibilities are managing the Union and its employees, together with developing and implementing the strategic plans for the union, legal services & communications. Michael has been a Labour Party member since 1966, has served on the Party's National Executive Committee and is currently one the Labour Party's auditors. He is dedicated to working with Government on new legislation and initiatives to the benefit of our members and communities as a whole.

"Michael is a Member of the General Council and Executive Council of the TUC, serving as TUC President in 2011. He is an Executive Member of the European Metalworkers Federation. Michael is also President of the Steel and Non-Ferrous Section of the International Metalworkers Federation and Chairman of the National Trades Union Steel Coordinating Committee. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a member of the Central Arbitration Committee, Materials UK Board, British Steel Enterprise Board and President of The Welsh Trust for Prevention of Abuse."

Affiliations

 * Cofounder, Trade Unions Linking Israel and Palestine