It Was 20 Years Ago Today!

20 years ago today I left my job as the Head of Local Government for Unison in Scotland.

Here's my reference from Unison at the time and on another, topical note would you believe that the NUPE Area Officer I replaced in London all those years ago was none other than Jeremy Corbyn - who was elected as an MP on 9 June 1983 and remains in the House of Commons to this very day.

REFERENCE

Mark A. Irvine

Mark Irvine joined Unison/NUPE as an Area Officer in London in August 1983. He had previously been active in the union as a lay member in Scotland, representing NUPE at a Scottish level and becoming NUPE's first ever winner of the TUC Youth Award.

As a full-time official in London Mark won the respect of his NUPE colleagues, the London membership and a wide range of employers from the public, private and voluntary sectors.

In 1990 Mark was interviewed by NUPE's National Executive Council and promoted back to Scotland to the post of Assistant Divisional Officer. As well as being part of NUPE's Scottish Management Team, Mark had specific responsibilities for members in local government, higher education and in the water supply industry.

Unison came into being in July 1993 and Mark was appointed as Head of Local Government in Scotland. He became the lead negotiator and spokesperson for Unison's 100,000 members in Scottish local government and for the Joint Trade Union Side.

Mark performed his duties in an exemplary manner working with Unison's members and branches, other trade unions and the Scottish employers. His work within the Scottish negotiating machinery was crucial to the historic 1999 Single Status (Equal Pay) Agreement based on equal pay for work of value and a non-discriminatory approach to job evaluation.

As a member of Unison's Scottish Management Team Mark was responsible with other colleagues for strategic decisions on staffing matters, team working, change management and the general development of union policy.

Mark performed at the highest level of the trade union movement for twenty years and is greatly respected for his professionalism and dedication. 

He has represented Unison/NUPE at a Scottish and UK level and leaves with our good wishes for the future. He will bring the following qualities to any prospective employer:

• Negotiating and leadership skills
• A belief in team working and professional management
• Experience of change management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A commitment to equal opportunities
• Experience in handling the press and broadcast media
• Integrity, honesty and hard work

Mark Irvine was employed by Unison from 22 August 1983 until 18 November 1999.