Michael J. Leahy
Michael J. Leahy O.B.E (7 January 1949) is the General Secretary of the British Trade Union Community.[1] Leahy was General Secretary of the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation (ISTC) from 1999 until it merged with the National Union of Knitwear, Footwear & Apparel Trades (KFAT) in 2004 to form Community.
Early life
Michael was born in Pontypool, Wales, in 1949.[2] He attended Twmpath Secondary Modern School.[3] Michael joined the ISTC in 1965 upon starting work as a Chargehand at Panteg Steel Works, where he was employed from 1965 to 1977.
He is married with two children.
Union career
Leahy was employed as an organiser from 1977 to 1986, then as a senior organiser from 1986 to 1992. He was elected Assistant General Secretary of ISTC in 1993 and General Secretary in 1999.[4]
Leahy is President of the iron, steel and nonferrous metals sector of the International Metalworkers' Federation (IMF) and sits on the executive of European Metalworkers' Federation (EMF-FEM). He also is a member of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) executive committee,[5] and is the President of the TUC for 2011.[6]
Middle East Peace Process
Michael is a co-founder of the Trade Unions Linking Israel and Palestine.
References
- ↑ Community Web site.
- ↑ pg 1353 Who's Who, A & C Black, London 2008
- ↑ pg 1353 Who's Who, A & C Black, London 2008
- ↑ pg 244 Tempered not Quenched, Martin Upham, Lawrence & Wishart Ltd, London
- ↑ TUC Directory 2008
- ↑ New TUC President elected in Manchester, TUC, 19 September 2010
| Trade union offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Keith Brookman |
Assistant General Secretary of the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation 1993–1999 |
Succeeded by Eddie Lynch |
| Preceded by Keith Brookman |
General Secretary of the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation 1999–2004 |
Succeeded by Position abolished |
| Preceded by New position |
General Secretary of Community 2004–present |
Incumbent |
| Preceded by Dougie Rooney |
President of the Trades Union Congress 2011 |
Succeeded by Paul Kenny |