Pete is a long standing activist, having held several roles in the branch down the years. He has recently begun a second stint as Assistant Branch Secretary, following several years as the Joint Trade Union Secondee to m people.
Now you can find out a bit more about what makes him tick.
Name: Pete Banks
Job: Assistant Branch Secretary
How long have you been a member of the union? Since 1987
What do you like about your role in UNISON? Making a positive difference!
Whereabouts do you live? The people’s republic of Mossley.
Where would you want to live? Eventually I’d like to return to North Wales and live somewhere near the coast.
Best thing about UNISON? UNISON Stewards – without them we wouldn’t be able to function. We need more.
Who or what is your inspiration? Joe Strummer from The Clash. An absolute life-changer.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? My personality can be a little too addictive at times!
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Stinginess
If you were Prime Minister, what would you do first? On my first day as PM, I’d stop the privatisation of the NHS, repeal all the Tory anti-trade union laws, re-nationalise the railways and scrap Free Schools.
What superpower would you like? The power to make Wales win the World Cup (rugby and football)
What’s the worst job you’ve ever done? What’s your ideal job? The worst job was helping weed the allotment when I was a child. Now I have my own allotment to weed! Best job is trade union officer.
Favourite holiday destination, film, drink, football club? The French Alps and Pyrenees. There are too many classic films to mention, but my favourite at the minute is Boyhood. Real Ale and the mighty Wrexham FC.
What was your best day at work, and your worst? The best days are when you deliver a positive outcome for a member. The worst days are when you can’t!
Why do unions matter? Studies show that workers in unions are better off in terms of rights, pay, Health and Safety, equality and pensions than workers who are not organised. These hard-fought gains, made over the years, would be gone in an instant if unions no longer existed.
