Trade union body the TUC has announced the appointment of Dave Pike as its regional secretary for the North East, Yorkshire and Humber.
The role combines two previous posts, with Mr Pike taking over from Bill Adams, who retired as Yorkshire and Humber regional secretary in 2023, and Liz Blackshaw, who left the North East post last year.
He will be based at the TUC’s offices in Leeds and Newcastle as the organisation’s senior representative in the region. He joins from education union NEU, where he led on activist development and mobilisation.
Mr Pike has worked on several high-profile campaigns, including the NEU’s response to Covid in the East Midlands and mobilising around pay campaigns, as well as a number of local disputes. He also has experience in organising with care workers and delivery drivers.
He said: “My first experience as a trade union activist was organising in fast food, winning national pay rises for delivery drivers. 15 years from that first win, I’m honoured to join the TUC at this crucial time.
“After 14 years of attacks on workers’ rights, the Employment Rights Bill finally offers a real opportunity to change the world of work for good. I look forward to working with unions, employers, our communities and regional leaders to ensure that the North East, Yorkshire and Humber is a great place to work and live.
“Our region deserves the best public services, secure and safe jobs, and an economy that is ready for the future. I look forward to playing my part in that. As a proudly LGBT+ trade unionist, I believe our movement is uniquely placed to raise the voices of all working people, regardless of their race, gender, sexuality or disability.”
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak, who was previously held the North East regional secretary role, said: We’re delighted to welcome Dave Pike to the TUC. He has a wealth of experience in leading organising campaigns, and we’re looking forward to Dave using those skills to support union growth and influence in the North East, Yorkshire and Humber.
“He will be a great champion for working people in the region.”
