Picture – branch officers say farewell to George Webb whilst observing social distancing requirements

Yesterday (30 April) we said farewell to George Webb, one of our Service Conditions Officers as he retired. Due to social distancing and reduced working at the branch office, only a few officers were on hand to present him with a card and gift from the branch.

George started his working life in 1969. He joined North Yorkshire County Council in 1990, working in the highway maintenance service. He was elected by his colleagues to be a UNISON Steward in 2000 and oversaw the out-sourcing of the highways contract in 2001.

George (a keen fisher) told us: “I started work when I was 15 years old and it’s been an interesting journey from Apprentice Plant Maintenance engineer to workshop foreman to Service manager at a main Nissan dealership to NYCC in 1990 who have been my employer for around 30 years.

“For the last 20 years I have been a Steward with UNISON. I have enjoyed being part of a great team who continue to work tirelessly to support our members no matter what is thrown at us. I am looking forward to my retirement not sure when I am going to start enjoying it properly due to the Covid-19 but I am sure it will end at some point and I can get back on the bank and drown a few more maggots.”

Our branch Secretary, Wendy Nichols, said: “George has been a great colleague and a fantastic servant of this branch. He has worked hard for our members over the past 20 years, across NYCC but particularly on the highways contract.

“We will miss his knowledge, and his humour, but we wish him and his wife Karen all the very best for a long and happy retirement.”