Politics Student Wins Prestigious Trade Union Award
Wed, 06 Feb 2013 12:50:00 GMT
Second year Politics student Reece Goscinski has been awarded the prestigious Young Activist of the Year award by the influential Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW).
This award recognises the hard work that Reece has undertaken, both in representing his fellow union members and in his contribution to a successful USDAW membership recruitment drive. He has also assisted in the development of health and safety policies in the work place, and was elected last year as a USDAW shop steward at the supermarket where he is a part-time employee.
Reece is also an Executive Councillor on the York and District Trade Union Council, and has recently been elected to the USDAW Youth Committee, giving him an official role within the union nationally.
Commenting on his award, Reece stated; ‘I am honoured that USDAW have recognised my efforts by granting me this award. I became involved in trade unionism to give people on the shop floor a voice and recognise that someone was standing up for them’.
Dr Andy Mycock, Reader in Politics at the University of Huddersfield, commented; ‘this award is a reflection of Reece’s commitment to trade unionism. We believe that politics is not a spectator sport, and that our students should always be passionate about linking theory to practice. The Politics team are proud of his achievements’.
Reece is also passionate about promoting youth activism, having recently contributed to the ‘Young People in Society’ event held at the University. ‘Within my work I am particularly focused on getting young people involved in the movement. It is our generation that is being hit hardest by the current economic difficulties, and where the future of collective organisation rests’ Reece commented after the event.
Currently undertaking a professional work placement with Labour MP for York Central, Hugh Bayley, Reece is a regular commentator in the local and national press, writing passionately about issues linked to trade unionism and Labour politics. He is hoping to stand for election as a local councillor and develop a career in representative politics.
