The Awkward Squad

The Awkward Squad is a term that came into common currency in the United Kingdom in 2002/2003 to describe what was perceived as a new wave of left-wing trade union leaders. In a series of leadership elections, British union members elected candidates who were deeply critical of New Labour. They stood for a return to what they saw as the traditional function of trade unions - to stand up for their members against the power of big business - and opposed the Blairite[?] ideology of "reform" and "partnership". They have also taken up a wider, left-wing internationalist political agenda, by, for example, speaking out against the 2003 Invasion of Iraq and in support of the Palestinians' struggle against Israel.

• Tony Woodley (T&G[?])
• Bob Crow (RMT[?])
• Mick Rix[?] (Aslef[?])
• Mark Serwotka[?] (PCS[?])
• Andy Gilchrist[?] (FBU[?])
• Billy Hayes[?] (CWU[?])
• Jeremy Dear[?] (NUJ[?])
• Paul Mackney[?] (Natfhe[?])

"It's a well known secret that many of us meet up to discuss. We'll support each other on specific issues and follow each other's lead." (Andy Gilchrist)