Chris Bartter has left the building

by John Stevenson

In a week where retiring Scottish Communications Officer Chris Bartter attended what seemed like his 17th farewell party, it is time to formally recognise that he has at last left the building.

At the last Scottish Council meeting, I embarrassed Chris by saying: “Chris has been communications in Scotland and communications has been Chris. The union owes a great debt to him”. It was met by one of the warmest rounds of applause I have ever heard from delegates.

Mind you, we had been paying him for the job but nevertheless he always delivered above and beyond.

The essence of a vibrant union that delivers for its members is a real partnership between lay and full time officers, each complementing the other.

Chris, with his lay background, his flair for communications and his skills with written word and design, managed that partnership superbly.

A network of contacts across the country, enthusing branches in campaign work and being there when support was needed have all been characteristics of Chris’s tenure.

Alongside that, a keen eye for what the media will latch onto has made sure that UNISON Scotland has been rarely out of the news.

From his early days as a steward in Glasgow libararies, to Service Conditions Officer in the branch, to Chair of NALGO’s Publicity Committe to lay District Secretary and then on to full time Communications Officer, Chris has devoted enormous energies to UNISON and the trade union movement.

And he managed to do it and still be liked. An accomplishment indeed. SiU wishes him all the best for the future.

The search is now on for Chris’s replacement with Malcolm Burns and Fiona Montgomery covering until the process is complete.

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