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Brian Rye: ‘Plenty of people in Ucatt have that fire in the belly’

THE TOP job in construction union Ucatt was one that Brian Rye never sought. But having been catapulted into the role of acting general secretary last year, he has led the union through the most difficult period in its history.

Rye has faced financial challenges caused by decisions taken before his time, difficulties that eventually led to this week’s historic vote in favour of a merger with Unite.

But, he tells me at the close of what is expected to be Ucatt’s last biennial conference, it has also been a time of pride. Not least in the union winning a whopping £8.9 million of compensation for blacklisted members. Or its persistence in bringing legal cases over asbestos, holiday pay and other key issues in the construction sector.

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