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)