the face

LIFELONG trade unionist, community activist and campaigner Fiaz Rashid, a supply teacher in Yorkshire, was nominated by Kirklees NEU for decades of work championing the rights of oppressed, marginalised and excluded people.

Nominator Safiyya Patel said Fiaz’s campaigning work had begun in the 1980s as a founding member of the Pakistan and Kashmir Welfare Association, a community organisation that provides social, welfare and educational services, the Awaaz newspaper, and the Asian Youth Organisation.

Fiaz, who arrived from Kashmir as a child in the 1970s, said: “International solidarity, or just a recognition of our shared humanity, has always been a core component of my political or ethical belief system. I’m proud that the NEU recognises the value of forging links across national boundaries.”

“IF we had a rep like Sarita in every school, we would be able to change the face of education forever.” That was the glowing tribute to this year’s rep of the year Sarita Healey by members at Birmingham NEU. Sarita, who works at King Edward VI Lordswood School for Girls, in Birmingham, organised colleagues to take five days of strike action – the first ever strike at the school – to oppose academisation in the summer of 2022.

“Her strong support for members gave them the confidence to put on the most impressive picket line I have ever seen,” said Shirley Perry, one of those who nominated Sarita. “Although her school did convert to academy status, the union group is in a much stronger position.”

Sarita said it was a privilege to be named rep of the year. “The success of national campaigns, such as the Pay Up campaign, and the subsequent strike action, demonstrates how crucial our reps are in organising to win,” she said. “We must continue to do all we can to get an NEU rep in every school. I am proud to accept this award on behalf of every NEU rep. They all do such an amazing job for our members.”

Annie Higdon award Heather McKenzie

DESCRIBED as a “tireless campaigner for women’s rights”, Heather was nominated for her dedication and commitment to tackling everyday sexism, organising women members and empowering others to succeed.

Heather has led the women’s organising forum, represented eastern region on the union’s national executive, and represented the NEU on the TUC women’s committee for many years. She has hosted regional conferences to engage new women members, mentoring, supporting and empowering other women to lead in the union.

Heather said: “I humbly accept this award on behalf of all sisters who have supported me in my journey as a woman in and beyond the union. A century after Annie’s fight for her job, better school buildings, a creative learning environment and better welfare for her pupils, women continue this struggle, fighting for equality and social justice on all fronts at home and abroad.

“I am proud to be in a union made up of 78 per cent women. I dedicate the award to all the unsung amazing sisters standing up for and empowering women every day.”