'Unsung hero' award for Trade union at Northampton factory hit by high-profile Covid outbreak in summer

Branch secretary George Atwell said: "It's historical if you ask me"
The Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union at Greencore Northampton has been commended for their work during the pandemic this year.The Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union at Greencore Northampton has been commended for their work during the pandemic this year.
The Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union at Greencore Northampton has been commended for their work during the pandemic this year.

The trade union of a Northampton factory that was hit by a high-profile Covid-19 outbreak last summer has been named one of the county's 'unsung heroes' of the pandemic.

The Greencore Factory in Moulton Park made national news in August last year when a flare up of cases put the town on a health secretary watchlist.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But at the time, the factory's branch of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) were left out of the headlines while they worked in the background to promote staff safety.

Their work throughout the year has included publishing safety notices, leaflets and Facebook statements in different languages for staff and holding weekly meetings with the factory.

Now, the members of BFAWU have been presented with one of the newly-minted "Rose of Northamptonshire Awards" for unsung heroes in the pandemic.

Branch secretary George Atwell said: "It's historical if you ask me.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The union and its members have worked tremendously hard this year and I'm privileged to represent this site and the branch.

"Our members have worked extremely hard this year to tackle the pandemic and work with the company to support workers.

"It's a great example that should be set for other companies working with their unions."

The Roses have been created as part of the 'Unsung Heroes of Northamptonshire' initiative, which was launched by the Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, The High Sheriff of Northamptonshire and Northamptonshire County Council, invites the public to nominate individuals or organisations deserving of recognition.