It’s been a hard slog, but we are well and truly back on our feet.

That’s the message that the HSU is sending this July when we return for our Annual Delegates Conference.

The theme of this Conference is “Success Through Adversity”, and no one knows better than HSU members the true meaning of those words.

With the easing of pandemic restrictions and the much-delayed vaccine rollout now in full swing, the dust has finally settled and we can look back on the past year with a sense of pride.

Despite the fear and uncertainty of the pandemic, our members have conducted themselves with courage and dignity on the frontlines. And I’m very happy to say that our union has functioned brilliantly throughout – not only growing significantly, but also backing members to the hilt, no matter what struggles they faced.

We still have some colossal struggles ahead of us. All members are currently engaged in a fight against tight-fisted employers who would rather talk about how valuable you are as workers than actually recognise your worth in material terms.

Let me say this now: every one of you is worth more. We are going to have a lot more to say on this matter. The fight is only just beginning.

This and many other issues will be discussed at the upcoming Conference. It will be a tremendous opportunity to plan for our future success – no matter the adversity. After all, HSU members are not known for backing down easily.

While the numbers of conference attendees are limited due to pandemic safety measures, it’s important that all members know what is being discussed. The HSU will broadcast live streams via our social media pages, and I encourage you to watch and to comment.

It’s unlikely that any of us could have pictured how strongly this Union has emerged from a particularly stressful year. I’d like to thank you all for your dedication – we are all better off because of it.