Our EC members are strike leaders who have organised their workplaces and won campaigns for better pay and conditions, dignity and respect.
They are all activists who bring and share their rich and varied experience of trade union and grassroots organising, as well as lived experiences of workers’ exploitation and migration.
Meet the members of UVW’s newly elected committee!
To contact your EC email us at committee@uvwunion.org.uk
Ángela camachO
Sector: Voces Hispanas Unidas
UVW member for 9 years
I deeply believe in the power of collective organisation. During my involvement with UVW, I have seen how a strong union can transform the lives of workers who have been ignored for far too long.
I want to continue contributing to building a democratic, transparent and fighting union, where every voice is heard and decisions are made with the participation of the membership.
I believe in a trade unionism that not only fights for better wages and working conditions, but also for dignity, respect and justice for all workers.
I bring experience in organising campaigns, listening to members, building community and working as part of a team. I also bring the perspective of a migrant woman and worker who understands first-hand the challenges faced by many of our fellow workers.
I will work with commitment, honesty and responsibility to strengthen our union and ensure that UVW continues to be a brave, inclusive organisation led by its members.
Susana Benavides Guamán
Sector: Voces Hispanas Unidas
UVW member for 12 years
I was inspired by the founder, Petros Elia, who, through so much sacrifice, made it possible for United Voices of the World to become much more than a trade union: it has been a refuge, a collective force, a banner that refuses to surrender.
We have walked together through times of injustice, raised our voices when others tried to silence us, and shown that dignity is not something we beg for — it is won through unity, courage and perseverance.
Today, as yesterday, we continue fighting for what matters most: respect, equality and dignity in our workplaces. We are not asking for privileges; we are demanding our rights. We are not seeking confrontation; we are seeking justice.
And every step we take, every meeting, every word we stand up for, is a seed we plant so that our children and future generations can find a more humane, safer and freer future.
We are the voice of those who were never heard. We are the strength of those who were once afraid. We are the hope of those who believe that a fairer world is possible.
The mission that guides us and the vision that sustains us are not just words: they are the living commitment to continue building a movement that transforms lives, protects families, honours our roots and defends the value of every worker.
Because when we fight together, nothing can stop us.
Because when we unite, the world listens.
Because when we believe in our cause, the future opens up.
United Voices of the World will continue moving forward, with unwavering determination and our heads held high, until equality is real, respect is the norm and dignity is an unquestionable right.
For our fellow workers.
For our families.
For our children.
For the future we deserve.
Percy Yunganina
Sector: Voces Hispanas Unidas
UVW member since 2014
My name is Percy and I am Peruvian. When I arrived in the UK I started working in the cleaning sector and I know first-hand the treatment we cleaners are subjected to. That’s why in my role on the Executive Committee I want to continue to support our members against companies that mistreat their workers.
I am a member of the EC to help steer the course so that we can accomplish our stated mission and vision, to grow and make our union sound and to continue to defend exploited workers. I will be there for our United Voices of the World.
NOT ONE STEP BACK, ALWAYS FORWARD!
Eraldo Strumiello
Sector: Voces Hispanas Unidas
UVW member for 7 years
I believe it could be very beneficial for our union to have members who are willing to build relationships with other trade union organisations, both in the UK and internationally, so that we can become an active part of a network of trade union solidarity.
This would strengthen our struggles and allow us to show solidarity with all workers fighting for their rights, both here and abroad. I believe this should be a fundamental mission of our union.
When we take strike action and organise demonstrations, we know how important it is to receive solidarity. I believe it would be very positive to have members on our Executive Committee who are committed to strengthening ties with other unions, and even with activists from other sectors.
This would allow us to raise the visibility of our union even further, making UVW better known and more respected.
Dialina Benito Suna
Sector: Voces Hispanas Unidas
UVW member of 4 months
I am an active member and full-time volunteer with United Voices of the World. I am also an entrepreneur and work in the cleaning sector, an experience that has given me first-hand knowledge of the realities, challenges and needs faced by thousands of workers.
Today, I am taking this step because I believe change is built through commitment, teamwork and a vision for the future. I want to put my experience in technology, communications and social media at the service of the union, strengthening our presence, expanding our reach and ensuring that every worker’s voice is heard further than ever before.
I believe in a united community where people not only receive support, but also discover their potential to grow, learn and create new opportunities. My aim is to bring the union closer to more workers, encourage participation and build a modern, accessible and innovative organisation.
I am convinced that by listening to our community and working with transparency, respect and dedication, we can drive real change that improves the lives of the people we represent.
Thank you very much for the opportunity and for placing your trust in a candidate committed to both the present and the future of United Voices of the World.
Genevieve Tommy
Sector: NHS
UVW member for over 3 years
I am a domestic assistant at Great Ormond Street Hospital and I have been a UVW member for more than 3 years. I believe in the union and I want the union to continue doing the amazing job they are doing for migrant workers. I have been on strike a GOSH to make sure we, the migrant workers, get recognition and benefits like the top bosses and other NHS workers – we won.
I want UVW to continue to support migrant workers with the difficulties they face at work. I hope UVW will continue to be behind us because most bosses tend to take liberties with migrant workers.
Narcissa Perez Salgado
Sector: Cleaners and Facilities
UVW member for 11 years
I am putting myself forward for election to the Executive Committee of United Voices of the World with a firm commitment to defending the rights of workers. I believe that unity, solidarity and organisation are essential to achieving fair, decent and equal working conditions.
I want to bring my experience, sense of responsibility and dedication to representing those facing insecure and precarious working conditions, promoting fairness, respect and equal opportunities for everyone, without discrimination.
I am convinced that a strong trade union is built by listening to, supporting and defending workers with honesty, transparency and commitment. My aim is to contribute to strengthening our organisation, encouraging dialogue and working towards solutions that improve working conditions and protect the rights of the people we represent.
I ask for your trust so that I can serve with responsibility, approachability and determination, always putting the wellbeing and dignity of workers at the heart of what we do.
Edi Palalej
Sector: Cleaners and Facilities
UVW member 2.5 years
I am standing for election to the UVW Executive Committee because I believe every worker deserves to be treated fairly, with dignity and respect, and to have a strong voice in the workplace. I have over 15 years of experience in security, customer service, team leadership and operational management. Throughout my career, I have supported colleagues, dealt with workplace challenges, managed difficult situations and worked to ensure that procedures are applied fairly and consistently. I want to use my experience to support UVW members, particularly workers who may feel that their concerns are not being heard. I believe in strong representation, transparency, equality and standing together as a union. If elected, I will listen to members, raise their concerns, challenge unfair treatment and work constructively with the Executive Committee to strengthen UVW. I will always aim to represent members honestly, professionally and without discrimination. I am committed to making sure that the voices of ordinary workers remain at the heart of UVW’s decisions.
Bert Schouwenburg
Sector: General Workers
UVW member for over 2 years
I bring over 30 years of experience working with trade unions including the International Union of Foodworkers, IU, and the GMB where I was the International Officer responsible for forging links with overseas unions, including several in Latin America. More recently, I spent 14 months doing casework for the UVW and have gained a keen insight into their modus operandi and am fully supportive of their class-based approach to trade unionism. The EC is an important component of any member-led union and I would value the opportunity to contribute to the tasks it performs.
Finlay McIntosh
Sector: General Workers
UVW member for 5 years
I was seafarers 19 years and worked for International Trade Union Federation for 24 years. I have been a member for 4-5 years. I was born in New Zealand and moved to UK in 2002. I been a union member all my life. Firstly, with the NZ postal union, then 19 years in the New Zealand Seafarers Union where throughout I was a union ship delegate and elected Sea-going councillor part of the executive of Union. The NZ seafarers’ union was a rank filed union, all decisions were made by the members at monthly stop work meetings. We took strike action to improve and protect the terms and conditions of our collective agreements. We also supported and showed solidarity with Unions nationally and internationally. We political supporting workers and just causes. Our union was a family, very similar to the UVW which supports it members with direct action but more than that they are community union, a family. I have supported the union and its members for some time on the picket line, marches, raising monies to support workers on strike and attended there events. I would like to put my name forward as EC member of the union. Kia Kaha (Be strong) solidarity. El Fin