Union mourns loss of 'inspirational' woman

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CWU members have joined family and friends of Linda Hancock in paying tribute to the former vice-president of the union, who passed away last week after a short illness.

She started work at Kirkcaldy Telephone Exchange back in 1969 and joined Kirkcaldy and District Amal Branch of what was then the Union of Post Office Workers (UPW) - beginning nearly four decades of loyal service to the trade union movement.

Linda played an active role within the operator, ancillary, organisational and occupational committee, a committee which she went on to chair at national level.

In 2001, Linda was elected vice-president of the CWU's telecoms and financial services executive and a year later, became vice-president of the CWU, before retiring a couple of years later.

Longstanding friend and CWU NEC member Joe Malone said that Linda had been "an inspiration to all of us, particularly to young women workers, who she always encouraged to stand up for their rights.

"I'll miss her as friend and comrade, and the union will miss her too, for all the work she did on behalf of members."

0CWU general secretary Billy Hayes said: "We were all saddened to hear this terrible news, particularly as her death was so untimely.

"There is no doubt that Linda's contribution to the affairs of the union will long be remembered."

Linda's funeral service was held last Friday at Kirkcaldy Crematorium in Fife.