A South Wales law firm has been selected to join GMB’s legal panel to represent members of the union in Wales and the South West.
Watkins & Gunn Solicitors, which has offices in Cardiff, Newport and Pontypool, have a long history of representing trade union members. The firm also acts for the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union and the Community Union.
The GMB has grown to be one of the largest unions in the UK and has its origins in the Gas Workers and General Labourers Union which was formed in 1889. It is an organising and campaigning union for all workers, with members working in nearly all industrial sectors.
Clive Thomas, Managing Director of Watkins & Gunn, said: “Watkins & Gunn is a campaigning firm that enjoys working with trade unions. Over the years we have developed a particular understanding of the issues and problems facing workers in many different sectors. We are really looking forward to supporting the GMB and their members.”
Nick Hughes, Senior Manager at the GMB, said: “We are delighted to welcome Watkins & Gunn to our legal panel. They are committed to the trade union movement and are aligned with our values; we think they will be a really good fit for us and our members.”
The new partnership with GMB is particularly special to Jonathan Williams, one of the solicitors at Watkins & Gunn. He was a workplace representative with the GMB before becoming a solicitor.
Jonathan Williams said: “The GMB is where it all started for me. Working as a GMB rep made me realise that I had a passion for fighting for workers’ rights and was the reason that I decided to become a lawyer. I feel I have gone full circle to now be representing GMB members as one of their solicitors.”
