TUC Cymru has confirmed Laura Doel as its new general secretary, succeeding Shavannah Taj who was elected as a Labour Member of the Senedd in May. Ms Doel currently serves as the national secretary for Wales of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) and is the current TUC Cymru president.
A Career Rooted in Journalism and Activism
A passionate trade unionist and education campaigner, Ms Doel began her career in journalism, working at several newspapers including the Newport Argus, before transitioning into politics. A stint in local government reignited her love for social activism and campaigning, leading her to a career in the trade union movement. She started as an organiser for Unison, then an organiser for NAHT Cymru, before becoming their National Secretary six years ago.
Key Roles and Experience
In her role as national secretary, she held several key positions, including NAHT Cymru's seat on the Wales TUC general council, as well as positions on key Welsh Government union bodies under social partnership legislation. These include the National Attendance Task Force, the Pay Partnership Forum, the workload negotiating groups, and the Schools Social Partnership Forum.
Family Background and Personal Life
Born and raised in Aberbeeg, near Abertillery, Ms Doel now lives in Cardiff with her two daughters. She attended Abertillery Comprehensive School before going to college in Ebbw Vale and Pontypool. She comes from a long line of trade unionists, being the first female trade union official in her family, following in the footsteps of her father, grandfathers, and wider family who all worked in manufacturing, local collieries, steelworks, and local government.
Commitment to Wales's Workforce
The incoming general secretary said: “I am honoured to be appointed to the role of TUC Cymru general secretary, and I look forward to representing Wales’s nearly 400,000 trade unionists as we work together to build a Wales that works for everyone.
“I believe that trade unions have never been more important. Wales is experiencing a moment of significant change, with a new government in place, continued pressures on pay-packets, and a world of work that is transformed compared to what has come before.
“The workers of Wales need to know that there is someone on their side and I look forward to taking up that challenge in the coming weeks.”
