Waetsi Anyanwu wins Organising Rep of the Year in the community and voluntary sector

Waetsi Anyanwu has been named Organising Rep of the Year in the community and voluntary sector at this year’s Get Active awards in Croyde Bay.

Waetsi is a steward at Somerset Care and has shown outstanding leadership in recruitment, organising and advocacy, particularly for migrant workers. Her work has led to major improvements for staff, including a 5% pay rise, better sick pay for some colleagues and a fairer overtime rate.

She successfully challenged an attempt to limit overtime pay for migrant workers, ensuring the enhanced rate applied fairly to all staff working over 39 hours a week. Membership grew by 10% during the 2024 pay talks, with six new stewards recruited and supported into their roles. Union density at Somerset Care now stands at 20% and continues to grow.

Waetsi’s achievements have come despite resistance from the employer. Migrant worker reps she supported faced threats and intimidation, including the risk of being reported to the Home Office. Waetsi stood firm, defending their rights and pushing for time off for union duties which was eventually won.

She has also played a key role in UNISON’s regional and national migrant worker campaign, speaking at Get Active and joining a delegation to Parliament to call for fairer visa rules for care workers.

Waetsi’s leadership, courage and commitment have transformed her workplace and inspired others across the region.

UNISON South West regional secretary Kerry Baigent said:
“Waetsi’s courage and determination are truly inspiring. Her work organising migrant workers, challenging exploitation and leading meaningful change at Somerset Care is everything this award stands for. Her leadership has made a real and lasting difference.”