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Meet the Team

Martin Parsons

Martin Parsons

Position: Branch President/Treasurer/Health and Safety Rep / Workplace Rep
Email Address:
Telephone Number: 07814850854

Bio:

Childrens Social Care

My Name is Martin Parsons. I have been employed by Tameside council for 35 years, the majority of this time as a Social worker. I have been a trade union rep again for well over 12 years. In this time I have advocated and supported many that are unfairly treated. I will continue to ensure our members have a voice and fair representation.        
Graham Forshaw

Graham Forshaw

Position: Branch Secretary / Health and safety / Workplace Rep
Email Address:
Telephone Number: 07925195324

Bio:
Supporting GMB Members with issues that arise during their working lives , Offering advice to Members , I will always try and represent and support whenever possible .
Jessica Johnson

Jessica Johnson

Position: Health and safety / Workplace Rep
Email Address:
Telephone Number: 07355021374

Bio:
I am Jess. I’ve worked for Tameside Council since 2008, gaining experience across a wide range of departments throughout my career. I am currently a Senior Commissioning Officer within Adults’ Services, where I lead on shaping, developing and improving services to support our residents and deliver high‑quality outcomes. Alongside my role, I have over a decade of experience as a GMB representative, supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive and constructive workplace. I’m passionate about creating a positive, supportive working environment, and I take pride in being a trusted point of contact for colleagues who need guidance or advocacy.      
Steven Royle

Steven Royle

Position: Health and safety / Workplace Rep
Email Address:
Telephone Number: 07580978693

Bio:

I work in operations greenspace.


Michael Drabble

Michael Drabble

Position: Health and safety / Workplace Rep
Email Address:
Telephone Number: 07359438490

Bio:
I work in grounds maintenance.
Joe Lawton

Joe Lawton

Position: Health and safety / Workplace Rep
Email Address:
Telephone Number: 07507814485

Bio:
My name is Joe lawton I have worked in waste services for 12 years as a driver team leader and been a GMB health and safety officer / rep for almost 2 years what drives me is the passion to help individuals who need help support and guidance when facing difficult times at work, and to ensure our members have a voice and excellent representation at all times.    
John Mercer

John Mercer

Position: Health and safety / Workplace rep / Political Officer Rep
Email Address:
Telephone Number: Via 07925195324

Bio:
I act as the branch union representative for the retired members and I am the political officer.
Linda Mercer

Linda Mercer

Position: Active Retired Member
Email Address:
Telephone Number: 07887782377

Bio:

I was Branch Secretary for Tameside O8 until retiring in 2025. Now I am on the National School Network and represent members in school's


Paul Choudhry

Paul Choudhry

Position: Active Retired Member-Website / WhatsApp Administrator
Email Address:
Telephone Number: Via 07925195324

Bio:
I am Paul. I joined NAFN within TMBC in 2008 after leaving a previous career of 30 year. In NAFN I worked in information gathering, as a liaison between government and home office, and the secretary for a national wider public authority network. I also Joined our union and then served actively as a union representative until my retirement in July 2025. I believe that employees need to have an independent voice to turn to and support them with their employee rights being acknowledged and protected. Something I did for my colleagues and fellow union members. Now, I support our branch and representatives by administering, after fully updating, the union branch website. Ensuring it is a useful resource for members and representatives, and providing helpful information for you. I also support the branch WhatsApp group and Facebook group. WhatsApp https://chat.whatsapp.com/J0HkpGP38N6ChUwKeuKOT3?mode=gi_t Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1GtUzQAEfN/
Pippa Atherton

Pippa Atherton

Position: GMB Regional Organising Assistant
Email Address:
Mobile Number: 07581 081811

Bio:
I am Pippa and support our GMB regional full time union representative. I am also supporting Tameside 08 branch with schools. I can attend schools to help with union membership and queries.