Unite’s Taj – ‘led from front’

In a poignant speech to mark the end of his year-long term as TUC president, Unite member Mohammad Taj thanked congress and union leaders for their support – but warned that the movement still had a fight on its hands.

Taj was the first Muslim, the first South Asian and in fact the first bus driver as TUC president.

A very active president throughout his term, Taj often attended picket lines and spoke at demonstrations, and even with his presidency coming to a close, he implored delegates to prepare for  “the fight of our lives” on the approach to next year’s general election.

The highlight of Taj’s speech was his moving thanks to his wife of 41 years, Naseem, in which he recalled how they had rebelled against the tradition of arranged marriages when they had wed.

“After 41 years, she knows we are still madly in love with each other,” he said.

“And I want to thank her publicly for her help and encouragement. I know I would have not got to where I am today without her support.”

Taj also gave thanks to Unite’s general secretary Len McCluskey and the union, and to the TUC’s general secretary Frances O’Grady who he described as an “inspiration and a tower of strength.”

TUC general council members Ged Nichols and Christine Blower both shared kind words and memories in tribute to Taj’s presidency.

Christine said Taj had “led from the front with grace and good humour.”

“We pay tribute to the work you have done and offer sincere thanks,” she said.