It is both an honour and a privilege to be the new General Secretary of Aegis.
Before I say anything about the future, it is right that we begin by recognising the past — and in particular, by thanking Brian Linn for his outstanding service to this union.
Brian’s contribution to Aegis, and to the wider trade union movement, cannot be overstated.
Over many years, he has provided steady leadership, deep knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to our members working across the financial services sector.
Under Brian’s leadership, Aegis has grown, stabilised, and earned its reputation as a trusted, professional union that understands the realities of our industry. He has navigated complex employer relationships, protected members through periods of significant change, and ensured that Aegis remained financially secure and operationally strong.
Brian leaves Aegis in a strong position, and we owe him a great debt for that.
Stepping into the Role
It is genuinely humbling to now take on the role of General Secretary.
I do so with a deep respect for the responsibility it carries — and with a clear understanding that no General Secretary leads alone. Aegis is built on its members, its reps, its activists, and its full time officers. My role is not to sit above that, but to work alongside it, amplify it, and help it grow.
I am proud to be taking on this role at a time when trade unions matter more than ever. Our members are facing cost-of-living pressures, workplace restructuring, the rapid expansion of AI and automation, and increasing uncertainty about job security and fairness at work.
In that context, Aegis must be strong, visible, relevant, and member led.
Our Direction: From Service Union to Member-Led Union
Looking ahead, my vision for Aegis is clear.
We will continue to provide excellent representation and support — but we must go further.
Aegis must evolve from being seen primarily as a service union to being a member-led, campaigning, organising union.
That means:
· A union that listens first
· A union that acts collectively
· A union that speaks with confidence on behalf of its members.
Our strength does not come from structures alone — it comes from participation, engagement, and shared purpose.
Empowering Our Reps
Our reps are the lifeblood of Aegis. They are the first point of contact for members, the voice of fairness in the workplace, and the foundation of our credibility with employers.
Over the coming year, we will:
· Invest more in rep development, training, and confidence
· Improve communication and support networks for reps
· Ensure reps are actively involved in shaping our priorities, campaigns, and conference motions
This union must always be built from the bottom up — not the top down.
Growing Our Membership and Our Voice
We have a clear ambition: to grow Aegis and to strengthen our position to be the leading union within the financial services sector.
Growth is not just about numbers — it is about relevance. Members should join Aegis because they see a union that understands their industry, speaks their language, and stands up for them when it matters.
That means:
· A stronger public presence
· Clear, confident campaigns
· Better use of digital platforms and social media
· Telling our story — and our members’ stories — more effectively
Campaigns That Matter
Aegis will increasingly focus on meaningful, values-driven campaigns that reflect the real concerns of our members.
This includes:
· Fair pay and transparent reward frameworks
· Tackling inequality and discrimination at work
· Defending neurodiversity and inclusion
· Responding to AI and technological change in a way that protects jobs and dignity
· Promoting unity, not division, within workplaces and communities
Our campaigns must be relevant, visible, and rooted in members lived experience.
Working in Partnership — With Confidence
We will continue to work constructively with employers where possible and firmly challenge where necessary. Partnership does not mean passivity. It means being respected, informed, and prepared.
Aegis will always be a union that is professional, credible, and principled — but never silent.
Aegis has a proud history, a strong present, and — I believe — an exciting future. The challenges ahead are real, but so is our collective strength.
I am incredibly proud to serve as your General Secretary, and I am committed to working tirelessly, openly, and collaboratively to ensure that Aegis continues to grow as a union that truly speaks for its members.
Over the next few weeks, we will be sending out a survey to you, to understand what you feel is going well as a member and what more we can develop on.
On the back of this, I we will arrange sessions across our recognised employers, so I can share with you all our strategy moving forward and how you can play a part.
Thanks
Brian McDaid
General Secretary
Aegis the Union
