Andrew Charles Gilchrist (born 5 December 1960) is a British trade unionist and former firefighter who served as the General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union from 2000 to 2005.[1]

Andrew Charles Gilchrist
Born (1960-12-05) 5 December 1960 (age 63)
NationalityBritish
OccupationTrade Unionist
Known forGeneral Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (2000-05)

Early life

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Gilchrist was born the son of Edward and Shirley Gilchrist. He was educated at Bedford Modern School.[1]

Career

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Gilchrist started his career at the Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service, where he worked from 1979 until 1996.[2] As a member of the Fire Brigades Union, he became a member of the executive council in 1993, a position he held until 2000. He was a national officer from 1996 to 2000 and General Secretary from 2000 to 2005, leading the FBU through the 2002-2003 UK firefighter dispute before he was voted out in favour of Matt Wrack in 2005.[3][4]

Gilchrist was a Member of the General Council of the Trades Union Congress from 2000 to 2005 and a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters from 2006 to 2008. Since 2010 he has been the National Education Officer at the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers.[1]

Phone hacking scandal

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Gilchrist was a victim of the News International phone hacking scandal.[5]

Family life

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Gilchrist married Loretta Borman in 1985 and they have a son (Alexander Mark Gilchrist) and a daughter (Scarlett Faye Gilchrist).[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Gilchrist, Andrew Charles, (born 5 Dec. 1960), National Education Officer, Rail, Maritime and Transport Union, since 2010". WHO'S WHO & WHO WAS WHO. 2007. doi:10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.U42291. ISBN 978-0-19-954088-4.
  2. ^ "BBC NEWS - UK - The man leading firefighters on strike". News.bbc.co.uk. 17 February 2003. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
  3. ^ "Gilchrist out as fire union boss". BBC News. 6 May 2005. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  4. ^ Scott, Kirsty (7 May 2005). "Gilchrist ousted as fire union leader". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  5. ^ "Phone-hacking trial: Fire Brigade Union leader was branded 'love rat' in Sun article". The Drum. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
Trade union offices
Preceded by General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union
2000 – 2005
Succeeded by