Kevin Callinan, Deputy General Secretary, IMPACT

Earlier this year Kevin Callinan was appointed as Deputy General Secretary of Ireland’s largest Public Service Union, IMPACT.

For the preceding twelve years he was the National Secretary for the Union’s Health membership, leading negotiations on behalf of clerical / admin, health professionals, nurses and care workers amongst others.

IMPACT organises workers in the Health Service, Local Government, Education and the Civil Service. Kevin has worked as a Union Official in each of these areas, having previously served as a Shop Steward and Branch Activist.

Health workers comprise roughly one half of the entire IMPACT membership. During his period as National Secretary, Kevin was a key player in the development of partnership approaches. He oversaw major improvements in pay and conditions, and more recently, he has been a leader in the fight back against savage cuts in pay and services, as Ireland has been particularly badly hit by the economic crisis.

In his new role he has been given particular responsibility for organisation and development as the Union tries to equip itself for the challenges ahead.