Dave Ward - DGSP
Dave Ward - CWU deputy general secretary postal or DGSP since 2003.
South Londoner Dave started work as a messenger boy at Tooting Delivery Office back in 1976, becoming Tooting Branch secretary six years later and then holding the same post in London South West Branch from 1992.
After a year as London regional secretary, Dave was elected as one of the CWU's two divisional representatives for the capital in 1996 and he served in that position until being voted onto the postal executive council in 2000.
Dave succeeded Billy Hayes as outdoor secretary in 2001 and then two years later, he stood for, and was elected to the post of DGSP.
The past few years have been an eventful time for the CWU's postal section, with two separate national industrial disputes and two major campaigns against privatisation, but Dave is optimistic that stability can now return to the industry.
"We're all hopeful that the new national agreement heralds a period of cooperation and constructive partnership between ourselves and Royal Mail," he explained.
"But one dark cloud on the horizon is the renewed threat of privatisation that the new Liberal Conservative government is threatening, although we remain hopeful that wiser counsels will prevail."
Born in Lambeth and a lifelong resident of south west London, Dave is married with four children.
As well as being a supporter of Chelsea Football Club, Dave is also a keen blues guitarist and cites Rolling Stones legend Keith Richards and US slide guitar wizard Ry Cooder among his musical heroes.
Email Dave:- dward@cwu.org
