Tony Rupa

Head of Legal Services

Tony is Head of the Legal Services Department, with responsibilities for all Personal Injury and Employment Law matters. The Department consists of 16 staff, which assists in processing claims and liaising with Branches and outside professional agencies on a daily basis.

His other major responsibility is as a Trustee of the CWU Headquarters Pension Fund.

Tony was born in Salford and became a Postman in Manchester in 1977. He was elected Postmens’ Representative in 1978 and became Parcel Sections Organiser in 1980. He became President of the Manchester Amalgamated Branch in 1986, a position he held until 1999. During that period, he also served as North West Regional Secretary and was elected to the National Executive Council in 1993. He was elected Assistant Secretary, Legal Services in 1999.

Tony has been a Trade Unionist all his working life and is also a member of the Labour Party.

He is a firm believer that Trade Unions should never sever their links with the Labour Party, irrespective of any differences Trade Unionists may have with Labour Party Policy. He believes that the only effective way of influencing change is by taking an active role within the Organisation, both at local and national level.

Tony is married with two children. He enjoys most sporting activities and has played club rugby for over 20 years for Prestwich and Middleton RUFC and Ashton on Mersey RUFC. He is a season ticket holder at Manchester United and enjoys playing golf, off a dodgy handicap of 21.

His greatest sporting experience was in Moscow, at the European Champions League Final 2008. He is a keen fundraiser for the Union’s two charities, the CWUHA and One World Action. His favourite holiday destination is the Amalfi Coast, Italy.

The Legal Services Department provides a vital service to members and their immediate family and is often quoted as one of the main reasons for retaining Union membership. It’s also a vital aid in recruiting new members.

The Trade Union movement in general is going through difficult times but irrespective of society’s changing opinions, Trade Unions still remain the most effective safeguard, protection and voice for ordinary working people.