Remembering Tracy Edwards

Today, we are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former UWU President Tracy Edwards.

Tracy dedicated her life to the trade union movement and to standing up for working people. Alongside her role as a full-time officer with PCS, Tracy held many roles across the movement over the years and touched the lives of countless activists, representatives, members and colleagues. For many of us, Tracy was not just a respected sister, but a mentor, guide and friend.

Throughout the early 2000s and beyond, Tracy organised the PCS young member network and nurtured a generation of activists who would go on to play leading roles within PCS and across the wider movement. Tracy was a committed socialist who believed deeply in solidarity, justice and the responsibility of trade unions to live up to the values they espouse. She was a leading voice in exposing and challenging sexual violence and abuse within the movement. As a founding member of meTU and through her work with Sisters to the Front, Tracy showed enormous courage in speaking uncomfortable truths, and supporting others to do the same. That work changed lives and helped force conversations the movement had too often avoided.

Those who knew Tracy will remember not only her political commitment, and trade union skill, but also her generosity. Beyond her formidable trade union contribution, Tracy will be remembered for her warmth, humour, compassion and solidarity. She meant a great deal to many people, both professionally and personally, and her loss will be felt deeply across the trade union movement.

The UWU owes much to Tracy. Our successes are, in no small part, a testament to her courage, skills, encouragement and belief in others. Tracy always challenged us to be better, to reject the status quo, both internally as a union and externally on behalf of our members. She was our best critical friend. We, and many others stand on her shoulders. Her legacy lives on not only in the many nationwide campaigns she contributed to, but in the activists she helped shape along the way.

Our thoughts and solidarity are with Tracy’s family, friends, comrades and colleagues at this very difficult time.

Rest in power, Tracy.