Nautilus International has awarded the prestigious Nevins and Griffiths Award to Lesley Mercer, Trustee Director of Nautilus International, recognising her decade of service and her lifelong commitment to the trade union movement.
Established in 1989 the award was given to Ms Mercer during a meeting of the union’s governing body, the Council. This marks only the eighth time the award has been presented in its 36-year history.
Ms Mercer's connection with maritime unions spans more than four decades, beginning in 1977 when she started work with the Merchant & Navy Airline Officers Association – now Nautilus International – as an assistant research officer.
‘Lesley has been an unwavering advocate for workers' rights throughout her career,’ Nautilus general secretary Mark Dickinson said. ‘Her dedication to equality and fair play, coupled with her belief in the union movement's unique role in supporting members and promoting social justice, exemplifies the values that the Nevins and Griffiths Award seeks to honour.’
Ms Mercer served on the TUC General Council for twelve years and was elected TUC President in 2013. She also held significant positions at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP), where she became director of its trade union function in 2005.
Her experience extends to roles on the government's Central Arbitration Committee, the ACAS panel of independent arbitrators, and the Armed Forces Pay Review Board.
The Nevins and Griffiths Award is given for exceptional contributions across various criteria, including acts of bravery, community work, Nautilus activity, involvement in the wider trade union movement, and academic or research achievement.
Previous recipients include John Price, Captain Len Evans, John Hughes, Lord Murray of Epping Forest, Roy Hill, former Nautilus General Secretary Brian Orrell, and Gordon Thompson.
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