GMB London - About

Who We Are

GMB is a modern, inclusive trade union built on a proud legacy of grassroots organising. Founded to empower all workers—regardless of trade, gender, or background—our mission remains clear: to make work better through strong workplace representation, fair pay, equality, and dignity.

We believe that every worker deserves respect, safe conditions, and a voice in shaping their future. Whether negotiating with employers, fighting for equal rights, or supporting members in times of need, we stand united in purpose. With members across all sectors, GMB is more than a union—it’s a movement for justice, solidarity, and positive change, driven by everyday working people.

Our vision and purpose

Our union was forged amid the fires of the Beckton gas works. It was created as a grassroots organisation by self-organising groups of workers under the leadership of Will Thorne. As the first general union, it was open to all grades, professions, and trades; to both women and men, without distinction, on the basis of equality and inalienable human rights.

Its purpose, then as now, is to make work, and the general conditions governing life, better for its members through organising and campaigning in the workplace. GMB recognises the inherent dignity, creativity, and value of working people, who represent the productive class within our society, that generates the wealth of the nation but which sees so little of its benefits and rewards.

Warren Kenny

London Regional Secretary

GMB's main purpose is to improve the pay and conditions of members in their workplaces. The best way to do that is to increase the number of GMB members as this strengthens the Union's negotiating, campaigning and organising agendas. The more GMB members in a workplace, the more influence you will have with your employer in negotiating improvements to employee benefits.

GMB is a general union - which means that anyone can join us. GMB has over 600,000 members and every worker has the fundamental right to join GMB, and to take part in its activities. We make sure that our members are treated with dignity and respect whilst they are at work and that they have the correct support, representation and protection against unfair or unjust working practices or treatment.

If you are interested in becoming a GMB Health and Safety Rep or a Workplace Organiser then please get in touch with your local GMB Representatives and your local GMB office

If you would like to contact me or any one of our Regional staff members for further inquiries then please email my PA, Amita Bajaj at Amita.Bajaj@gmb.org.uk

Penny Robinson, an active GMB member for over 20 years, has been elected GMB London Regional President.

A vocal member of her community, Penny has been a union member for the majority of her working life.

At 18, after a series of short-term jobs including work in a chemist, on a cheese counter, in a shoe shop and as a chambermaid, Penny became a social worker at a home for maladjusted children.

Having come from a family with three generations of social workers, helping children was second nature to Penny.

Penny has worked in a number of positions within GMB London Region, including Shop Steward, Union Learning Rep, Branch Secretary, Regional Council Delegate, Regional Committee Member, Cash Collecting Steward, CEC Member, and now elected Regional President of GMB London Region.

Penny is dedicated to ensuring that GMB members voices are heard loud and clear, and that GMB will never give up the fight for workers’ rights.

Penny Robinson

Regional President

GMB London Region magazine - "Members First"

We want to ensure that you get to hear about all the very positive work our staff, branches and activists are involved in on behalf of our members, in pursuit of tackling workplace and social injustice in all of its forms.

To view these magazines you can click on the images below which will redirect you to your very own online copy. Everything we do in GMB London Region will always aim to empower, educate and organise our members - putting "Members First" will always be our focus.