THE British Orthoptic Society Trade Union (BOSTU) has affiliated to the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU).

The union is part of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society and was announced as the federation’s 29th affiliate today.

BOSTU’s general secretary Sam Aitkenhead said: “We are really looking forward to being part of the GFTU. 

“Through the education of the educational trust and the wider support services, we believe this affiliation will strengthen our organisation and build further unity across the health sector.”

GFTU general secretary Gawain Little said: “BOSTU plays a significant role in supporting members and delivering change for orthoptists in both the public and private sectors. 

“BOSTU joins the GFTU’s growing health union section and we cannot wait to develop our relationship further.”

A spokesman for the GFTU said that the affiliation reinforces the federation’s “long-standing commitment to supporting specialist unions and promoting solidarity across the trade union movement.”