Bill Adams has taken over as regional secretary of the Yorkshire Trades Union Congress following the retirement of Paul Jagger.
Mr Adams, who has worked for the TUC for five years, most recently as education officer, is a former lecturer in law and trade union studies.
"I look forward to working to win a better deal at work for all the region's employees," said Mr Adams.
"Lots of workers in Yorkshire belong to a union, but there are also many others who don't. I want to spend the next few years working with all our member unions to try to find ways of selling the benefits of union membership to those workers who've yet to sign up.
Cliff Williams, regional chairman of Yorkshire TUC, said: "His appointment has been welcomed in the region, and the affiliated unions look forward to working with the TUC on a wide range of issues affecting working people."
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