A FORKLIFT truck driver from Akzo Nobel's Darwen plant is creating harmony among the firm's employees across Europe.

Bob Welham has been elected chairman of the Akzo Nobel European Works Council, which liaises with management on Europe-wide issues including investment, environmental management and employment policy.

The 26-strong council also has members from Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and Denmark. Bob said: "Works councils are tremendously important. Not only do they create an opportunity for European colleagues to exchange ideas and company experiences but they generate a real atmosphere of mutual trust and co-operation."

"Most of us only think of the company in terms of our local sites.

"The works council really gives a European-wide view of the company.''

Bob, 44, of Bournesfield, Hoghton, has worked at Akzo Nobel since 1988 and is chief steward of the General, Municipal and Boilermakers' Union. He said Swedish, German and Dutch council members were all keen for him to take on the role of chairman.

"I think they felt I could build bridges between the different parties and they liked the fact I had come from a trade union background, he said.''

Bob has already attended meetings in Arnhem, Netherlands, and hopes the venue will eventually move so each country can act as host. He will chair meetings for the next four years.

He enjoys job so much he even interrupted a family touring holiday in Europe to attend a meeting in the Netherlands.

His family - wife Linda, 13-year-old daughter Elishia and son Michael, 10 - are proud of Bob's efforts. But he added: "They think I'm a jetsetter. They don't realise it is all work!''

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