Barry Reamsbottom

Barry Arthur Reamsbottom (born 4 April 1949) is a Scottish former civil servant and trade union General Secretary. He was General Secretary of the Civil and Public Services Association (1992–1998) and its successor the Public and Commercial Services Union (1998–2002). However, in a union members vote, 97% ordered a fresh election. After only securing 32 out of 50 nominations required, Reamsbottom decided not to stand for re-election on the proviso he stood down in 2002, but continued to be paid until 2004. At a meeting of the Moderate-dominated executive in May 2002, a motion was carried reversing the election of Serwotka. Reamsbottom said afterwards, "I have been through a hard school... I would rather go out in a box". Serwotka took office in June, but Reamsbottom and the new General Secretary proceeded to countermand one another, with Reamsbottom ordering Serwotka's staff and secretary to stop working for him. In late 2002, a High Court judge confirmed the election had been carried out properly and Reamsbottom had no further claim to the office.

Reamsbottom became Vice President of the NATO-sponsored think tank, the Trade Union Committee for European and Transatlantic Understanding.