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22/04/2009
Tributes For Union Chief Jack Jones
Former Transport and General Workers' union leader Jack Jones, has died at the age of 96.
Mr Jones, known as Britain's most charismatic union leader, died at a care home in Peckham, south east London, shortly after 9.30pm, his son Mick Jones confirmed.
Tributes have poured in for Mr Jones who was born in Liverpool and served as general secretary of the TGWU from 1969 to 1978, when it was one of the most powerful unions in the country.
Veteran Labour politician Tony Benn described him as "one of the finest men" he had ever met.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Benn added: "I feel a real sense of bereavement.
"Everything he said, he believed. He was bitterly attacked [but] if he was powerful it was only because he represented people."
Former TUC general secretary Norman Willis also said Mr Jones will be remembered as a "fighter" for ordinary people.
"I have worked with Jack in the TandG and through the TUC for many years," Mr Willis said.
"Jack Jones was a great fighter for ordinary people whether they were at work or unemployed or later as pensioners.
"He never forgot the underdog and will be remembered with affection."
Jack Jones, who fought in the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, had also served as a Liverpool city councillor between 1936 and 1939.
He became a TGWU organiser in Coventry and worked his way up through the organisation to become general secretary.
(JM/BMcC)
Mr Jones, known as Britain's most charismatic union leader, died at a care home in Peckham, south east London, shortly after 9.30pm, his son Mick Jones confirmed.
Tributes have poured in for Mr Jones who was born in Liverpool and served as general secretary of the TGWU from 1969 to 1978, when it was one of the most powerful unions in the country.
Veteran Labour politician Tony Benn described him as "one of the finest men" he had ever met.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Benn added: "I feel a real sense of bereavement.
"Everything he said, he believed. He was bitterly attacked [but] if he was powerful it was only because he represented people."
Former TUC general secretary Norman Willis also said Mr Jones will be remembered as a "fighter" for ordinary people.
"I have worked with Jack in the TandG and through the TUC for many years," Mr Willis said.
"Jack Jones was a great fighter for ordinary people whether they were at work or unemployed or later as pensioners.
"He never forgot the underdog and will be remembered with affection."
Jack Jones, who fought in the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, had also served as a Liverpool city councillor between 1936 and 1939.
He became a TGWU organiser in Coventry and worked his way up through the organisation to become general secretary.
(JM/BMcC)
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