Movement loses staunch fighter


The Labour Research Department (LRD) is very sad at the passing of Rodney Bickerstaffe, former general secretary of public services union UNISON. 


Bickerstaffe, who died on 3 October aged 72, was instrumental in the formation of UNISON from three public service unions, NUPE, NALGO and COHSE. He was leader of NUPE and UNISON for a total of 19 years until December 2000. 


He then went on to become president of the National Pensioners Convention.


Bickerstaffe was always a good friend and supporter of the LRD, and in April 1998 launched its internet-based pay and conditions information service, Payline, which operates to this day.


Current UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “When asked what he believed his greatest achievements were, he would respond: 'the National Minimum Wage and the creation of UNISON'.” 


But he was also known for his powerful and persuasive speeches, Prentis said, adding: “Rodney was at his best when he was fighting for the causes he believed in, and our movement has today lost one of the greatest campaigners and orators of his generation.”

https://www.unison.org.uk/news/article/2017/10/rodney

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/oct/03/former-union-chief-rodney-bickerstaffe-dies-unison