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Union giant Jones dies after 'good innings' at 96
Peter Dominiczak22.04.09
JACK JONES, one of the most influential and charismatic trade union leaders of all time, has died aged 96.
Mr Jones was general secretary of the Transport and General Workers' Union from 1969 to 1978 - a time when it was one of the country's most powerful unions.
At his peak, he had the most powerful and influential union job in the country. He also became a household name, arguably better known than most Cabinet ministers.
His frequent trips to Downing Street for beer and sandwich sessions invariably provoked speculation that some major industrial settlement was to be achieved, benefiting the workers.
His son Mick Jones said his father died in London shortly after 9.30pm yesterday. He said: "He passed away very peacefully in a very nice care home in Peckham. He had all the care he could possibly want. He was active until the very end and had a good innings."
Mr Jones fought in the Spanish Civil War in the Thirties and served as a Liverpool city councillor between 1936 and 1939. He became a TGWU organiser in Coventry and worked his way up to become general secretary. He was on the Labour Party's National Executive Committee from 1964 to 1967 and was influential in ending two crippling national dock strikes in the early Seventies.
He made great efforts to ensure that the TUC backed Harold Wilson in his successful bid to recapture power in the first 1974 election and his return in the second. It was during this period that he began to be widely referred to as wielding more power than any other man outside government.
Mr Jones, who turned down a peerage, continued campaigning for pensioners' rights after retiring from his union post.
TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said Mr Jones was a "true giant of the Labour movement".
He said: "After his working life as a trade unionist, he became a champion for pensioners, holding ministers to account and urging governments to deliver dignity to the elderly."
Former TUC general secretary Norman Willis said Mr Jones would be remembered as a "fighter" for ordinary people.
Reader views (3)
Jack Jones
A Working Class Hero in every respect.
My parents lived through the Spanish Civil War as children, my grandfather imprisoned by Fascists. He was one of the many who tried to make a difference.
If the British Government of the day had reacted to fight Franco with as much bravery and honesty, the Fascist/ Nazi Axis may never have been encouraged by their paralysis and subsequent appeasement policy, and WW2 may never have extended beyond the areas immediately around Germany.
Jack Jones- Hero.
- Fresh, LONDON
I have utter respect for the bravery of those who went to Spain to fight fascism in a foreign country. RIP - a life well lived.
- Jim, Hammersmith
Rest in peace Jack; you were old school mate, as honest as the day is long.
My respects to you and your family...Mick.
- Mickyinlondon, london
