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The Courier
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Courier
Tributes as Fife 'working class hero' and Unite Scotland chairman John Gillespie dies at 57
John Gillespie, a leading light in Fife's trade union movement and chairman of Unite Scotland, is being remembered as a 'class warrior, campaigner and great comrade' following his death aged 57. The working class hero, of Leslie, who was a stalwart fighter for the union members he represented on Fife Council, was a formidable grassroots activist. He was regarded as a 'trade unionist to his fingertips'. His passing on May 22, with his family by his side, has led to an outpouring of tributes from across the Scottish trade union movement, Labour Party and wider left-wing political landscape. Leading the tributes, Derek Thomson, Unite Scottish secretary described John as a 'wholly unpretentious' man who treated everyone with the same dignity and respect. He told The Courier: 'John was a humble man fiercely proud of his Fife roots. 'His great skill was in finding solutions to difficult issues our union faced but it was always done with a sense of purpose and humility. 'He brought a sense of calm irrespective of the occasion other than when accompanied by his infamous mic and boom box. But there was so much more to John than that public persona. 'Inside Unite, John was very much the go to person to help in difficult situations. He was a unifier and believed fully that the union and its members should come first above any personal or political aspirations. 'He was at heart a grassroots activist. The energy and humour he brought to the negotiating table, picket lines or demonstration on behalf of working people was unique.' Tribute also came from Glenrothes and Mid Fife Labour MP Richard Baker. He said: 'When it came to fighting for those less fortunate, John was always at the forefront, encouraging and inspiring people to stand against injustice and make the world a fairer and better place. 'We've lost a true working-class hero – but John's legacy will live on.' Mid Scotland & Fife Labour MSP Alex Rowley, who is also a former leader of Fife Council, added: 'John was an incredible man who was dedicated to fighting for the rights of working people, the right to have a job, the right for decent pay, terms and conditions. 'No matter the issue, John's approach was always calm, considered but forensic. That is what made him such a brilliant trade union negotiator who was respected throughout the trade union movement. 'He was a real socialist who understood the importance of community and fairness for all. For me personally, it was a privilege to be able to call John my friend.' John Gillespie was born on Saturday August 12 1967, the second child of Betty and John. He was raised in Kirktoun Park, Ballingry, alongside his brother Conn and sister Rosemarie. He was educated at St Kenneth's RC Primary School and St Columba's RC High School. John began an apprenticeship as a slater with the local council, a trade he would dedicate much of his working life to. In 1987, fate intervened when John met the love of his life, Frewine, in the West End Bar as he was picking up his brother. Their connection was immediate and grew steadily, leading to their marriage on September 4 1992 in Kirkcaldy. The couple's joy multiplied in 1994 with the birth of their twin boys, John and Robert. John embraced fatherhood with open arms, pouring his heart into raising his sons. He adored his family and took great pride in being a hands-on dad. He loved taking his boys to football matches and spending quality time with them. His devotion to his family often saw him acting as the reliable taxi driver. He always ensured everyone got home safely after a night out or a family gathering, even if it meant a late drive for him. He also extended his warmth and thoughtfulness to his wider family. When his nieces and nephews came round, John made sure there were always plenty of sweets and pizza waiting. He loved seeing everyone together. John's love for his family knew no bounds. He was overjoyed with the arrival of his grandchildren Theo in 2023 and Brodie in 2025. He absolutely thrived in his role as a grandad. Theo, in particular, was his little shadow, a true grandad's boy. John was endlessly proud of both grandsons and celebrated their every achievement, no matter how small, with a beaming smile and boundless enthusiasm. Professionally, John spent many years as a slater with the council. However, his growing discontent with how trade workers were treated led him down a new path. Fuelled by pursuit of justice, he became a trade union shop steward, driven to advocate for fair treatment, respect, and equality in the workplace. John's passion for workers' rights only grew stronger over time. His confidence and dedication propelled him to become the chairperson of Unite Scotland. Watching John in action, whether at a union meeting or standing alongside his colleagues, made it clear that he was a man of deep conviction, devoted, principled, and steadfast. Whether as a husband, father, grandfather, or trade unionist, John brought warmth, strength, and unwavering love to everything he did. Mike Arnott, secretary, Dundee Trades Union Council said: 'John was a great character and resolute campaigner. It has been an honour to serve with him on the STUC General Council. 'John was a stalwart fighter for the union members he represented on Fife Council, for his community and for progressive causes, both nationally and internationally. 'He always brought his natural warmth and humour to even the most fraught situations. 'Seeing him at your side on a march or rally gave you added resolve but also made you smile.' The STUC described John as a 'formidable grassroots activist and a trade unionist to his fingertips', adding: 'He acted as a source of strength and guidance to many in our movement. Our condolences and thoughts are with his loved ones. Rest in power, John.' John is survived by his mum Elizabeth, wife Frewine, sons John and Robert and grand children Theo and Brodie. A funeral service is being held at Leslie Cemetery on Wednesday June 11 at 10.30 am, preceded by his 'final march' from his home in Leslie. Red colours are to be worn to honour John and his work with Fife Trades Union Council.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
University staff with gold-plated pensions to go on strike
Support staff at the University of Strathclyde will go on strike over attempts to remove them from one of Britain's most generous pension schemes. Hundreds of technicians, cleaners, security and estates staff were among 94pc of employees who voted to walk out over the university's 'shameless cash grab', Unite Scotland said. The workers are members of the Strathclyde Pension Fund, which currently pays more pensions above £50,000 a year than any other local government fund in the country. The university said it remained committed to offering excellent pensions. Members of the Strathclyde Pension Fund, which is part of the Local Government Pension Scheme, receive an inflation-linked, guaranteed income for life upon retirement, along with the option of a tax-free lump sum. According to figures obtained by The Telegraph, it currently pays 477 pensioners more than £50,000 a year – the highest number in Britain. Seven of those are paid over £100,000. The university currently pays contributions of 6.5pc of staff salaries to fund the generous scheme, but that will rise to 17.5pc from 2026. It is now proposing a change of pension provider, which Unite Scotland said would cost staff thousands of pounds in retirement. Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, said: 'Unite's members at the University of Strathclyde have emphatically backed strike action. Pensions are deferred wages which our members contribute towards over many years for their retirement. 'The university's shameful cash grab from our hard-working members' pension pots will be vigorously resisted. Strathclyde university workers will have Unite's full support in defence of their pensions.' Unite Scotland said the move, which will not affect teaching staff, was an attempt by the university to access a £100m pension surplus. It also said that Strathclyde made an overall surplus of £46.8m in 2023 from an income of £487.4m and has substantial reserves. Sir Jim McDonald, the university's principal and vice-chancellor professor, was paid £401,000 in 2023, with a further £3m divided up between the executive team, it added. Alison MacLean, of Unite, said: 'The facts remain that there is a pension surplus of £100m and any changes could leave some workers thousands of pounds worse off every year. 'The university has an opportunity to bin its proposals and if they want to genuinely explore ways of improving its short-term financial position, then Unite is willing to discuss ways to do this – including tackling eye-watering executive pay.' A University of Strathclyde spokesman said it had not yet reached a decision. He said: 'Having engaged in extensive consultation over many months, we are disappointed with the outcome of the ballot, which the trade union chose to undertake after they withdrew from the collective consultation process. 'Following further consultation with our staff we have recently shared an enhanced pension proposal. The university remains committed to providing an excellent pension provision to its staff. A decision regarding the proposed change of pension provider has not yet been made.' The move will not affect teaching staff because they are members of the Universities Superannuation Scheme. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The Independent
12-02-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Support staff at university call for strike action over proposed pension changes
Support staff at a Scottish university have 'emphatically' called for strikes in response to potential pension changes, a union has said. Unite Scotland said on Tuesday that 94% of the staff employed at the University of Strathclyde had backed industrial action. Employees represented by Unite include facilities workers such as technicians, cleaners and security. They also include maintenance workers – including plumbers, joiners and electricians – and all backed industrial action. The workers are part of the Strathclyde Pension Fund (SPF), and say they are at risk of losing thousands of pounds each year – accusing their employer of moving them on to a worse-off pension scheme. Workers say the university's reason for doing so is because it wants to access a pension surplus of almost £100 million. Some 94% of workers in an industrial action ballot supported strike action. The development comes despite a 'cynical' last-minute attempt by the university on the eve of the ballot result to amend its initial pension proposals without consulting the union. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'Unite's members at the University of Strathclyde have emphatically backed strike action. 'Pensions are deferred wages which our members contribute towards over many years for their retirement. 'The university's shameful cash grab from our hard-working members' pension pots will be vigorously resisted. 'Strathclyde University workers will have Unite's full support in defence of their pensions.' The union said the university does not need to make the changes because it made a surplus of £46.8 million in 2023 from an income of £487.4 million. Balloters also said the university has large reserves, holding net assets of £402.8 million in 2023, as well as an additional £142.7 million in cash. They said the university also has strong liquidity, with £360.7 million of its net assets being unrestricted, meaning they are not locked up and can be used in the event of any temporary financial downturn. They also said the university's vice-chancellor, Professor Sir Jim McDonald, earned a salary of £401,000 in 2023, with a further £3 million paid to the rest of the university's executive team. Unite said strike dates will be announced in the near future, but that the university has a chance to scrap the proposed changes in order to avoid them. The facts remain that there is a pension surplus of £100 million and any changes could leave some workers thousands of pounds worse-off every year Alison MacLean, Unite Alison MacLean, Unite regional co-ordinating officer, said: 'The University of Strathclyde has refused to meaningfully consult with us throughout this dispute. 'The cynical attempt to change their initial punitive pension proposal on the eve of the ballot result will be seen for exactly what it is by our members. 'The facts remain that there is a pension surplus of £100 million and any changes could leave some workers thousands of pounds worse-off every year. 'The university has an opportunity to bin its proposals and if they want to genuinely explore ways of improving its short-term financial position then Unite is willing to discuss ways to do this including tackling eye-watering executive pay.' A spokesman for the University of Strathclyde said: 'Having engaged in extensive consultation over many months, we are disappointed with the outcome of the ballot, which the trade union chose to undertake after they withdrew from the collective consultation process. 'Following further consultation with our staff we have recently shared an enhanced pension proposal. 'The university remains committed to providing an excellent pension provision to its staff. 'A decision regarding the proposed changed of pension provider has not yet been made.'
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Support staff at university call for strike action over proposed pension changes
Support staff at a Scottish university have 'emphatically' called for strikes in response to potential pension changes, a union has said. Unite Scotland said on Tuesday that 94% of the staff employed at the University of Strathclyde had backed industrial action. Employees represented by Unite include facilities workers such as technicians, cleaners and security. They also include maintenance workers – including plumbers, joiners and electricians – and all backed industrial action. The workers are part of the Strathclyde Pension Fund (SPF), who say they are at risk of losing thousands of pounds each year – accusing their employer of moving them on to a worse-off pension scheme. Workers say the university's reason for doing so is because it wants to access a pension surplus of almost £100 million. Some 94% of workers in an industrial action ballot supported strike action. The development comes despite a 'cynical' last-minute attempt by the university on the eve of the ballot result to amend its initial pension proposals without consulting the union. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'Unite's members at the University of Strathclyde have emphatically backed strike action. 'Pensions are deferred wages which our members contribute towards over many years for their retirement. 'The university's shameful cash grab from our hard-working members' pension pots will be vigorously resisted. 'Strathclyde University workers will have Unite's full support in defence of their pensions.' The union says the university does not need to make the changes as it made a surplus of £46.8 million in 2023 from an income of £487.4 million. Balloters also said the university has large reserves, holding net assets of £402.8 million in 2023, as well as an additional £142.7 million in cash. They said the university also has strong liquidity with £360.7 million of its net assets being unrestricted, meaning they are not locked up and can be used in the event of any temporary financial downturn. They also said the university's vice-chancellor, professor Sir Jim McDonald, earned a salary of £401,000 in 2023, with a further £3 million paid to the rest of the university's executive team. Unite said strike dates would be announced in the near future, but said the university has a chance to scrap the proposed changes in order to avoid them. Alison MacLean, Unite regional co-ordinating officer, said: 'The University of Strathclyde has refused to meaningfully consult with us throughout this dispute. 'The cynical attempt to change their initial punitive pension proposal on the eve of the ballot result will be seen for exactly what it is by our members. 'The facts remain that there is a pension surplus of £100 million and any changes could leave some workers thousands of pounds worse-off every year. 'The university has an opportunity to bin its proposals and if they want to genuinely explore ways of improving its short term financial position then Unite is willing to discuss ways to do this including tackling eye-watering executive pay.' The University of Strathclyde was approached for comment.
