n By Hajera Blagg
Both Unite Executive Council (EC) members for construction, Stuart Grice and Tony Seaman, spoke of the deep respect they had for John.
“I always had the utmost respect for John and considered him a great comrade,” said Stuart. “John was always there and was well-respected within the movement. One of the giants whose shoulders we stand on, he’ll be sadly missed. Rest in power, comrade.”
Meanwhile, Tony spoke of how he first met John over a decade ago. “I would always see John at Unite conferences in Brighton - he would always have a little smile on his face, with his can of pop in one hand, and a cigarette in the other. Good night and God bless, John.”
Former Unite construction chair Paul Mooney worked closely with John after UCATT merged with Unite. Paul likewise paid tribute to John and his dedication to the union.
“John was a fierce fighter for justice within his community and of course the trade union movement,” Paul said. “He was someone who could discuss issues openly and without bias. I am proud to have known him, and I’m sure he will still be organising on the other side.”
John lent his support to many of Unite’s campaigns, including the campaign to secure justice for the Shrewsbury 24.
Dr Eileen Turnbull, who serves as researcher and secretary of the Shrewsbury 24 campaign, said that meeting John was “one of the most memorable experiences I had during the 15-year struggle for justice for the Shrewsbury pickets”.
“I met John at a UCATT conference in 2013; he was totally knowledgeable about our case. Throughout the years, John kept in touch and was always there supporting us, particularly when we suffered setbacks, urging us never to give up. He was thrilled when we won the case in 2021 and always maintained it was the greatest victory the building workers had ever had.”
Unite member and Shrewsbury picket Terry Renshaw added, “Right from the start I could see he was a fighter for socialism – if he knew of an injustice he would give his all to get it put right.
“John campaigned with his Scottish comrades for the Shrewsbury 24. I am proud to have known him, and I can truly call him comrade.”
29 unite buildingWORKER Autumn 2025
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He leaves behind a lasting legacy within our union and beyond in every improvement he achieved… We have lost a comrade, and a friend, who had the warmest nature and the heart of a true class warrior
Jason Poulter, Unite national officer
Finally, Unite national officer for construction Jason Poulter summed up what John was all about, both to Jason personally and to the wider Unite family.
“John’s strength, dedication and unwavering commitment to our work will be deeply missed, having touched the lives of so many,” he said.
“He leaves behind a lasting legacy within our union and beyond, in every improvement he achieved for his members and workers as a whole. We have lost a comrade, and a friend, who had the warmest nature and the heart of a true class warrior.”
Craig Maclean
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