n By Hajera Blagg


Ivan recalls his first national committee meeting, which was also the first meeting after the merger between the National Union of Agricultural Workers (NUAW) and the TGWU.


“I’d set off very early to get down to London. I didn’t realise how long it takes to get from one part of town to another, so I was running late. There’s only one empty seat – mine. Everyone is wearing a suit and I’m in jeans and a T-shirt. They had teas laid out for everyone. I plopped down in my seat, picked up my cup and drained it one go. The bloke sitting next to me says, ‘You just drank my tea!’”


The man was Wilf Page, a renowned left-wing NUAW stalwart, with whom he would go on to strike up a lifelong friendship. He also befriended other NUAW giants, Jack Boddy, and Labour MP Joan Maynard among others.


“It was in this company that I was taken into the left-wing ‘fold’,” Ivan said. “I’d never before thought of myself as left-wing – I thought of myself as just me.”


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For younger people who want to get involved in their union – just go for it. There’s absolutely nothing stopping you. Especially rural workers, who are in such short supply, there will always be roles for you to play


Ivan Monckton, Unite star activist


He was also soon elected to the union’s Executive Council (EC) on the agricultural seat, a position he held for decades.


Ivan’s meteoric rise within the union was remarkable – in under three years, he went from being a Forestry Commission shop steward to being elected to the highest lay member position in the union. He was also the youngest EC member “by far”. But he insists that it was only by chance and the encouragement of his mentors.


It was also at this time that Ivan discovered his skill for public speaking, “much to my immense surprise”, he said. Ivan has ever since become a familiar face at union and Labour Party conferences, delivering speeches in his signature fierce oratory.


Ivan recalls one of his proudest moments, when he was asked at the very last minute to deliver a speech at the Labour Party conference on Syria.


“The person who was supposed to give the speech withdrew, and with less than half a day’s notice, I was asked to speak,” he said. “I was proud of my contribution.”


Ivan said there were also many disappointments over the years, including when Unite lost its campaign to keep the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) and more recently, when the current Labour government refused to reinstate the Board, despite previous promises to do so.


For all of Ivan’s fiery speeches, there’s a softer side to him for which he would ultimately like to be remembered.


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The agriculture sector has always punched above their weight – we’ve had a huge effect on the union for such a small sector. Don’t worry if you’re in a small workplace – you too can be part of this


Ivan Monckton, Unite star activist


“I’ve got a more feminine side that doesn’t often come out in trade unionists. I’ve got long hair, I’m a follower of the Dalai Lama, I’m interested in nature, I only ever wear jeans and a T-shirt.”


Ivan hopes his example – that anyone can be involved in their union – will inspire others to do the same.


“For younger people who want to get involved in their union – just go for it,” he said. “There’s absolutely nothing stopping you. Especially rural workers, who are in such short supply, there will always be roles for you to play. The agriculture sector has always punched above their weight – we’ve had a huge effect on the union for such a small sector. Don’t worry if you’re in a small workplace – you too can be part of this.”


• A longer version of this feature will be available on our digital Landworker. See FDA website front page www.unitetheunion.org


Ivan we wish you all the best. Enjoy your well-earned retirement. Ed


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All photos: Mark Thomas


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