Greater Manchester Association of Trades Union Councils mourns the loss of former GMATUC Executive and longtime Manchester Trades Council member John Clegg who died last week aged 70. John had had a difficult couple of years in which he saw the death of his lifelong soulmate Mary, as well as his own worsening health problems. He is survived by his two daughters Nicole and Melanie.
GMATUC President Stephen Hall who knew John for over 30 years, worked with him on numerous projects, and consulted him for advice on many occasions writes:
“John was one of the most committed Socialists and trades union and community activists I have ever known. There are few progressive campaigns or initiatives in Manchester over the last 40 years John was not directly involved in helping to set up or played a key role in, from Manchester Gay Centre, to the Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit, to Greater Manchester Law Centre, to the Unemployed Workers Centre to name but a few.
“John truly was also an exemplar to us all of how to work with others, preferring to find points of agreement rather than points of difference and putting the interests of the movement, and of the working class as a whole at the forefront of everything rather than that of any particular party or group.
“His death is a second huge loss to our movement in Greater Manchester along with that of Brian Northey of Bolton TUC who also died last week. They will both leave gaping holes and be dearly missed by their comrades, friends and family. Both were working class heroes.”
Manchester Trades Council have set up a page for people to share their memories and photos of John, see: Remembering John Clegg (1950-2020). His funeral will take place on Friday 20th November. It is hoped that the funeral service will be live streamed online (details to follow).
Bolton TUC 