Bill didn't just inhabit the Scottish political world - he bestrode it

Bill Speirs - 1952 -2009 a tribute by Chris Bartter

Former general Secretary of the STUC and friend of UNISON, Bill Speirs died in late September after a long illness and a final long stay in hospital. The Scottish Trade Union and political world gathered at Renfrew Town Hall on 1 October to celebrate his life.

More than that - it was a gathering of Scotland's civic society - for Bill touched so many lives. He was an internationalist who campaigned ceaselessly for Scottish working people; an uncompromising socialist who always insisted on a 'broad church' approach to politics; an atheist who could call on religious leaders across the spectrum of belief; a football fan (he always claimed it was St Mirren!) who was also enthusiastic about cricket - his 'switch-hitting' innings for Daft Watty's Ramblers are still the stuff of legend!, and an economic analyst who spent years running 7:84 and sitting on the arts council.

The ceremony - scripted by Bill himself! - included speeches by George Galloway MP; Campbell Christie; Jack McConnell MSP. First Minister Alex Salmond was also there.

Brought up in Renfrew he attended John Neilson's Institute, and then went to Strathclyde University, where he graduated with a first class honours in politics. After a variety of 'interesting' jobs - lecturing, bar work, ice cream salesman - he joined the STUC in 1978 as Assistant General secretary.

Working in the research section he gradually rose through the ranks to become General Secretary in 1998. He stood down in 2006 to devote more time to international campaigning - unfortunately he was not given that chance.

It is perhaps as Deputy to Campbell Christie that his main work was done. Bill became the powerhouse of the STUC's campaigning during this time. It was then that many of the alliances with politicians, trade union activists, church leaders, councillors, and voluntary sector organisations were formed in campaigns for South Africa, Palestine, Caterpillar, Lee Jeans, against the Poll Tax and of course for a Scottish Parliament - possibly the thing he could be most proud of when - as general secretary - he welcomed its opening.

He was a huge friend to UNISON and strongly supported campaigns to back Scotland’s public services and their workers. Many officials and activists have told of his direct backing for their local disputes.

He will be a great loss to UNISON and to the wider world. UNISONScotland sends its support and sympathy to Bill’s wife Pat, to his brother and sister, Brian and Seonaid and to his son and daughter, David and Jaki and to his first wife Linda. Bill didn’t just inhabit the Scottish political world - he bestrode it.

See www.unison-scotland. org.uk/billspeirs.html for more tributes.

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