Rodney Bickerstaffe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rodney Bickerstaffe
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Bickerstaffe at Russell Square, London, in 2015
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| Second President of the National Pensioners Convention | |
| In office 2001–2005 |
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| Preceded by | Jack Jones |
| Succeeded by | Frank Cooper |
| 2nd General Secretary of UNISON | |
| In office 1996–2001 |
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| Preceded by | Alan Jinkinson |
| Succeeded by | Dave Prentis |
| General Secretary of the National Union of Public Employees | |
| In office 1982–1993 |
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| Preceded by | Alan Fisher |
| Succeeded by | organisation abolished |
| President of the Trades Union Congress | |
| In office 1992 |
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| General Secretary | Norman Willis |
| Preceded by | Alec Smith |
| Succeeded by | Alan Tuffin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 April 1945 Hammersmith, London, England |
| Died | 3 October 2017 (aged 72) Camden, London, England |
| Spouses |
Anne Hollis
(m. 1968, divorced)Patricia Colpus
(m. 1973) |
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater | Rutherford College of Technology |
| Occupation | Trade unionist |
Rodney Kevan Bickerstaffe (born 6 April 1945 – died 3 October 2017) was a British trade union leader. He worked to improve the lives of workers. He was the General Secretary of two large trade unions: the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE) from 1982 to 1993, and UNISON from 1996 to 2001. UNISON was Britain's biggest trade union at that time. After retiring, he became the president of the UK National Pensioners Convention from 2001 to 2005, helping older people.
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Early Life and Education
Rodney Bickerstaffe was born on 6 April 1945 in Hammersmith, London. His mother, Elizabeth Bickerstaffe, was from South Yorkshire. Rodney spent his early years in east London before moving to Doncaster to live near his extended family.
He attended Doncaster Grammar School. Later, he studied sociology at Rutherford College of Technology. In the 1990s, Rodney found out more about his birth father, Thomas Simpson, who had passed away in 1991. Rodney then discovered he had three half-brothers in Ireland.
Career as a Union Leader
Rodney Bickerstaffe started working for the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE) in 1966 in Yorkshire. He moved up in the union, becoming a divisional officer and then a national officer. In this role, he looked after members who worked in local government, universities, and the water industry.
Standing Up for Workers
During the "Winter of Discontent" in 1978–79, Rodney was known for strongly supporting government workers. Some people thought his actions helped Margaret Thatcher win the 1979 general election. However, Rodney said in 2006 that he would do it all again if he had to.
In 1981, he became the general secretary of NUPE. Later, in July 1993, NUPE merged with two other unions, COHSE and NALGO, to form UNISON. Rodney became an associate general secretary. He was then elected as the general secretary of UNISON in November 1995, starting his role on 28 February 1996.
Fighting for Fair Pay
Rodney was a well-known union leader. He often spoke out for better rights and fair treatment for people working in public services. He also supported those whose jobs moved to private companies through privatisation. He was very passionate about fighting against low pay. He also pushed for the introduction of a national minimum wage, which means a legal lowest amount an employer can pay.
At the 2000 Labour Party Conference, Rodney helped pass an important rule. This rule aimed to make sure pensions (money for retired people) would increase with either earnings or prices, whichever was higher.
Rodney was a great speaker. He used humor and strong words to connect with people at conferences. He was also good at remembering names and making people feel comfortable. He was a dedicated socialist who cared deeply about others.
After Retirement
Rodney retired from UNISON in 2001. He then became the president of the National Pensioners Convention in April 2001, taking over from Jack Jones. This group works to support the rights of millions of older people in Britain. They campaign for better pensions and healthcare.
Rodney stepped down from this role in 2005 to focus on his international work. He led the Global Network, which works with groups in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. He was also the President of War on Want, an organization that fights poverty. In 2007, he was offered a peerage (a special title from the Queen), but he chose to decline it.
He also worked against discrimination of all kinds. He was a patron of the Dalit Solidarity Network, a group in London that opposes India's caste system.
Honours and Awards
Rodney Bickerstaffe received special recognition for his work. He was given honorary doctorates (special degrees) from Keele University, the University of Hertfordshire, and Sheffield Hallam University. He also received the Freedom of the Borough from Doncaster metropolitan borough.
Personal Life
Rodney Bickerstaffe married Anne Margaret Hollis on 18 May 1968, but their marriage ended soon after. On 14 July 1973, he married Patricia Ann Colpus. They had four children together.
Death
Rodney Bickerstaffe passed away on 3 October 2017, at the age of 72. He died from oesophageal cancer at the Marie Curie Hospice in Camden, London.
See also
