SIPTU General Secretary, Joe Cunningham, has led his Union in paying respects to three veteran activists and organisers, Jack McGinley, Denis Carr and Seamus Rodgers whose recent passing has left the movement in a state of deep sadness.
“Jack McGinley, Denis Carr and Seamus Rodgers were all deeply committed to trade unionism, believing it to be the primary movement for securing social progress and improvements in the lives of ordinary workers”, Cunningham said.
“Jack McGinley’s commitment to our Union saw him work tirelessly as an activist serving in many crucial roles, among them as a long serving member of the SIPTU National Executive Council. After his retirement from his job as a Librarian in Trinity College Dublin, he maintained his position as Chairman of the SIPTU Dublin District Council and served on several committees which oversaw the good governance and rules of the Union.
“Perhaps his greatest contribution, in recent years, to the movement he loved was as the founder and main editor of Umiskin Press, the independent publishing house which has done much great work publishing titles focusing on the Irish labour movement and its leading personalities. While our Union relied on his diligence on many occasions it will be through his work with Umiskin Press that Jack will continue to have an impact for generations to come.
“Denis Carr served as a Branch secretary in the ITGWU and later SIPTU. He was at the forefront of organising workers in the textile trade for decades and his professionalism saw many a good deal secured, and a worker’s rights defended. Anchored in his local community of the Navan Road in Dublin, Denis has left an impact not only in trade unionism but also through his commitment to the GAA and in particular hurling.
“Denis was part of that great generation of union organisers who were not only leaders in the workplace but also in their local communities.”
He added: “The same is true of Seamus Rodgers. A long serving ITGWU and later SIPTU official Seamus kept the red flag aloft in Donegal for many years in both his union work and as an elected councillor of nearly four decades. He was a man rooted in the long radical tradition of Donegal and its GAA community, serving as Chairman of the County Board.
“The people of Donegal will long benefit from the improvements for workers and the wider community secured by a man whose commitment to socialism defined his philosophy to life and work.”
Cunningham concluded by relaying the condolences of Union members and staff to the family and friends of the three men who passed on within the last two weeks. “We have lost three great champions of the workers’ cause, but we can best remember them by continuing to build the Union they were so committed to.”