THE PASSING OF THE LAST CLOTH CAP TRADE UNION LEADER
One of the more unlikely meetings in history must have been the occasion in 1936 when International Brigader Jack Jones, along with a group of other soldiers straight from the front line, still disheveled in their muddy uniforms, met with a solidarity delegation of British University students on a fact finding mission to report back about Republican Spain’s struggle against fascism. Among the students was a prim Edward Heath, who would later as British Prime Minister be considered by many as only the second most important man in Britain, after the TGWU leader. Indeed during the 1974 general election grafitti appreared saying “Vote Jack Jones, cut out the middle man”.
Jones was a contradictory figure, a class fighter who had been a militant trade unionist, and a Labour councillor. A figure from the left, but a great admirer of TGWU leader Ernest Bevin, who was a determined opponent of the left. In many ways Jones personified the politics of Labourism - always wanting a better deal for the working class, but within the context of not fundamentaly challenging capitalism.
His greatest triumph was defeating the “In Place of Strife” anti-trade union legislation proposed by Barbara Castle during Harold Wilson’s Labour government in 1969. Jones did not believe that government should in any way constrain the power of organised labour.
But he did believe that the trade unions should use their power to support governments, and not only Labour governments, he had good and cordial relations with Edward Heath, and in his autobiography suggests that the TGWU was prepared to enter a social contract with the 1970-1974 Tory government, but this was blocked by members of Heath’s government less sympathetic to trade unions than the Prime Minister was.
Jack Jones was a charming man, completely dedicated to working for other people, and on his retirement he became a great champion for pensioners. But although unassuming, he was also unencumbered by false modesty, and as TGWU leader he was fully aware of the power his position gave him. Unlike some other trade union leaders he never used his position for personal betterment, to the end of his days he lived in a modest house in a working class area, and eschewed the country houses and fancy cars. He did however use a TGWU limousine for official business only to demonstrate the power and influence of his union.
Unfortutely the main legacy for which he is remembered will be the ill-fated social contract with the 1974-1979 Labour government, that demobilised the militancy of shop floor trade union organisation in return for supposed government action to stabilise the economy and prioritise the interests of working people. In a sense he was a victim of the crisis of Labourism, he was not an idealogue or strategic thinker, but he was a forceful and canny trade union leader who could not change to adapt to new circumstances.
The 1970s saw the Keynesian consensus in the Labour Party ripped apart by Callaghan, Jay and Healey, but the cloth-cap style, Bevanite (Nye Bevan this time, not Ernie Bevin!) nostalgism of figures like Jack Jones was not able to pose a credible alternative in the context of worldwide economic downturn.
Jones himself was quite clear that his description as the most powerful man in Britain was a tribute not to himself, but to the mass industrial strength of the TGWU, its shop stewards and activists. Jack Jones was also instrumental in helping to build and defend that shop floor organisation until the changed political and economic context of the late 1970s exposed the limits of his politics.
Thanks Andy for that article, a pretty fair one considering your politics. I saw him speak on pensions a couple of times and he brilliantly made the case for solidarity.
Comment by Matthew Stiles — 22 April, 2009 @ 10:53 am
That’s a fair obituary from Andy.
I knew Jack from my days working at the T&G in the early 90’s. He was still running the Pensioners Convention out of an office at Transport House, and despite being a household name, he was always behaved with the utmost respect towards all staff whenever he asked for our assistance.
He was extremely proud of his service with the International Brigade, and he was really chuffed that I (being at that time a young man), was interested in talking to him about his experiences in Spain. In turn, I was amazed that this historic figure, who would pull up a chair and spend time talking to me, seemed genuinely to enjoy my company. I never once felt patronised.
Noone could say that the death of a 96 year was a tragedy, but nonetheless I feel some sadness because of my personal connection, but also because Jack’s death represents the passing of an era which had many positive features which are all too often forgotten or denigrated.
Comment by Calvin — 22 April, 2009 @ 12:57 pm
¡Jack presente!
Comment by Entdinglichung — 22 April, 2009 @ 1:18 pm
He cared for his people
Union members or pensioners
he with the help of his members secured significant pay rises for working class workers
And no one can doubt his commitment to the Spanish people
You are History You are Legend
Comment by Simon — 22 April, 2009 @ 4:07 pm
All of the above and so much more. An inspiration to so many people. He was a living legend. His courage, his patience, his grace and good manners made him wonderful and inspring company. No man or woman could ask too much of Jack.
We were truly blessed to have known, admired and loved this Comrade from up close.
As above, You are Legend.
Comment by Matthew C — 22 April, 2009 @ 4:50 pm
I am actually upset and troubled by the passing of Jack Jones… He was a really important part of my childhood…
the maternal grandad I never met because he died fighting fascism in ‘45.
when I was older I forgave Jack his behaviour in the ’70s precisely because of his role in the pensioner movement.
I was present when the photo of Jack that accompanies the artical was taken….
I am glad I saw him… briefly in the flesh.
Rest in Peace
Comment by mark anthony france — 22 April, 2009 @ 7:32 pm
The future is bright!
The road is tortous!
¡Jack presente!
Comment by Vengence of History — 22 April, 2009 @ 9:05 pm
Worth adding that Jack Jones, in his final years, was targeted by a particularly nasty smear from ex-MI5 officers David Shayler and Annie Machon, who were pushing the line that he had worked for the KGB.
Ms Machon even managed to link Tony Benn to this nonsense, in a particularly rabid red baiting piece in the Mail on Sunday.
When Shayler was pinned down on this in a public debate at Conway Hall with Notes From the Borderland magazine in 2005, he withdrew it, only to infer Jones had been working for MI5.
Those socialists who were naive enough to be taken in by Machon and Shayler, (and in the case of Machon, still are?) really should have known better……….
Comment by Paul Stott — 23 April, 2009 @ 8:13 am
Really good, intelligent and sensitive posts.
A loss of a towering giant from the best traditions of the working-class and trade union movement.
As - many years ago - I woke up to realise:- the New Labour clique and their assorted followers will never be fit to fasten the bootstraps of those, like Jack Jones, who fought on behalf of ordinary people, for an NHS, for jobs and for decency in retirement.
OK, reflection of the loss of the post-war consensus, but it matters, actually.
Rest in peace. May Jack Jones’ memory be one that nourishes, encourages and inspires new layers of people, in these uncertain and troubling times.
Comment by Dem O'Cracy — 23 April, 2009 @ 10:16 pm
We should not go over the top about the Social Contract - which *was* a betrayal- nor allow that error to obscure his excellent and principled record as a champion of the shop stewards’ movement and an anti-fascism in Spain. It just goes to show that even the bravest, most principled and and best-intentioned person will go wrong, sooner or later, without theory.
But still, I salute him.
Comment by Jim Denham — 23 April, 2009 @ 10:21 pm
Absolutely correct, Jim: “even the bravest, most principled and and best-intentioned person will go wrong, sooner or later, without theory”.
In fact, it was only possible for the Labour right wing to sell the social contract to the rank and file of the unions because it had the backing of Jack and Hughie Scanlon who had such exemplary records as union activists. A lesson which must not be forgotten, but which in no way means we should not regret the passing of someone who contributed much to the movement and was a million miles removed from the creatures who lord it at the top of the unions today.
Comment by paulm — 24 April, 2009 @ 8:43 am
Sorry, in what way was the Social Contract a “betrayal”? It was a contract, and the ruling class failed to fulfil their part of the bargain. If Jim Denham, Paulm or whoever have any evidence that Jack Jones, Hugh Scanlon or whoever knew in advance that that side wouldn’t be fulfilled, then I suggest that they should speak up now. Or shut up.
Now, you can certainly criticise the unions for believing that Capitalism would keep it’s side. But a) it’s not clear that Jones, Scanlon et al did believe it and b) they were bound by their Union’s democratic structures.
Facts are, Jack Jones risked his life to fight fascism in Spain. He spent the rest of his life working for the workers in Britain. He died as he lived, a working class hero.
Comment by Graham Day — 24 April, 2009 @ 11:12 pm
A rather different perspective on Jack Jones including his role in enforcing Labour’s social contract and collaborating with British Leyland management against the left is below.
http://socialistresistance.org/?p=529
Comment by Liam — 6 June, 2009 @ 11:38 am