It is with deep sadness that we have to report the sudden death of our General Secretary, Steve Sinnott.
Please contribute your own reminiscences and add your tributes.
It's difficult to know where to start. Steve was just a great person - a great teacher, a great trade unionist, and a great mate.
He inspired everyone with the interests of children and education at heart. His underlying love of humanity shone through even the most routine of discussions - and when he was in full flow, he burned with passion, conviction and determination.
His sense of internationalism and solidarity took the Union into new places, where we are able to speak up together with the most oppressed and disadvantaged at home and abroad, and they know that we are absolutely genuinely on their side.
Steve's leadership unified the Union, allowing us to work in new ways that really reflect our membership, overcoming divisions to turn our fire in the right direction... and, when needed, Steve the careful diplomat could let fly in a way that made the enemies of education turn tail and run.
Steve's commitments - to state comprehensive education, to teachers, to active trade unionism and professional unity, to all children and in particular those from the toughest backgrounds, to human rights worldwide, to equalities and against all injustice - will live on and push us forward.
Steve was always prepared to stand up and be counted, to say what he thought and take responsibility as our General Secretary. But he had absolutely no pomposity or self-importance, and was never happier than when meeting with members in school or Union meetings, examining the Union view, arguing the toss - and always listening very carefully.
He was my General Secretary, my friend and comrade. The day of the cruel blow of his death was one of the worst days of my life. I can't tell you how much I miss him, and I know I will go on missing him.
The expressions of genuine condolence from all quarters - from our own members and others in the world of education, from political figures including government ministers, from other trade unions, from community organisations, from our comrades in other countries - all show the high esteem in which Steve was held, and we are grateful for them.
We are all thinking of Mary and all the others of Steve's family of whom he was so proud... and all I can say to them is that we will all keep Steve in our hearts, and we'll do everything we can to live up to his fantastic example.
Steve, we loved you. Goodbye mate.
Bill Greenshields - NUT President
When Steve Sinnott, the general secretary of the National Union of Teachers who died suddenly on Saturday April 5 aged 56, delivered the 2007 Hugh Gaitskell Memorial Lecture at the University of Nottingham he summed up his philosophy:
“I think there are those who are hopeful supporters and activists for justice, human rights and equality and there are the rest. Those who exude hope and optimism generate the energy and stimulate the progress that we in education and progressive trade unionism work for.
“I find it is such people who are as fascinated as I think I am by the liberating power of education in this country and across the world.”
Steve was a staunch advocate of education as the means of lifting the underprivileged out of poverty. It was this vision which led him to campaign enthusiastically throughout his life for comprehensive education in England and Wales and for the right of children to education wherever in the world they lived.
Steve was born in 1951 into a working class Liverpool family with strong socialist traditions, which shaped his lifelong political outlook. His father worked in Ford’s Halewood plant. When he was elected as the union’s national president in 1994, he proclaimed his pride at being the first holder of the office to have attended a comprehensive school.
He graduated from Middlessex Polytechnic with a BA in social sciences in 1974, and trained as a teacher at Edge Hill College in Ormskirk, where he joined the NUT.
He taught humanities and was NUT school representative at Shorefields Comprehensive School in Toxteth, Liverpool, before moving to Broughton High School near Preston in 1979, where he was head of economics and business studies. He was elected to the union’s national executive in 1986.
In the middle of his year as national president he was elected deputy general secretary in November 1994 and then general secretary in June 2004. In both offices Steve extended the scope of the union’s international work, but always insisted this should never be tokenistic, that the union should never raise expectations it could not deliver.
He won widespread admiration for his support for the Ethiopian Teachers’ Association and played a major role in the international campaign for the release of their president Dr Taye Woldesmiate, who Steve visited in prison in Addis Ababa and who was eventually freed in May 2002.
Steve worked closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat to draft a protocol on teacher recruitment. In September 2004 the NUT hosted a meeting of Commonwealth Education Ministers who signed the protocol governing the export of teachers from Commonwealth countries to fill vacancies in Britain at the expense of their own hard-pressed services.
A firm believer in the power of dialogue and reconciliation, Steve effected a meeting of Palestinian and Israeli teachers’ unions at NUT Conference and went on to secure their agreement to a joint statement at the congress of the worldwide teachers’ organisation Education International. Steve was a supporter of the Holocaust Education Trust. He was too, a firm advocate for justice for the Palestinian people and all people of the Middle East.
He was a strong supporter of the Make Poverty History initiative and the Global Campaign for Education which seeks the implementation of the Millennium Goals of education for all the world’s children by 2015.
Upon his election as general secretary, Steve immediately set about uniting the union. His enduring achievement after just four years as general secretary has been to leave behind a more united, stronger organisation.
A strong supporter of the goal of one union for all teachers, he worked to improve relations with both the NUT’s fellow teaching unions and with the government, while continuing to oppose the workforce agreement and to campaign for improvements to teachers’ pay and conditions.
It is perhaps a measure of Steve’s achievement that, with the NUT planning the first national teachers’ strike for more than 20 years, the Prime Minister Gordon Brown has paid tribute to Steve as “inspirational, not just for children in Britain, but around the world”.
Steve often said that he planned to retire around 2014 and return to teaching. Those who knew him knew he would keep his word and that some of his future lay in a school in Africa. However, this was not to be. A committed family man, a lifelong Everton supporter, keen cyclist and caravanner, Steve will be sorely missed not only as a teacher and trade unionist but as, to borrow a favourite phrase of his, “a smashing fellah”.
The condolences of all those who knew and worked with Steve go out to his family, and in particular his wife Mary, herself a talented teacher who has supported him throughout his career, and his son Stephen, daughter Kate, and grandchildren Robbie and Freddie.
Steve Sinnott. Born June 24th 1951. Died April 5th 2008.
Christine Blower – Acting General Secretary
For 24 years Steve was a true friend. For Steve every child did matter and lack of access to education through poverty, proper provision and lack of political commitment fuelled his campaigning determination.
As well as valuing every child, he valued every teacher. Steve was so obviously committed to the NUT, to its core. His contribution to the Union has been immense both nationally and internationally.
Since elected GS in 2004 Steve reshaped the ethos of the Union determined to ensure that it developed into a united organisation, fighting for improved education for all.
This tragic lost will be a spur to those who want to keep that vision alive and see the union grow as an influential, effective and campaigning organisation. My sense of loss is profound – he had so much more to give. Jerry Glazier
Steve Sinnott was my friend. Our friendship began when Steve left the classroom in 1994 and became an office worker. I dropped in to say hello. I liked him and thought I’d show him round. We became firm friends. Steve was a teacher, deeply and profoundly. He personified the greatest virtues of a great calling and profession. He found the good in all humanity. Steve had pure instinct for the liberating force of knowledge. He inspired all who joined with him to know with certainty that there was true worth and purpose in the causes he led. In all he cared about, Steve possessed that extraordinary intelligence of certainty in what the end result should be. Steve knew that people responded to his example to unify. He could challenge in a moment, hundreds, even literally thousands, of years of history and conflict with a simple unchallengeable question “Why not find a way to be and live together in your difference?” He did not need to set himself the goal to secure unity within his union, nor within his profession. He knew the strength of unity. It was in every fibre of him. He simply couldn’t have it any other way. Steve had the unwavering conviction that his own remembered experience must not be repeated. He was a leader in a generation which for the first time had secured a more just reward for labour, for effort and for contribution. He took every advantage of the opportunities his generation had secured for the first time to bring down barriers of class and deprivation. Having tasted social justice, he demanded more. He had not accepted for himself, as a young teacher with a young family, that for all he had won through his own efforts, he should still be troubled as to whether he could make ends meet. As General Secretary of the NUT, Steve saw what had been achieved so far in giving true value to teachers being eroded. He set his course to stop it. As with so many other things, Steve was not then open to strategic doubts and tactical uncertainties.. It wasn’t for him about party dogma, nor political theory. It was about people like him who had studied hard, worked hard and chosen to be teachers. Steve just wanted teaching to be a fairly rewarded profession that attracts good people to teach youngsters. The sum of Steve’s personality, experience and commitment was unusual, perhaps unique. The means must now be found to realise to the full the benefit of his legacy. Often as I produced some new lawyer’s “brief” the length of which belied its own description, Steve would taunt me with John Lennon’s lyric of words flowing in an endless stream. There was however always another line of our generation’s songs that would come to my mind, Paul Simon’s - “I know you've been eager to fly now. Hey let your honesty shine, shine, shine.” Steve flew very high and shone very bright. It is the proudest thing for any man or woman to be able to say “He was my friend”. There are millions throughout the world who can. Graham Clayton Senior Solicitor, National Union of Teachers
I worked with and for Steve for 15 years. I never once saw him demoralised or pessimistic. Each generation of organised labour throws up its own leaders. It is a process part based on nature's gift, part on training and experience, part on a love of the people. Steve's exceptional combination of these things was about to make him a household name. He was in the Ron Todd mould. The strike on April 24th will put the needs of the people back on Britain's political agenda. Thanks to Steve for that. Steve's socialism was true. It began in his family with his delightful wife Mary, also a talented teacher, radiating out through his kids and into the communities he served. When the great Victorian writer and socialist William Morris died, the doctor put under "causes" on his death certificate, "Doing the work of five men". Steve did the work of many men and women. In tribute to him we could each do a little more to help uplift the poor and the dispossessed. Saying farewell to this particular brother and comrade is quite the saddest moment of my adult life. I Send the love of our family to Mary and all the Sinnotts. Phil Katz - NUT Head Office
I started out in ATL but joined the NUT in 2004 because of the vision and dedication of Steve Sinnott. I never met him but he seemed a thoroughly decent man with high principles. The union has been significantly weakened by his tragically early death and my condolences are with his family and his close friends and colleagues. His legacy should be inspiration for all teachers. Sam Stopps - Bexley
Steve was inspirational as a leader and especially to those of us 'on the ground' acting as local officers. Always a very pleasant person to meet and you felt that he appreciated the work you were doing on behalf of members. His own enthusiasm came through even in casual conversation. Not only a great General Secretary but also a thoroughly 'good bloke'.A great loss. My condolences to his family. Glen Williams - Bedfordshire
In the face of adversity, Steve was a consummate trade unionist, a compassionate belever in social justice, a great colleague with a sense of bravery and pride.Over the years have had the pleasure and priviledge to have met with Steve on many occasions and in many capacities, long before he became General Secretary. I am gutted and shocked at his sudden departure. He addressed the Black Teachers Conference last year, which at the best of times can be quite a challenge, due to the nature of the debates. He did this gratiously and with the reassurance of his backing in present and future campaigns. I give huge respect and blessings to him and his family at this difficult time.He will genuinely be missed by all, he was very popular. Yolette West - West Sussex
An amazing man who had time for everyone. He will be greatly missed. Jen Harrington - South West
Just to say that I am thinking of Steve's family at this time. I never met him but was impressed by his thoughtful and passionate leadership. A great loss to the union too. Martin Dore - LB Redbridge
My best wishes to Steve's family and friends. Although Steve was a very busy guy he had a profound desire to change the world to the better for young people . Steve found time to discuss Youth Work issues with NAYCEO. He will be a sad miss to the worlds of education and to the labour movement. Martin Lightfoot - NAYCEO / North Tyneside
Thanks for all your hard work deepest sympathy to your family. Joe Carney - Bury
To Mary Steven and Katie We are shocked and saddened by Steve's death. We send you all our deepest sympathy and hold you in our thoughts. From all our family Ian and Elaine, Cary, Sam, Denny, Caley and Beth Rankin. Elaine and Ian Rankin - Lancashire
Steve was inspirational and his support for LGBT teacher like myself ever so valuable. Kiki Singer - Wolverhampton
It was with deep regret that I heard the news this morning. I will always remember Steve as a person who cared about people, who always took the time to say "hello", who spoke with so much passion in his voice that you could only agree on what he was saying. I wish his wife and family all the best in this difficult time. Kristel Berghmans - EI Brussels
Every time I met Steve his warm personality always shone through. He was a genuine man who made you immediately feel that he was your friend. He had no edge to him at all. The world will be a sadder place without him. I feel honoured to have known him. Vic Goodwin - Staffordshire
I knew Steve for many years, largely through my international work when I was at UNISON and worked across the road from the NUT. Steve was a true and committed internationalist, and I came across him regularly when working on issues such as trade union rights, Cuba and Palestine. He always had a kind word for everyone he met and a real concern for his fellow human beings. I know how much he will be missed by his friends, colleagues,the family of which he was so proud and all who had the pleasure to know him. Please convey my very sincere condolences to all. Louise Richards - Chief Executive, Computer Aid International.
A good friend and colleague, a great leader, a fantastic ambassador for the Union. Unifying the Union, looking to unify the profession, yet with a global perspective. His work in Palestine and Ehtiopa was both brave and inspiring. Missed by so many for so many reasons. Colin Tarrant - Ex NUT Exec member
Thank you for all the support you gave our Division and for being my special guest when I was President of the Gwent Division. You were truly inspirational. June Havard - Caerphilly
Thank you for all your hard work, inspiration and support. Deepest sympathy and condoleances to your family. M.Nouas - Bristol
A truly charasmatic gentleman. Snatched away before his time. The adage "A candle that burns half as long, burns twice as bright" seems so appropriate for Steve Sinnott. Mavis Elizabeth Griffiths - Monmouthshire
As a former employee of CYWU I came across Steve on a number of occassions. I found Steve to be totally committed to the trade union movement and the NUT in partcular. He was always willing to listen and offer words of advice to fellow trade unionists. My thoughts are with his family and all members & staff of the NUT He will be greatly missed, an excellent comrade. Dave Proctor - Cheshire
NUT members at Islington Green School are completely devastated about the news of our General Secretary, Steve Sinnott's tragic and untimely death. We mourn the loss to his family and the way our union has been robbed of someone who has shown such able and steadfast leadership of its current pay campaign and who has twice come to Islington to demonstrate his personal support and solidarity for our battle to stop IGS becoming an academy. It is a tribute to Steve that his death has been so profoundly felt by all sections of the union's membership, whatever their political leanings. We intend to pay our respects to him in the best way we can: by turning out solidly on April 24th and continuing to campaign for locally accountable, comprehensive state education and a good school for every child. Ken Muller on behalf of Islington Green School NUT group Ken Muller - Islington
I would like Steve's family to know how much he was admired & appreciated. I hope sincerely that it is some consolation to them when they must be in a state of shock & grief that he always came across as a man of deep convictions, wide & sympathetic understanding & as a man of great integrity. With great sympathy to all his family. Eileen Parnwell - Barnet
A great loss to the union to teaching and especially to man as a whole. Ted Odd - Southend
Like everyone else I was absolutely stunned by the news of Steve's sudden and tragic deatth. On Tuesday (April 1st) at the special Executive he was energstic and enthusiastic about our ballot result and clearly looking forward to the days of activity ahead. When we all applauded the unanimous decision to proceed with the action I don't think anyone was in any doubt that we were also applauding Steve for the role he played in building and developing this campaign. He was a warm, generous, fundamentally decent man and a committed trade unionist to the core of his being. He treated political opponents with respect and earned huge respect in turn. His determination to support fellow trade unionists internationally without fear or favour and against the prevailing trends in many parts of the trade union movement stands as an example to the rest of us. It is very hard to believe that we will not see him at the next Executive but especially harsh and tragic that he will not see the fruits of his work on April 24th. Like everyone else I sincerely hope we can turn the day into a celebration of, and tribute to, this dedicated friend of teachers and trade unioists everywhere. Patrick Murphy - Leeds
My thoughts and prayers are with Steve's family at this time. He was a strong leader for the union and his dedication to his members needs and what concerned them was first class. Debra Smith - Cambridge
My thoughts and prayers are with Steve Sinnott's family at this difficult time. Steve's legacy will mean that he will never be forgotten and that his beloved NUT and professional will continue to strive for what is fair, good and decent. A sad loss to family, friends and colleagues. Robin Hainsworth - Wakefield
Steve was inspirational. He was so enthusiastic and generally "a nice guy". I met and talked to him, both when he came to Gloucestershire and at Conference. He always made you feel that, whatever your role was in the Union, School Rep., Officer, etc., you were doing a valuable job. My commiserations to his family. He will be sadly missed. Geoff Davies - Gloucestershire
All of us here at School Councils UK have been shocked and saddened to hear of Steve’s untimely passing. He was a passionate and genuine advocate of student voice and student councils and really understood that participative structures enabled teachers and students to work together better. It was always a pleasure working with him, his enthusiasm and commitment were obvious to all who knew him. We will miss him and send condolences to his family. Jessica Gold - School Councils UK
I'll always remember him as the guy who hugged me and called me his little pal.... and the guy who stood up on the podium at conference and took on the whole world.... and made everyone else feel like they could as well. This has made me very sad...I'll miss you steve xxx Annette Pryce - Amersham & Chesham
Steve was an inspiration to all us 'ordinary folk'. He steadfastly campaigned for our rights and always made sure we were kept informed of developments. He will be greatly missed by us all. please pass my condolences to his family. Eileen Lockwood - Dorset
On behalf of Sheffield Associaton NASUWT, could I please send our sincere condolences on hearing of Steves death. We as unions have our differences, but no one can doubt the care and compassion of your General Secretary,working for teachers and education in general well beyond the call of duty, David Haigh Negotiating Secretary Sheffield NASUWT
A true scouser so kind and compassionate. His personal kindness to myself in difficult times and to my Sacred Heart girls will never be forgotten. Thanks steve and for getting the union where it is today. We will not let you down the struggle goes on. Julie Lyon-Taylor - Liverpool
A tireless worker for the NUT and it's members. Steve was instrumental in developing my interest in the Union long before he left Lancashire and became a member of the Executive. He never forgot his friends and former colleagues in lancashire and retained his membership of the Preston Association. He will be sadly missed. Pat Wildig - Lancashire
It was with great sadness that I heard of Steve's passing. The last time I saw him was at Arthur Jarman's leaving do. He was in great form and gave a fine speech about Arthur's role in the union. Steve was a natural communicator with a warm, humorous,almost effortless, style. A great loss to the labour movement. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time. Bert Clough - TUC
A tragic loss. You were an inspiration to so many. My thoughts are with your family. You will be sorely missed. Alison Burrell - Ex- Camden NUT rep
I saw Steve in person for the first time at the NUT conference this Easter. However, he had so long been a part of every teacher's life and will be an enormous loss not just to the NUT but to education and wider society. Jane Eades - Westminster
Steve worked with me and colleagues at the TUC on international and development issues. He was hugely comitted to helping fellow trade unionists and children around the world - especially and most recently in Ethiopia and Palestine, and he was a warm, generous, funny and intelligent person to work with. We will all miss him terribly. Owen Tudor - Hertfordshire
I am saddened to hear of the sudden and untimely death of Steve Sinnott, he will be sorely missed by all those people who knew him and by the Trade Union movement in general. Brenda Sanders - Chair T.G.W.U.
On behalf of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association, and on a personal basis, can I record our sincere condolences to Steve's family, friends and to the union on their sudden, tragic and untimely loss. Steve was a great advocate for both eduation and trade unionism, two sides of the same coin, and will be sorely missed. Gerry Doherty, Gen Sec TSSA
It was with great sadness that I learnt about the premature death of Steve and my thoughts are with his family. I met Steve at Broughton High School when I was a member of staff in the 80’s. He was a dedicated teacher who worked tirelessly to support staff and students. I feel privileged to have met him and have continued to be a member of the NUT. Marion Seymour - Kent
Steve was a trade unionist through & through. He always tried to see the good side in any person or situation. In his role as GS he did much to bring the union together in UNITY and that will be a part of his legacy. He will be greatly missed. The condolences of Bury Division go to his wife & family. Helen Andrews - Bury
My prayers are with Steve's family and my thoughts are with all NUT activists and staff. This must be a terrible shock. All those things that you wished you had said, and perhaps some that you wished you had not, reminds us that we should all enjoy each other for what we are and whilst we have time. Jim McAuslan - British Airline Pilots' Association
Steve was quite simply one of the best trade union leaders that I have worked with - he will be sorely missed in the trade union Movement. His commitment and dedication will remain an inspiration to us for years to come. He was a very good colleague. Deepest condolences to his family. Sarah Veale, Head, Equality and Employment Rights Department, TUC
Comfort for all who knew Steve must be desperately hard to come by at the moment, but perhaps there is some in the way commentators have found it impossible to say anything negative about him. He had already achieved so much for the NUT and clearly was going to do so much more; he will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathy goes to his family and friends. Mike Davis - President, Gloucestershire Association
Although not an NUT member I met Steve several times in different educational settings and always found him to be a lovely man. He had warmth and humour blended with a hard edged determination to do his best by out young people and their teachers. His passing is a major loss to the profession and the union, but more especialy to his family who are in all our thoughts. How sad this news has been. Iain Hulland - Lancashire
Colleagues and friends from all over the globe mourn the sudden death of Steve Sinnot.
At the headquarters of Education International in Brussels we are receiving calls and emails from the many friends Steve had in the international education union movement. They express disbelief, anger even, at his untimely death. All of us find it very difficult to accept that we must carry on without him.
The Executive Board of Education International expresses its sorrow at Steve’s passing and we convey our condolences to the entire membership of the NUT on the tragic loss of a magnificant leader and human being. We wish his wife Mary and his children, Steve and Kate all the strength they need in these difficult hours.
We will remember Steve first of all as a passionate union leader and a dear friend. His contribution to the cause of defending universal quality public education in the UK and abroad has been exemplary. Steve strongly believed that international solidarity is crucial to the success of our movement, and always acted in the spirit of that solidarity.
As chairperson of our Advisory Committee on the Middle East, Steve helped our International boost its development work in that part of the world. He was deeply committed to promoting dialogue between the Palestinian and Israeli teachers as part of his work for a peaceful solution to the Middle East conflict. We will also remember him as a true champion of human rights. Teacher trade unionsts around the globe, victims of repression and human right violations, can testify to the unreserved support which they received from him and to the solidarity he was able to mobilize on their behalf.
As the driving force behind the Commonwealth Teachers' Group, Steve successfully promoted better cooperation between teachers organizations in the commonwealth countries for the advancement of teachers’ rights and better terms and conditions of employment, and for the achievement of quality public education. As a man of principle Steve set an example for many of us in Education International.
He has left his mark on numerous areas of our international work. His friends and colleagues in Europe, in the OECD countries, in the countries of the Commonwealth and elsewhere, are very proud and grateful that he crossed their path. For them Steve will continue to be a source of inspiration. Fred van Leeuwen - Education International
Steve trained at Edge Hill in Ormskirk and did his first teaching practice (or part of it) in my classroom. Since then Anne and I kept in touch with Steve both through union work but also socially (including a picture of Steve with a squirrel on his head - don't ask!) Our sympathy to all his family and friends. Ray Waterhouse - Lancashire
Colleagues, My heart felt sympathy for the irreparable loss of our dear colleague Steve, news of his death was quite unbelievale until i saw the orbituuary online. As a sister in solidarity, i share this moment of mourning with you in your grief. May the Lord in his mercy grant perpetual light to shine upon him and his gentle soul to eternal rest. May the Lord console his family and all those who share in their grief. Your sister in solidarity, Salimatu 2007/2008 Chevening Scholar Salimatu Kabba - Sierra Leone Teachers Union
I met you only once to speak and shake your hand. Your words to me were about a recently acquired 'new badge' that you noticed immediately. Typical, I now realise, of your ability to be all-encompassing with your knowledge and understanding in a personable way with each and every one you met. Pam Grainger - Barnsley
I knew Steve from his NQ year at Shorefield in Toxteth and for the next 30 odd years we were colleagues and friends. To say that I am in shock is a massive understatement as this sad news was so unexpected. The loss to the world of education is profound but pales into insignificance to the loss to Mary, Stephen, Kate and the rest of Steve's beloved family. My wife and I have many memories of shared times together with Steve and his family. Now our thoughts and prayers are with them. Sincere condolences to the Sinnotts and the Union. Richard and Mary Palframan
Teachers have lost a true champion and Everton a great fan .Whilst I was General Secretary of the Sandwell Division I always found Steve very approachable ,friendly and supportive.He was passionate about the things that he believed in especially a fair and well resourced education service not just in England and Wales but around the world. Roger Broadbent - Ex Sandwell
It will not be the same without the Liverpudlian voice commenting on teachers' workload. Or without his passionate defence of comprehensive education. Steve, we will miss you. Rob and Liz Gifford - Milton Keynes
It seems scarcely believable that the man who delivered such an uplifting speech to conference just a couple of weeks ago in Manchester should no longer be with us. I was deeply saddened to hear of Steve's death on Saturday morning and it hasn't quite sunk in. His warmth, compassion and commitment to education shone through and his love of the union was palpable and an inspiration to others. He is a great loss to all of us. Deepest sympathy to his family at this time. Paul Lawrance - Wiltshire
It was with great shock and sadness that I heard the news that Steve, a committed trade unionist, had passed away so suddenly. Both on a personal basis and on behalf of the Nationwide Group Staff Union I send condolences to Steve's family and friends. Steve will be sorely missed by all those that knew him and by his Union's members. Tim Poil - Gen Sec NGSU
Steve was a member of the TUC's unionlearn board since its inception in November 2006. In this time he was a great supporter and true believer in the power of education ,not just for young people but for all adults including his own members who he saw as lifelong learners. I was lucky to have worked with him during this period-talented,committed and someone who saw the big picture without losing the eye for the detail that makes things work on the ground and treated everyone with respect.A truly lovely guy and I am so very sorry about his tragically early death. Every sympathy to his family. Liz Smith - unionlearn /TUC
Steve Sinnott,was educated at a comprehensive school was a leader in the on-going struggle against the privatisation of the British educational system. He also played a leading role in building unity between all trade unions, particularly in education. In his memory Steve`s struggles for decent wages and conditions for teachers must go on. Bill Ronksley - ASLEF Retired Member and Secretary, Sheffield Trades Union Council
What a loss to the wider trade union movement as well as to the NUT and teacher unions. Steve was a great internationalist, a fine coleague, and a great mate. Condolences on behalf of my union. Paul Noon - Prospect
Steve was an inspirational leader whose commitment to working people and trade unionism transcended national borders.He was the best kind of union educator - there was always something to learn from him but he always addressed you as an equal - and just a lovely man. We will all miss him a great deal. Frances O'Grady TUC deputy General Secretary
On behalf of NUT members at Withins School in Bolton, can I say how saddened we were by the news of Steve's death. On Friday we heard that Steve had chosen to come to Bolton on the day of the National Pay Strike. We were so proud. Perhaps Steve's legacy as a union leader is that teachers now have the confidence to fight for what we believe in. All out on April 24th for Steve! Phil Roberts - Bolton
The news about Steve Sinnott's death has touched us deeply. His passing away so abruptly is difficult to accept and leaves us in a state of shock. Through the years, we learned to know Steve as a friend and colleague, a true trade unionist, teacher and humanist. It was easy to work with him, to relax in his company and to be amazed by his profound knowledge and sincerity. All who worked alongside him will agree on his professionalism, his knowledge and his diplomacy. As the chairperson of EI Advisory Group on the Middle East, he displayed qualities that helped bring a common approach to dealing with difficult issues. We are left with sadness and grief. Our thoughts go to his family and to colleagues that worked closely with him. We shall always cherish his memory, and consider it a privilege to have known him. On behalf of Union of Education Norway President Helga Hjetland Vice President Per Aahlin Member of Executive Committee and member of EI Board Haldis Holst
I am stunned by the terrible news. I never met Steve, but he was a great leader and an inspiration. The NUT at my school was in danger of disappearing, but in the last two years more and more people have been joining, which is almost entirely down to Steve and his dynamic leadership. His death is a loss to the Union and to the whole profession. My prayers are with his family. Andrew Daley - St Helens
My prayers are with his family at this difficult time. Regina Darcy - Birmingham
The Malta Union of Teachers shares with the NUT the grief felt on the passing away of Mr Sinnott. The MUT expresses its deep condolences to the NUT and to Mr Sinnott's family. Franklin Barbara - Malta Union of Teachers
There are no adequate words to express the sorrow I feel and my thoughts are with Mary and Steve's family at this sad time. My thoughts are also with the Union family to whom Steve dedicated his working life and part of his legacy will be the tremendous positive impact of his determination to bring unity within the NUT and across the wider family of teacher unions. I followed Steve as the National Executive Member for Lancashire and the Isle of Man. His was not an easy act to follow. I learned so much from him on the train journeys from Preston to London and as he led the Union, first as President, then as Deputy General Secretary. I watched his transition to General Secretary with respect and admiration. There are too many memories to list but one of the enduring ones will be of Steve at a dinner party sitting with a squirrel on his head. Even the squirrel recognised the NUT commitment! Steve, you will be sorely missed but your legacy will ensure you are never forgotten. My grandchildren and yours will benefit from your commitment and foresight. Thank you. Anne Waterhouse - Lancashire
Steve was an inspiring leader of the NUT. He not only knew that if the NUT was to be an effective fighting force you had to break down the old warring factions within the union, but he had the intelligence, determination, skill and humanity to actually unite the union in practice. He will be remembered as an outstanding leader who fought tirelessly to improve standards both for teachers and children here and internationally. He was a man of great integrity and humour who always took the time to listen. His death will reverberate throughout the union at all levels. I'll miss you, Steve, as I know many many thousands of union members will. Julia Alterman - Previously Wandsworth now National Literacy Trust
Steve came to visit us in Dorset and always spoke with passion, authority and inspiration. He was a true champion of the cause of justice and fair treatment for teachers. Geoff Cooke - Dorset
