Steve Sinnott, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers in the UK, died suddenly on 5 April 2008. He was 56. The leaders and members of Education International join with teachers across the UK and indeed around the world in mourning the loss of this outstanding teacher trade unionist, who contributed so much to the cause of defending universal quality public education in his native country and abroad.
Sinnott held the post of General Secretary of the NUT since 2004, having served the union previously as a member of the National Executive, President and Deputy General Secretary. His career was marked by energetic advocacy for quality education for every child and full labour rights for every teacher.
"Steve was a very passionate union leader and a great friend of Education International," said EI General Secretary Fred van Leeuwen.
"As chairperson of EI's Advisory Committee on the Middle East, Steve succeeded in helping our International step up its development work in that troubled region," van Leeuwen said. "He was deeply committed to promoting dialogue between the Palestinian and Israeli teachers as part of his work for a peaceful solution."
Van Leeuwen also praised Sinnott as the driving force behind the creation of the Commonwealth Teachers' Group. "He strongly believed that international solidarity is crucial to the success of our movement, and always acted in the spirit of that solidarity."
Sinnott was at the helm of the NUT during a most challenging period. The union is in the midst of a major pay campaign, and a one-day strike has been called for 24 April. Sinnott's skillful leadership would have been invaluable in ensuring a successful outcome to the campaign. The officers of the union have decided that the strike should continue as planned in honour of Sinnott's commitment to the teachers' demands and goals.
Guy Ryder, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation, has also expressed condolences to the EI and NUT.