Trade unionist and mineworker;
Born April 21, 1947;
Died April 2, 2008.

An appreciation

Peter Neilson who has died aged 61, was one of the leading Scottish trade unionists of his day, an immensely respected colleague and a man of outstanding decency. He possessed a considerable intellect and a sharp wit, which he demonstrated to the full when representing union members.

He was a miner for 40 years from 1962 until being made redundant by Scottish Coal in 2002; he then worked with the GMB Union from 2002 until his death.

He served on several STUC committees and campaigned tirelessly on behalf of mineworkers with successive governments for an energy policy that included coal.

His work for miners and their families during the 1984 strike coincided with the pit closure programme and the rise of the trade union movement's battle against their most formidable opponent, Margaret Thatcher, and the Conservatives.

Peter's social and moral conscience was wounded by Mrs Thatcher's approach to the mining industry. I recall one discussion during which he suggested to me that the unions had seriously underestimated her determination, especially after her second election victory, in 1983. That was the turning point for Peter, the NUM and for the trade union movement.

Throughout the 1984 strike he gave unstinting support to all union members involved and travelled the UK speaking at rallies and raising funds for miners' families.

Trade unionism defined and shaped him. He held many posts within the NUM Scottish area. He worked hard for members in the fight against pit closures, dealing with members' personal claims, redundancy consultations and pension negotiations.

His friends and former colleagues remember a man whose feet were firmly on the ground; he never let high office affect his judgment or the way he dealt with people. Many across the Labour and trade union movement benefited from his friendship and encouragement; as a colleague at the GMB, it was a privilege to work with him as he used his skills to represent public-sector workers.

I, with David Falconer, past vice-president of the GMB, visited Peter on Good Friday, his 61st birthday. Despite failing health, he was still talking about the plight of others, the Iraq war, the Zimbabwe election and the people who were losing their homes owing to the credit crunch in America. This was Peter at his best.

Unlike others in the movement who worry more about their careers than representing the interests of their members, Peter's commitment to others was unquestionable.

Peter worked tirelessly to bring strength and comfort to others, balancing his work at the Longannet complex, his trade unionism and as a husband of 31 years to Margaret.

ROBERT PARKER