Tributes flow after death of union leader who fought for oil workers

Published on Monday 28 July 2008 22:13

A PROMINENT trade union leader who campaigned for Scottish workers' rights and safety issues has died, it was announced yesterday.

Graham Tran, the Aberdeen-based officer for Unite Amicus, died in hospital on Sunday after a short illness, the union said. It is understood he had cancer.

Mr Tran, 47, from Kirkcaldy, played a leading role in the long-running fight by oil workers to secure paid holidays. He was also a relentless campaigner for improved safety on offshore installations.

Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, led tributes to Mr Tran, saying: "I am deeply saddened by the news of Graham's death. As a local MP in Kirkcaldy, I knew Graham well but also worked with him for many years. He had a great expertise in offshore matters and represented his members over many years with distinction.

"He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him and came into contact with him, not least the members that he fought to represent so passionately."

John Quigley, the Scottish regional secretary of Unite Amicus, said: "This is a devastating blow to Unite, losing an officer of this calibre. He will be sadly missed by all of his colleagues and the membership that he has served."