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The ITF is extremely sorry to report the death early this morning of Neil Kearney, General Secretary of the ITGLWF (International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers' Federation) since 1988.

Neil, who was aged 59, died in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where he was attending a conference, as part of a typically rigorous work schedule. He had been feeling unwell earlier in the day but had stoically rejected the need to see a doctor. A heart attack is suspected.

Born in Donegal, Ireland, Neil moved to the UK aged 17 and immediately became active in the trade union movement there, at first with the bank employees' union and then the National Union of Tailors and Garment Workers, later becoming an adviser to government committees. a Labour Party parliamentary candidate and a local councillor. In 1988 he was elected ITGLWF General Secretary, where he became a tireless advocate of rights for workers in that sector worldwide.

Those in the ITF who have worked closely with Neil over the years will always remember him as an impassioned and principled leader who reacted instinctively against injustice and inequality.

ITF General Secretary David Cockroft said: "Neil was always totally dedicated to raising the standards of some of the most exploited workers in the world. He travelled constantly to meet and defend them and to force their employers to respect labour standards. He will be sadly missed by all his friends and colleagues throughout the global labour movement, who will never forget a real fighter for workers 'rights."

He is survived by his wife and two children.

19 November 2009