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ITF remembers a great trade unionist and friend

The ITF Staff and Affiliates commemorate on 30th December the passing of trade unionist and Ireland's first International Inspector Tony Ayton after fighting a long battle against cancer.  He devoted his life to the trade union movement and had worked for many years as a SIPTU official before being seconded to the ITF in 2000.

Tony was one of the first people to identify that Ireland’s ports were being used and abused by substandard ship-owners who thought Ireland with no ITF at the time identity was a soft touch.  He played a pioneering role in highlighting abuses to seafarers working on ships visiting Irish ports and was a tireless campaigner to improve statutory protection for seafarers at both national and international level. He also initiated the Flag of Convenience campaign in Ireland and promoted better marine services and infrastructure.

Tony was also instrumental in the campaign against Irish Ferries in 2006. Typically he was lobbying politicians and business leaders on issues such as the provision of a Cork-Swansea ferry with guaranteed employment standards for sea farers right up until Christmas. He was forced to retire because of ill-health two years ago when he was replaced by another SIPTU official, Ken Fleming.

He was also very active in the Labour Party throughout his life.

Norrie McVicar, the ITF co-ordinator for Britain and Ireland said today, “Tony was not only a dedicated ITF inspector but he became a personal friend and continued to serve the ITF and SIPTU even up to his last days with us. Our sympathies go out to his wife Eileen and daughter Brenda.”   Tony always joked with me about him keeping a “low profile” he did anything but!

Ken Fleming, ITF inspector for Ireland said, “Tony laid the foundations for ITF work in Ireland and established links with the industry and Government agencies that stood the test of time. It is a tragedy that ill-health cut short his career.”

SIPTU General President Jack O’Connor said that, “Tony exhibited all the best characteristics of a committed trade union activist. He was driven by compassion and empathy for people who were less well off than himself, regardless of their country of origin.”

Please convey my strong and sincere admiration and deep affection for Tony to his wife Eileen, daughter Brenda, to his comrades and friends.

Click here for Tony Ayton's obituary in the Irish Times

Please convey my strong and sincere admiration and deep affection for Tony to his wife Eileen, daughter Brenda, to his comrades and friends. Tony was a man of deed and great humility. What a remarkable character, what a combination of commitment and compassion. We tend to say nice things of our friends who have passed, but there are really no words that can accurately sum up a man of such passion and humanity. Peter Lahay Vancouver Canada

Can I also add my sympathy to Eileen and Brenda and all of Tony's friends and colleagues.  He contributed a great deal to raising the ITF's reputation in Ireland and worldwide. David Cockroft, ITF General Secretary

Tony was not only a dedecated ITF Inspector but he became a personal friend of mine over the last 8 years that I had the privilege to know him and work with him.  It should be recognised that Tony was responsible for laying the foundation of ITF in Ireland and put us on the map. Norrie McVicar ITF Coordinator UK & Ireland

Tony Ayton was a great trade unionist. My first dealings with him when he was a Shop Steward in the Midlands and as a committed organiser and champion of lost causes in Kilkenny. He was unimpeachable, had the highest integrity and was a tireless campaigner for workers. An ideal appointment as Ireland's first ITF Inspector, he set the bar high in pursuing FOC and POC campaigns. The Irish Ferries Dispute would have been the poorer but for the international contacts he had made through the ITF. Our tribute should be to maintain his commitment to rid the Irish Sea of poor conditions and return dignity and proper international standards to all seafarers and crew as soon as we can. May I offer sincere condolences to Eileen and the Ayton family. They have lost a loving husband and father but can be proud of Tony as a labour movement figure of national and international significance. Francy Devine, SIPTU College, Dublin

I am so sorry to hear that Tony passed away. He was such a warm character, and an inspiring trade unionist. The commitment he showed to the cause was immense and never dwindled, even in the face of all the health problems he suffered. He will be sorely missed. Anna Llewellyn, ITF London

My admiration and regards to you Tony. My deep sadness and sorrow to your loss to your family and friends and union. I still remember the very good moments we passed together during my first training in Dublin, Cork and Kelkenny. I remember the lunch at your home with your wife and family, and I can only wish you a peaceful rest my friend after so intense life dedicated to seafarers and unionism. Your friend and colleague Mohamed, ITF Bilbao

It is with great saddest that we start this New Year without Tony. Their could not be a greater lost for the passion of the trade union movement. Tony reminded me of and old Irish uncle I also lost recently; their souls can never be replaced. My thoughts are with his family, may he rest in peace. Enrico Esopa New York

Complete el formulario online: Send your thoughts and memories of Tony Ayton.