The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) is devastated by the passing of Dave Spooner, a beloved friend, comrade, and colleague.
Dave was a deeply committed international trade unionist and lifelong member of Unite the Union, whose dedication to the movement spanned numerous global union federations, most notably through his recent role as Director of the Global Labour Institute (GLI). His unwavering passion for trade union education was evident throughout his impactful career – from his early involvement with the Workers' Educational Association (WEA) in the UK, to his leadership roles as General Secretary of both Euro-WEA and the International Federation of Workers’ Education Associations (IFWEA).
Dave's relationship with the ITF spanned more than two decades, marked by immense contributions to the global labour movement. He facilitated dynamic sessions at ITF summer schools, coordinated a pivotal five-year education project aimed at organising informal transport workers across Africa, Latin America, and Asia Pacific, and authored essential educational materials that supported ITF affiliates in developing robust organising strategies.
Since 2017, Dave collaborated closely with ITF urban transport affiliates and local academic institutions to pioneer labour impact assessments for public transport reform initiatives in Nairobi, Dakar, and Abidjan. His insightful findings empowered affiliates to engage proactively with decision-makers and advocate effectively for workers’ rights and decent working conditions.
Drawing on his extensive experience from a previous role at Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO), Dave brought unparalleled knowledge of informal employment to the ITF. He was instrumental in shaping ITF policies, nurturing strategic alliances, and advocating tirelessly for the recognition, organisation, and rights of informal transport workers.
Dave’s approach was grounded in respect for workers' experiences and voices. He created spaces of empowerment and encouraged union members to share their ideas freely, fostering collective action toward improved working conditions.
ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton said: "Dave was an institution in the labour movement. Fully believing in a strong membership movement and innovation in campaigning and organising, he worked tirelessly to help the ITF become more affiliate-led and bottom-up. Many of our affiliates worked closely with Dave, and his programmes significantly contributed to membership growth worldwide."
ITF affiliates and staff cherished Dave for his profound political insight, principled politics and leadership, infectious humour, and boundless energy. Above all, Dave Spooner thrived in the grassroots spaces among union members and activists, driven always by solidarity and genuine camaraderie.
Hamba Kahle, comrade Dave—rest in power. You will be profoundly missed.
