Ex-steelworkers union boss dies

Terry Butterworth was president of the biggest steel union, the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation, in 1989 and again between 2004 and 2006 during an interim period as it changed to become Community.

Mr Butterworth, who joined the union in 1957, spent nearly all his working life at Brinsworth Strip Mill and was active in the union movement from the 1970s, including the 13-week steel strike in 1980.

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He was regarded as one of the best steelworkers’ leaders of his generation. Elected to the ISTC national executive in 1982, he remained until he retired from the body in 2006, during which time he was a trustee for both the union and its pension scheme.

He was awarded an MBE for his services to the industry in 2005.

Mr Butterworth, of Ravenfield, who had been seriously ill with bowel cancer for a year, leaves a widow Carole and a daughter Amy.

Mr Butterworth’s funeral will be held at Rotherham Crematorium at 2pm next Wednesday.