William Simpson (trade unionist)

William James Simpson (20 May 1920November 2001), often known as Bill Simpson, was a Scottish trade unionist and political activist.

Simpson grew up in Falkirk and attended Falkirk Technical School before becoming an apprentice moulder. During World War II, he served with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, but he returned to his trade at the end of the war. Becoming active in the Amalgamated Union of Foundry Workers (NUFW), he was elected to its council in 1955.[1]

In 1967, the NUFW merged with the Amalgamated Engineering Union, to form the Amalgamated Union of Engineering Workers, and Simpson was appointed as General Secretary of its foundry section, serving until 1975. In 1972/3, he also served as Chair of the Labour Party.[1]

Simpson had a keen interest in health and safety at work, in part because he had to take a year off to recover from a serious accident.[2] He was the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission from 1974 to 1983, and also served as Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Asbestos from 1976 until 1979. In 1984, he was knighted.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "SIMPSON, Sir William (James)", Who Was Who
  2. The Economist, No.6970, p.26
Party political offices
Preceded by
Tony Benn
Chairman of the Labour Party
1972–1973
Succeeded by
James Callaghan
Political offices
Preceded by
New position
General Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Engineering Workers (Foundry Section)
19671974
Succeeded by
Robert Garland
Government offices
Preceded by
New position
Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission
19741983
Succeeded by
Edward John Cullen
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