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25 May, 2020David Fowler, a key figure of one of the founding organizations of IndustriALL Global Union, dies at the age of 87
David Fowler was born in the United Kingdom and started his trade union carrier at the British Iron and Steel Trades Confederation (ISTC), now part of Community.
Before moving to the International Metalworkers’ Federation (IMF) in Geneva at the beginning of the 70’s, David worked in Brussels, Belgium, at the former European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF). At the IMF he first worked as chief editor of the weekly newsletter and other press releases and, quite often, also as speech writer. He then took over responsibility for steel and non-ferrous, and later for the electrical and electronics sector.
As part of his sectoral and regional responsibilities, David contributed a lot to union building activities in Africa and the Mediterranean region. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, he played an important role in developing cooperation with trade unions in Central and Eastern Europe. He led the first official IMF mission to China.
David Fowler was elected Assistant General Secretary in 1990 and kept that position until his retirement in 1996. He devoted his whole life to the labor movement. He served workers’ interests and promoted trade union principles and values in institutions of global governance with strong dedication and determination. He will be remembered as a staunch advocate of international solidarity and social justice , leaving no stone unturned to advance workers’ rights across the world .