Tributes have poured in for a trade unionist described as dedicating her life to seeking justice and equality for all.
Denise McLafferty was a West Dunbartonshire Unison convener for many years and was based at the council’s former offices in Garshake.
The union led heartfelt tributes to her following her death, saying her passing was felt by the union on a national level.
In a statement, the local branch said: “Unison West Dunbartonshire is saddened to hear of the passing of our friend and comrade, Denise McLafferty.
“The outpouring of love which has been shown over the past day or so, is a true reflection of the high regard in which she was held, by both Unison members and friends throughout West Dunbartonshire.
“Her passing has also rippled through Unison nationally as many comrades and friends from years gone by remember just how special she was.
“May you rest in power, Denise and may god bless your family. Your proudest achievement in life.”
The branch told how Denise first became a National and Local Government Officers’ Association (NALGO) steward – later merging with the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE) and the Confederation of Health Service Employees (COHSE) within the finance department of Strathclyde Regional Council.
She is described as “a talented and principled socialist” who was quickly put forward to become the service conditions officer of what was then the biggest union branch in Europe.
Denise excelled in the role and for many years represented members both collectively and individually.
Strathclyde was dismantled in 1996 and saw Denise return to her home area of West Dunbartonshire.
It is here she spent the remainder of her Unison days, based at Garshake.
Jim Bollan, of the West Dunbartonshire Community Party, said: “Denise was a lovely, strong, dedicated woman to her class.
“She was a fiery, dedicated and astute trade union convener for her members, the same as her father Eddie before her.
“She will be sadly missed in the trade union and working class movement, which she dedicated all her adult life to seeking equality and justice for all. Rest in Power, Denise.”
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie said her thoughts were with Denise’s family and friends, commenting: “I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Denise McLafferty.
“Denise was a dedicated trade unionist and took great pride in standing up for what she believed in.
“My sympathies are with her family, friends and trade union colleagues at this desperately sad time.”
