TRIBUTES to “a true friend and comrade” were paid to veteran trade unionist Andy Kerr today following his death after a period of illness.

The CWU’s former deputy general secretary of telecoms & financial services (T&FS) died on Tuesday night.

A joint statement paying tribute has been issued by the union’s general secretary Dave Ward, senior deputy general secretary Tony Kearns, deputy general secretary (T&FS) Karen Rose and deputy general secretary (postal) Martin Walsh.

They said: “We personally held Andy in the highest esteem and we all know he made an immense contribution in representing our members, the CWU and the UK and international trade union and labour movement. 

“As such, he will be sorely missed and will always be remembered as one of the most influential leaders in the history of the CWU and our predecessor unions. 
 
“We know we speak on behalf of everybody in the CWU and the wider movement in expressing our sincere and heartfelt condolences to his wife Andrea, his children Matt and Mandy and his wider family. Yours in solidarity.”