John Arnett (Johnny Rotten), 1949-2000

"Johnny Rotten" was a man who held strong beliefs on the rights of the working class. On any picket line in Melbourne over the last 20 years, chances are "Rotten" was there. Whether it was the nurses in 1987, the BLF in '86, the MUA in '98 or the textile workers in '99, he was always prepared to put his body on the line. It would be impossible to write down all the pickets he had been to.

He was also passionate about the rights of indigenous people throughout the world, especially here, and a proud supporter of Sinn Fein.

No-one could ever question his commitment. He had been locked up and roughed up many times, but he just kept on fronting up. You never had to ask where he was when a "blue" was on; he was always right by your side.

He was one of an "elite" crew from the BLF. His knowledge of the political history of the union movement, (especially the construction unions) was second to none.

His passing, on August 26, has taken away the opportunity for many young people to work with and be educated by him on the true history of working-class struggle and what it meant to be a builders' labourer. The BLF motto of "Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win, If You Don't Fight You Lose", was one he lived by.

John Arnett never gave up on anybody. He was a true champion of the working class.

He leaves behind his wife Criselda and daughter Rosa. Our condolences go out to them.

Farewell, Comrade: you will live in the heats of your friends, forever.

BY PAUL DUNCAN

From GLW issue 419