Starting out in the National Graphical Association at the Chiltern & Thames Valley branch, he rose through the ranks becoming general secretary of the organisation in 1984.

Dubbins presided over the consolidation of the printing unions, becoming the first - and only - secretary of the GPMU. In 1997, he became president of the TUC, and will today relinquish the claim to being the longest-serving member of the General Council and TUC Executive Committee.

Tony Burke, assistant general secretary at Unite, described Dubbins as "the best strategic thinker" he had ever met.

"Tony always provided leadership from the front in the toughest of times. He has been a good friend to all our officers and members - a true comrade and an inspiration union leader."

Dubbins has lived through the union's battles with Margaret Thatcher, Eddie Shah, and Rupert Murdoch - outserving printing at the Wapping site - taking a leading role in the protection of worker rights.