Jimmy Rowan

James Rowan (7 October 1871 – 5 January 1944) was a British trade union leader.

Born in Rochdale, Rowan began working at the age of ten, then later became an armature winder in Manchester, before travelling the UK working as an electrician. He joined the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) in 1897, and was elected as its Salford branch secretary in 1899. He also served on the council of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions, and various Joint Industrial Councils.

Rowan ultimately served until 1941. He oversaw rapid growth in the union; from 1,500 members in 1907, it grew to more than 80,000 on his retirement. The early 1920s proved a difficult time for the union, and he negotiated a merger with the Transport and General Workers' Union, but this was rejected by the membership. He became known for his anti-communism but, despite this, members of the Communist Party of Great Britain became increasingly prominent in the union.