John Burnett (21 June 1842 – 30 January 1914) was an English trade unionist. Born at Alnwick in Northumberland, Burnett was an illegitimate son of John Burnett, a shoemaker, and Margaret Anderson. He was educated at the Duke of Northumberland's Charity School until he was orphaned at the age of twelve. He then went to live with an uncle on Tyneside, where he worked running errands. Two years later, he started an engineering apprenticeship, also studying courses at the Mechanics' Institute in his spare time.