AMWU members have walked away big winners from the QLD May Day Awards.
The AMWU-led, Hastings Deering Workplace Committee was recognised for its results in recruitment, bargaining, and delegate and activist development. Hastings Deering members were recognised for delivering a strong and effective union structure within one employer spanning 27 independent locations.
A whole-of-workplace strategy covering State and Territory boundaries was developed collaboratively between the state officials, regional organisers and key senior delegates, Tony Head and David Brook.
Work began with an intense mapping exercise of all locations.
This was followed by the development of a network of delegates and activists. The Committee met by teleconference weekly and spent two days training in Brisbane in February.
AMWU Assistant Qld Secretary, Rohan Webb, said that the decision to link the training of delegates to the bargaining round and stepping out the process of recruitment and education had been pivotal to its success.
“At the start of the campaign, the Committee stood at 18 trained Delegates and union density was 45.2% across 27 locations.
“Within six months, the composition of the Committee rose to 42 trained Delegates and union density had increased to 70%. This figure is increasing weekly with a projection of a further 500 new members over the coming twelve months,” he said.
AMWU Qld Secretary Andrew Dettmer congratulated the organisers and delegates on their win.
“The key to the success of this campaign rests with the Hastings Deering Workplace Committee who have taken a leadership role in the campaign and, with the tenacity of a collective spirit and the development of a whole-of-workplace strategy, have delivered strong, outstanding results.
Hastings Deering delegate Tony Head was also successful in the category of ‘Outstanding Delegate/Activist of the Year’.
Mr Dettmer said that Mr Head was a very deserving winner.
“Tony's level of activism knows no boundaries. He has been a very active member since 1987 and holds the honorary position of President of the Queensland Branch.
"He is also an active participant and driving force of the AMWU Skilled Trades Committee, the Brisbane District Committee, the Queensland AMWU Apprentice Committee and is the Lead Delegate/Convenor of the Hastings Deering Workplace Committee.
“Tony is a strong advocate of workers rights and a strong voice and mentor for young people and apprentices in the union movement and is a worthy recipient of this Award,” Mr Dettmer said.