Vale Comrade
Bert Nolan, Bernie Banton, Brett Doyle, David Jennings, Kevin Hayden, Ray Greenough, Kenji Yasuda, Frank Fordyce, Terry Hickman
Bert Nolan: Keep Labor on course!
Former Seamen's Union leader Bert Nolan was in hospital on the day the Melbourne union rooms were named after him and WWF Branch Secretary Geoff Swayn. It was an ACTU Day of Action against the Howard Government's IR laws at the G, November 30 2006.
Bert held out another year to witness the fall of the Howard Government. Like asbestos campaigner Bernie Banton, Bert could not rest until Howard was gone.
"He watched the election on TV and died a couple of days later," said comrade and former Seamen's Secretary Pat Geraghty. "His last words were 'I outlived those bastards'."
Bert Nolan was elected secretary of the Seamen's Union in 1957, a position he held for 27 years until his retirement.
"It was a different situation those days," he said. "We didn't have Howard but we had legislation equally as bad. We must continue to mobilise our forces, and ensure when Labor replaces him we get the results we deserve."
National Secretary Paddy Crumlin described Bert as "a mighty working class leader and internationalist, greatly loved and respected by all who knew him."
"Bert will always be remembered for bringing family back into seafaring," said Pat Geraghty.
"I knew him for 50 years. We met when I was a seaman. He was a good official. Bert brought family values into his arguments for an aggregate wage, giving seafarers a regular income, access to home loans and leave so they could spend time with family and friends."
Harsh conditions, which separated seamen from their loved ones, took their toll on families. Pat recalls it was not uncommon for seafarers to be away from their home for six to eight months, even when sailing between Australian ports. The introduction of the swing system, long service leave and the retirement scheme gave more certainty to their everyday living and dignity in retirement.
"Bert played a great role in all this," said Pat. "Family was the main governor of Bert Nolan's actions in his political and industrial life."
A survivor of the Great Depression, Bert never forgot the underprivileged - the people who suffered despite Australia being a rich country.
"The rich got richer but the poor continued in poverty and misery especially indigenous Australians," said Pat. "Bert was one of the people who never stopped the fight for a fairer share for all."
Bert was only 14 at the time of the Depression. He spent his 15th birthday far from home on the Cairns racetrack. He worked at any job he could get, moving from town to town.
Finally Bert went to sea and found a great affinity with the seafarers in the midst of war. His war experience turned him a peace fighter.
"The south coast of NSW is a graveyard of ships sunk by Japanese during WWII,' said Pat. "Bert was lucky to survive the war. He was on the second last ship in the convoy sailing down the coast when a Japanese submarine commander picked off the last ship the Regina loaded with iron ore. It blew up and sunk within seconds of being hit by the torpedo. Only a few survived."
After the war Bert campaigned against the Vietnam War. Pat recalls Bert's fierce belief in national independence. So it was no great surprise that he supported the Vietnamese who had been fighting for their independence against the French, the Japanese and the US imperialists.
He was the secretary Victoria branch when the crew of the Boonaroo refused to take the ship to Geelong to load bombs for use against the Vietnamese. The crew were replaced by navy personnel.
Bert was investigated in the press and parliament but he did not shirk his beliefs one little bit. He later went to Vietnam (see photo). "He was vilified and attacked by the government despite his war service for his stand on Vietnam," said Pat. "But he was right. Bert was a true internationalist."
The phosphate-rich island of Nauru became the centre of another independence struggle in the sixties. The island was being dug up and shipped out to Australia and other countries but its people got little financial return.
The British had ships running there, some Australian crewed. Bert was on one of these ships. When it came to port he'd sit under a coconut palm with independence leader of Nauru, Hammer DeRoburt, nutting out tactics for independence from Australia.
"Under the Howard Government laws what Bert and other seafarers did would have led them to be labelled terrorists," said Pat.
Alongside Jim Steele, Bert was one of the messengers with the leaflets and publicity that built the movement until Nauru finally achieved independence. DeRoburt was elected president in 1968. With independence the proceeds of the phosphate sales came to the people of Nauru for the first time.
"DeRoburt never forgot Bert," said Pat. "And on his visits to Australia it was not unusual to see a chauffer-driven Rolls Royce outside the Nolan's humble cottage. The president would pick them up and take out for a feed."
Like most seamen Bert was a thirsty bloke, Pat recalls. He would be awake at 5.30 every morning, no matter how late he went to be bed, to go for a run.
"He was also a very careful person, but never ever won the race to the bar for the first shout," said Pat. "If he wasn't last he was second last."
Bert will also be remembered for the sixties tanker campaign which saw the oil companies agree to fly the Australian flag.
He turned down the opportunity to go into federal parliament, instead dedicating himself to the union. But Bert was proud of his nephew Bill Shorten leading the Australian Workers' Union. And chuffed he went into parliament.
"Before he died Bert told me to let Bill know that if he ever hears voices he's not going potty, it's Bert just giving him a bit of direction in case he leans to far to starboard - getting him back on course to get back to port."
On his death last November, members at the Maritime Union of Australia Tasmanian Branch were among the first to forward their condolences. Members at the AGM in Devonport conveyed their deepest sympathies to wife Pat, family and friends.
"Bert's passing closes a long association with the Seaman's Union of Australia and trade union movement and he will long be remembered for his contribution to social concerns and welfare of members. Vale old Comrade."
Condolences
Dear Comrades,
Could you please convey to Pat and all the extended family, friends and comrades of Bert there today my deepest sympathies and condolences on the passing of your and our loved and admired husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, comrade and lifelong fellow traveller.
What a remarkable person Bert was and what an extraordinarily rich life he lived. His journey took him from poverty to great political and industrial influence that he unerringly used to support innumerable workers in this country and internationally while also achieving the love and support of his wonderful family along the way. A hard task.
All these achievements were delivered with humility, ironic insight and humour and deep waters of political and social conviction and commitment.
He was one of the rocks upon which the Seamen's Union of Australia and the ALP, particularly in Victoria, stood for many decades.
In retirement he demonstrated the same ceaseless curiosity for practical solutions that would continue to aspire for a fairer, more peaceful, functional and democratic world and national community and society.
Tireless to the end, he has been an inspiration to a whole new generation of industrial and political activists including myself.
It is with great pride we say farewell to Bert in our Victorian Branch building today in the hall named in honour of his and Geoff Swayne's great achievements. On behalf of the Union I would like to gratefully thank Pat and the family for that honour.
Vale comrade. Bert Nolan, a mighty working class leader and internationalist, greatly loved and respected by all who knew him. Now at Peace.
Yours sincerely
Paddy Crumlin
National Secretary
Bernie Banton: True fighter
Members at the Maritime Union of Australia Tasmanian Branch AGM at Devonport wish to pass on our deepest sympathy to Bernie's wife, family and friends. With the passing of Bernie we have lost a true fighter for the working class.
We also note the magnificent contribution that Bernie made to present and future victims of the dreaded diseases related to asbestos.
He will be sorely missed.
Vale Bernie
Brett Doyle: Staunch unionist
The Victorian Branch is sad to pass on the news of the death of our member, Brett Doyle.
Brett was a trainee IR with Tidewater who was engaged in his swing to complete his sea time. He joined the rig tender Sutton Tide, recently built in Poland, in Singapore on January 19. While en route to Dampier, Brett was found dead in his bunk by crew members.
The Branch has passed on our sympathy to his wife and four children, the oldest of whom is 12.
Brett was a devoted father and a staunch unionist. We have committed to assisting the family in the future.
Kevin Bracken
Victoria Branch Secretary
David Jennings: Tragic death
Sydney Branch is saddened to have to pass on the news of the death of member David Jennings in February.
David was a young member who sadly took his own life after a battle with depression.
David was an IR who formerly worked at Sydney Ferries.
Most recently he was engaged by ASP as an IR and sailed on numerous vessels within the ASP fleet. He was an active delegate who regularly attended meetings and demonstrations. He will be sadly missed within the union.
Warren Smith
Sydney Branch Secretary
Kevin Hayden: Great mate
Kevin Hayden passed away in January of a sudden heart attack. He was a General Purpose Hand (GPH) at Sydney Ferries Corp who started as a casual cashier in 1995 and became a permanent in 2001. Kev was a great mate. He was a likeable and caring man. He was great mates with all of us, especially Mick Dalley, Jeff Cantley, Greig Douglas and Angelo Arello. Together these blokes went on fishing trips and were always having a bet together.
Kev was a Rabbitoh fan, a Labor man and a great unionist. The number of family, friends and workmates at his funeral showed just how greatly admired he was. I know all my Ferry mates miss him everyday. He is the guy in the blue shirt in the middle of the photo taken at our Xmas boycott against management!
Kev is survived by daughter Carly and son Luke.
Lorraine Ryan
Delegate
Sydney Ferries
Ray Greenough: Intellectual
The Union has lost one of the great intellectuals and funny characters who sailed on the Aussie coast. Frank Ray Greenough was born in Liverpool (UK) in 1931. Ray went to sea first on "home boats" and then on Australian flagged vessels in the early fifties. He left in the early nineties.
Ray jumped ship in Tassie, got over to the middle island and worked as a rigger on the Eildon Weir. In addition to going to sea he had varied interests and experiences - script writer for the Mavis Bramston Show, horse breeder and racer, stage hand at The Tivoli, Committee of Management member of the Mariners' Club, and adult student at Uni doing political science and English literature.
However, Ray's main interest was the class structure and class politics. Ray appeared photographed with five other rank and the members captioned with their personal views, in a leaflet opposing the war in Vietnam. It was the best leaflet ever produced in relation to international proletarian solidarity. A very costly federal office leaflet yes, full colour on gloss paper folded; but worth every cent and much more in the effect it had here and overseas in building a united front against the criminal barbarity of US imperialist aggression against the Vietnamese people in their long and heroic struggle for national independence.
At a public meeting in Fremantle Town Hall, Ray asked the then Prime Minister, Robert Menzies what he was going to do for money now that Roe Street was closed down (Roe street was the Red Light District). Ray was immediately arrested, but no charges were laid and he was released.
Ray campaigned for the airline pilots against their disgraceful sell-out and betrayal by the ACTU and yellowcake Bob. He was a consistent pamphleteer and ghostwriter - a friend and confident of the late" cheeky Harry" another well-known coastal militant.
He opposed the sell out of the ships' watchmen and also the betrayal of the ship painters and dockers (WA) and their roster. When speaking about this shameful period Ray would indicate that the late Paddy Troy is honoured at the Fremantle Maritime Museum for his trade union dedication and for leading the struggle that won the roster and an attendance allowance for the dockers. But rest assured, Ray would say, "Those that sold out the dockies will not be so honoured".
Ray became somewhat alarmed at the sell out of the conditions and other matters taking place in the trade union movement. The Accord fraud turned trade union officials into industrial firemen putting out rank and file class struggle.
Ray became an early supporter and campaigner for Chris Cain. He saw in Chris someone who could give leadership in the constant need for struggle for the retention and advancement of conditions and coverage.
Ray passed away in September 2006 after a long illness. He had lost one leg five years earlier due to a smoking related illness. He knew the Fremantle hospital and most of their highly regarded staff very well, having been in and out of the hospital 37 times.
Ray even caused turmoil after passing away: he managed to go missing twice - first the body and then the ashes on his final voyage to a private ashes-at-sea service.
Farewell Ray, thanks for the pleasure of having known you.
Peter Close
Life Member 1408
Union No. 3995
Kenji Yasuda: Friend and brother
Kenji Yasuda was a great friend and brother. His important trade union and political work not only secured better work and family lives for Japanese dockworkers and other maritime and transport workers, his work was also central to the protection and advancement of maritime and transport workers' rights, particularly dockworkers and seafarers on flag of convenience vessels.
Yasuda was a tireless worker, both for the All Japan Dockworkers' Union and internationally. He had very many great friends and respectful colleagues around the world who appreciated his commitment to and deep concerns for trade union and workers' rights. I know that there are feelings of great loss today, not only in Japan but also throughout the international transport and trade union movement.
Brother Yasuda was a personal friend who not only greatly assisted our work within the Dockworkers' Section of the ITF, but also my work as national secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia in the very difficult and troubled times that we have had in this country with our anti-union government.
He was a man of great strength and courage, quiet but thoughtful and passionate about workers' rights. We enjoyed his great good humour and strong qualities of leadership and freely offered friendship. We will miss him very deeply.
Again, our hearts and minds are with the family of brother Yasuda in particular and all our brothers and sisters sharing our grief and loss at his passing. We are all reassured that brother Yasuda lived a full and meaningful life and he is now resting peacefully.
Yasuda's passing was sadly and respectfully acknowledged by all ITF Executive Board members meeting in Tunis who stood for a minute's silence.
Farewell our good friend and brother, Kenji Yasuda.
Paddy Crumlin
National Secretary MUA
Chair Dockers' Section and Vice President ITF
Arthur Bailey: A Quiet Man
Arthur Bailey was an unpretentious person, a life member who regretfully "passed into the sunset" last year. His continuos union membership over a half-century, from 1937 to 1987, put his years high up the retirement ladder. His service was not broken sailing under foreign flags as was usually the case with most similarly aged Australian seafarers.
Nevertheless Oz flagged vessels took Arthur to Europe and the UK. His war service included the Middle East, New Guinea and the Tasman, where he helped pick up survivors from the very early WWII casualty, the passenger ship Niagra.
Although Arthur's demise was relatively quick, it surprised us all, because he was fit, having had little illness during his 87 years of living.
Vale Arthur, you will long be remember as the kind and thoughtful shipmate you truly were, and your detailed memory of telephone numbers, boxing notables and sporting events will be missed.
Paddy Berry
Life member
Frank James Fordyce: Good Shipmate
Every time I have written to the Journal over the last few years it has been to announce the demise of one of our comrades. Sadly this letter is no exception.
Frank James Fordyce, better known to those who knew him as "Fronky" passed away at home in the arms of his wife Maureen in November last year. He died after a long battle with motor neurone disease.
Frank arrived in Australia in 1970 having sailed on home boats and Scandinavian ships. His last home boat was the Federal line ship MV Essex.
Frank got away on this coast in 1976 and shipped out of Melbourne where he was well known on various ships, rig tenders and tugs. His last ship was the Lindsay Clarke.
To all who knew him and sailed with him, he was a good shipmate and trade unionist. He was awarded life membership of the union at his home in October, as he was too sick to attend a meeting to receive his medal. Victorian official Robert Patchett presided at the ceremony.
It's sad when you have to report any member's death, but when it's someone like Frank it makes it that much harder. On behalf of the Victorian Branch I pass on our deepest sympathies to his wife Maureen.
Sean Breen
Union No. 58
Terry Hickman: May Day King
"When I was a 14 year old kid I organised my first strike," Terry once wrote. "In shearing sheds mattresses had to be 21/2 inches thick. We used to use the Tally Ho cigarette papers to measure them. So the first job of the union rep was to go and measure the mattresses and if they weren't thick enough, we didn't start work. The second job was to check that everybody had a plate, knife, fork, spoon and cup. That was part of the award. And if we didn't have them, we didn't' start work. That was the new award in 57/58. It had to be enforced. The boss kicked me up the arse and I was blackballed."
Terry described himself as an ex-boner, ex-shearer and wharf labourer. He was also a paperboy and did a stint as a cadet reporter on the Brisbane Truth.
Terry joined the Sydney waterfront in 1964.
"If you were really good at carrying 180 pound flour bags for four hours a day you didn't get the sack," he said. "If you carried for 6 hours you got 6 hours pay; if you carried for 8 hours you got 8 hours pay. If you were really good you got 12 hours pay. If the ship was running late they wanted you to carry for 24 hours. We did that with 180 pound bags. Now I wonder why me back is stuffed"
Terry was born in Melbourne in 1942. His dad was a bantamweight champion and wanted Terry to follow in his footsteps.
According to his family history Terry was a descendent of King Henry IV, and a bunch of South African diamond miners. But life's injustices turned Terry's blue blood red. Instead of becoming a boxer like his dad, Terry took up the fight for workers' rights. He became a Marxist.
"I studied philosophy, economics and the history of trade unions in the world at the international university in Moscow," he said.
Terry became secretary of the Sydney May Day committee and worked for 25 years promoting world peace and friendship, a job that took him around the world five times.
"Everyone knew me for May Day," he said. "I was Mr May Day."
International Workers' Day originated in Chicago in the Garment Workers' Strike and demonstration on May 1, 1887. Eight of their leaders were hung for fighting to reduce their hours from 14 a day. In 1889 another 11 workers were shot demonstrating. It was raining and the gutters ran red with blood. And so the international labour movement adopted the red flag.
Terry Hickman was diagnosed with cancer 18 years back and given three months to live. But he fought death like he fought the boss.
"Terry was well known to me and a good mate, mainly through his work with the May Day Committee when I was a young activist in the Seamen's Union," said MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin. "He was a great mentor to young political and industrial activists and a person of the highest character and morals, a ceaseless agitator for peace and social justice. Terry was respected and liked by all who knew him for his exemplary contribution to the union and working class movement."
Terry became a driving force in the South Australian coastal town of Cowell, where he'd retired with his wife Kate in 1995. Within a year he was president of the Franklin Harbour Aquatics Area and began overseeing improvements including a boat ramp. In 2004 Terry was named Citizen of the Year. He received his award at the Australia Day breakfast on January 26, making sure the local press knew it would take pride of place alongside two of his other achievements - his life membership of the Waterside Workers' Federation and his invitation to dinner with Nelson Mandela following 25 years of lobbying for his release.
Terry passed away in Cowell in January, aged 66.
"All his life Mr Hickman was a 'flag bearer' leading the battle for justice and fairness within the industry, within local communities, for indigenous rights and in war time protesting Australian troops deployment in Vietnam," his obituary in the Eyre Peninsula Tribune noted.
Even in death Terry made a political statement.
"Terry was fearless and went with all the leadership, courage and clarity that distinguished his life," said his wife Kate. "He died at home, as he wished, comfortably, powerfully, peacefully in the arms of the community of Cowell.
"It was an honourable, dignified death. There was a sea breeze blowing gently in his window during the night. He went out with the tide the following day."
He leaves behind a daughter and two grandsons, as well as his "wife, partner and best mate" Kate.
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