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           Shipping Stevedoring Port Services Hydrocarbons Diving  Jul-Aug 2008        |
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Women@Work: Your StoriesLorraine Ryan - ferries foreverLorraine works at Circular Quay. She has worked at Sydney Ferries as a general purpose hand /cashier/information officer for almost seven years.
Lorraine Gay Ryan is 56 and has been married for 39 years to her childhood sweetheart. Her family includes her seafarer husband, three adult kids, and five grandkids (two of whom attend union rallies). Previously Lorraine worked in pharmacy for 27 years. There are approximately 65 (MUA) women at the working on the ferries. Lorraine says Unions are important "because they give everyone an even chance. The workers feel that they are part of an extra family - one that protects them and their rights. Networks are important because it pulls it all together, networks make you friends in other states and other countries or just other worksites. These mates keep you informed, so if needed - support can be given." Over her seven years in the union, Lorraine has attended many events such as: May-day toasts and marches, an ACTU conference in Melbourne ,Sydney Branch Conference in Sydney, Mining & Maritime Conference in Long Beach California, a Bali fundraiser, Apheda yearly dinners, "your rights at work" rallies, the making of the "Patricks" movie, many picket lines, heaps of monthly meetings and many women's conferences with the MUA women's committee. Her favourite event was the week all the MUA girls spent down at the Basin (south coast) six years ago. She says "that week we all met for the first time and became the National MUA Women's Committee & friends for life. I will always hold that time very close to my heart. That week we learnt how to be a delegate in the MUA." Lorraine would like to see "more women delegates in site committees, OH&S committees, uniform committees and I.R. committees - because there are no women on any of them." She would also like a "united workplace. Everyone sharing camaraderie and standing together as a true united front." More specifically her workplace could do with "more lockers, a lactation area and fridge, a quiet mess room with a resting place, proper seniority, open and truly representative delegates. The women Lorraine admires are 1. Nancy Wake (the white mouse ) she worked in France during 2nd world war as a spy. 2. Hilary Clinton because she didn't let a "turkey " get her down and could be the first woman president in the USA. 3. Layne Beachley because she rocks. She is seven times world surf champion. She is awesome. 4. Lynda Shaw, my best mate, because she's always there for me, being positive. I admire her because she walked the Kokoda Track, wore her lippy and would not let anyone cross the pick-line they came across there. 5. And finally my mum Stella, because she scrubbed pots to educate me. Also my daughters Tracy and Michele (and Montanna my grandaughter.) |
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