On Saturday 28 October, at Geelong Trades Hall, a plaque was unveiled to commemorate the life and work of unionist, humanitarian and working class leader, John Cummins.

Labels: John Cummins, Vale

"We have lost one of our finest generals."



Union Solidarity is saddened to hear of the death of John Cummins. John passed away with his family by his side. His example needs to carry with us in every struggle.

What a fighter we’ve lost! From his days in the BLF right up to the end, John “Cummo” Cummins never gave up the fight. He lived by the principle: Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win – If You Don’t Fight, You Lose!

Cummo was one of the remaining union leaders and unionists schooled in politics by the Communist Party (CPA(ML)) and one of the country’s most militant unions – the Builders Labourers Federation (BLF). His passing is truly the end of an era, one whose lessons hold even stronger now as we face the massive attacks from the Howard government.

Perhaps best summed up in these lines from the Builders Labourers’ song:

“It’s class to class and face to face; our limit is the sky
We’ve got a fighting history and we never will be cowed
A builders’ labourers is a name to make us all feel proud.

It was in the 1980s, when the BLs were under sustained attack from Labor governments, the ACTU and many unions, including those in the building industry, that Cummo’s convictions were tested. He never wavered. Prepared to go to jail time after time for his members, for the principle of defending the rights of workers, no matter what the odds, Cummo was an example to us all.

But more than this, Cummo always acknowledged that it was the members’ bravery, courage and willingness to fight that kept him coming back day after day. And it wasn’t just for his own union that Cummo fought. As the pages of tributes flowing into the papers after his death testify, whatever the cause he was always there on the working class’s side.

Cummo was a founding member of Union Solidarity. As the famous lines go, “Don’t mourn for me – organise!” and John our tribute to you will be to do just that – until our side wins!

A service to celebrate the life and times of John Cummins will be held:

Monday Sept 4 at 2.30 p.m. [please note the time change]
Regent Theatre
191 Collins St
Melbourne

Then we will march from the Regent (behind the hearse) to Trades Hall where there'll be more speeches & drinks, etc. We stopped the city to get him out of jail in 86 - we're going to stop the city again for him on Monday!

A private family cremation to follow

No flowers by request donations to Brain Tumor Research would be valued, envelopes available at the Theatre


Dare to struggle dare to win, if you don't fight you lose.

Labels: John Cummins, Vale

Trades Hall Bar
Thursday 9th March
from 5pm.

"We pass on our condolences to the family and friends of Bill Hartley who helped start the station (3CR) 30 years ago. Bill was a broadcaster on Par Avion and a familiar voice on many programmes including talk back shows about the Middle East. Bill died in Geraldton Western Australia editing a recording as part of a new aboriginal media association radio station there."

Tribute to Bill given at a recent benefit for the Squatters & Unwaged Workers Airwaves show.

Background: Brief Overview of Bill's Life | Tribute by Kevin Healy

Labels: Bill Hartley, Vale

Union Solidarity is saddened to hear of the passing of labour movement stalwart Bill Harley. His unflinching support for union principles and his eloquent opposition to war and injustice will be sadly missed.

Vale Bill Hartley.

Background: Brief Overview of Bill's Life | Tribute by Kevin Healy

Labels: Bill Hartley, Vale