Hunter union delegate Les Fetch, of Cardiff, won the prestigious statewide title of Delegate of the Year at the Transport Workers’ Union of New South Wales annual conference; which this year drew record crowds of over 700.

Delegate of the year: Hunter union delegate Les Fetch

“Delegate of the year is a hard won title and any delegate who receives it can be proud to say they have made real inroads in working conditions for their workmates and the transport industry as a whole,” TWU State Secretary Wayne Forno said.

“This recognition from their peers and officials is testament to the hard work our delegates put into standing up for their mates.”

The 2011 Delegate of the Year presentation took place at Rosehill Gardens in Parramatta at the recent TWU annual conference.

Mr Forno presented the delegate of the year awards in front of the 700 strong crowd.

“They do it for their mates in the yards. They do it to secure better outcomes and working conditions for their friends and co-workers,” Mr Forno said.

“Recruitment, communication and leadership all fall under the hard work of our delegates and we are proud to recognise someone who has gone above and beyond these duties.”

Delegates of the Year are chosen from tens of thousands of TWU members throughout the state.

Delegates who received the honour, which is awarded annually, were overjoyed by their nomination and surprised at their success.

Delegate of the Year Les Fetch, of Cardiff, said: “I owe this award largely to all the support I’ve received from the union and members. Without your support I would be able to represent you so well.”

Mr Forno said that Mr Fetch, TWU Delegate for workers at PWCS Coal, is active in the union movement and in his yard in every way possible, and goes above and beyond to look after the needs of members.

The Transport Workers’ Union of NSW covers people working across all sectors of the transport industry: from general road transport to the bus industry, cash in transit, oil and gas, couriers, taxis, aviation, construction, car carrying, milk, waterfront and waste.

For more information or if you have a question or concern about your pay or working conditions, call the TWU Members Service Centre for help on (02) 9912 0700.