Illawarra union delegate Graeme Johnston, of Wollongong, has 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: Illawarra union delegate Graeme Johnston

“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. 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.

“I am a proud delegate and very honoured to be the delegate of the year”, Graeme Johnston said. 

Mr Forno congratulated Graeme, Delegate at Holcim, Albion Park,  for achieving 99% union membership at his workplace which puts the drivers in a position of great strength.

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

Media contact: Richard Olsen 0417 215 119