I started my career on the railways as a 17-year-old Trainee Locomotive Driver – a housing commission kid with an attitude.
In my early days at Geelong, I attended a union meeting and become highly impressed with these men who debated and spoke with sincerity and commitment to each other at these meetings.
I was to learn later that some of these men who looked tougher and smarter than me had been hardened by life. As young man, these unionists became mentors for me and I wished to emulate them.
In the early days of my career we would head out to the North Geelong shunting yard and enter the smoke filled meal room full of rail workers from all walks of life. Different grades, nationalities and histories. Working together playing cards, and getting along were Drivers, Shunters and Guards – World War II veterans, Polish Prisoners of War with numbers tattooed on their arms and a Changi War Prisoner.
At the time Guards and Shunters were members of the Australian Railways Union, the ARU, but everyone got along. ARU, AFULE, Train Drivers, Shunters and Guards.
I noticed this and began to read everything published by both unions. I soon realised that we were not worlds apart in the way our leadership wanted us to see things, and just like that meal room there was only a common need of all rail workers looking to improve our collective station in life.
All I wished for was to be a part of the union movement and do what was required of me as foot soldier. I learned so much from everybody I ever worked with and paid great attention those who were friend and foe of our collective strength.
Thank you very much.
