Former AWU leader Bill Ludwig has been remembered as no-nonsense ex-shearer who dedicated his life to the union and became highly influential in the Labor Party in Queensland and nationally.
Former national IR tribunal leader Geoffrey Giudice has been remembered for knowing "not just the words but the tunes of industrial relations", as well as for being the "hipster of Collins Street" on a three-wheeled Piaggio that nodded to his Italian heritage.
The MUA and broader labour movement have expressed deep sadness at the death today at 81 of John Coombs, who led the union through the bitter 1998 waterfront dispute as it faced down a government-backed plan to lock out its members and replace them with a non-union workforce at key stevedore Patrick.
South Australian senator and former TWU national president Alex Gallacher has died aged 67, the Senate today adjourning until midday tomorrow as a mark of respect.
In a eulogy at today's state funeral for Green Bans leader Jack Mundey, CFMMEU construction and general division secretary Dave Noonan acknowledged the "terrible injustice" when his leadership predecessor Norm Gallagher blacklisted and summarily expelled the former BLF leader.
