Unionist Loses Long Battle With Cancer

The Age

Thursday August 31, 2006

By MEAGHAN SHAW, WORKPLACE EDITOR

"DARE to struggle, dare to win. If you don't fight, you lose." The BLF motto is an apt epitaph for union leader John Cummins, who died on Tuesday night after a long battle with cancer.

Mr Cummins, 58, was the Victorian president of the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union's construction division and the last Victorian secretary of the Builders' Labourers Federation.

He was remembered yesterday as an intelligent tactician and fierce advocate for workers.

Victorian Trades Hall secretary Brian Boyd said Mr Cummins' tenacious battle against cancer epitomised his 40-year struggle for the working class.

Mr Cummins was well known as a fighter and representative for building and construction workers, he said, winning improved wages and conditions, long service leave and superannuation entitlements, and occupational health and safety conditions.

Mr Cummins was brought up in Northcote in a family of building workers and studied at La Trobe University, toying with the idea of being a teacher.

But he chose another path. He worked on the West Gate Bridge and became a full-time union organiser under controversial BLF boss Norm Gallagher in 1978.

ACTU secretary Greg Combet yesterday said: "He dedicated his life's work to unions and working people and will be sorely missed."

Communication Workers Union state secretary Joan Doyle said "Cummo" was an approachable and laconic character who would always help the battlers. "He was a hero to a lot of people," she said.

He was also remembered by the management of community radio 3CR as a stalwart of the station since its inception in 1976.

Mr Cummins is survived by his wife, Di, and sons Mick and Shane. The union movement is planning to hold a memorial service soon.

© 2006 The Age

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