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Marty joined the AWU in 1979 when he started work as a Blast Furnace operator at the Steelworks in Whyalla and still holds that position today. Marty always understood the value of being in the Union and became an AWU delegate in 1983 and is still an AWU delegate today (over 40 years as a delegate). Marty has represented several hundred of our members with industrial and Workers Compensation matters over those years and is still doing it today. Marty has been involved in negotiations of 9 Enterprise Agreements at the Whyalla steel works always at the fore front representing workers.

 Marty has seen 4 Employers at the steelworks BHP, Onesteel, Arrium and GFG Liberty. Marty was involved in the Arrium administration which was a tough time for Whyalla when the forecast for Whyalla was disastrous. Marty worked tirelessly with the AWU to help secure a new owner for the Steelworks.

 Marty was a member of the Whyalla Woomera branch and was an important part of the amalgamation of the Whyalla Woomera and Greater South Australian Branch’s in 2009. Without Marty’s support the amalgamation may not have been successful. Marty has also been the steelworks snake catcher for over twenty years. Marty has been on numerous committees over his time at the steelworks (too many to name). Marty has also been a long-term ALP member attending sub branch meetings putting AWU matters front and centre. Marty is also a member of the Whyalla United Trades and Labor Council (UTLC).  

Marty was awarded AWU delegate of the year in 2019.

Positions held by member (with dates):
AWU Delegate 1983- 2024
Whyalla Womera Branch Executive member     1990 – 2009
SA Branch Executive member                            2009 – current
Australian Super Steel committee                     2011 – current
Whyalla UTLC treasurer                                     2004 – 2022

Marty’s efforts during this time make him a worthy candidate for nomination for Life Membership given the requirement that his service to the AWU is “ special and meritorious”. On Saturday 23rd November 2024, Marty was awarded Life Membership at our SA Members’ Dinner.