NSW Premier recognises dedicated NUW Delegates
Friday December 15, 2006
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Branch President Marilyn Issanchon (left) and State Secretary Derrick Belan welcome NSW Premier Morris Iemma to the Christmas Delegates Meeting
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NSW Premier Morris Iemma took time out to meet with many of the Delegates who attended the NSW Christmas meeting recently
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NSW Premier Morris Iemma praised the efforts of NUW Delegates in their fight for the rights of workers across New South Wales.
Speaking at the end-of-year NUW (NSW Branch) state-wide Delegates luncheon held at NSW Parliament House on Dec 11, Premier Iemma said that the fight against the Howard Government's harsh IR laws was a priority for him and his Government.
"We stand beside you in the struggle, this is a battle we share and this is a battle we must win.
"This fight goes to the core of what we are all about - unity, strength and protecting one another," Mr Iemma told the 400-plus group of NUW Delegates.
Luncheon host, State MP for Blacktown and NUW member, Paul Gibson spoke to the meeting about the year ahead, which will include a State Election and a Federal Election.
"Each Delegate here today is an integral part of these campaigns," Mr Gibson said.
In his address, NUW National Secretary Charlie Donnelly emphasised the need for union members to stay united in the face of adversity, not only to protect rights in the workplace but to protect the community as a whole.
NUW NSW State Secretary Derrick Belan praised the union's Delegates as the "backbone" of the organisation.
"It is safe to say that without the union's Delegates, there is no union," Belan said.
Comedian Rob McHugh entertained the packed Parliament House dining room with his stand-up comedy act, which included more than one biting gag at John Howard's expense.
After the formalities of the luncheon were over, NUW Delegates had an opportunity to speak with Premier Iemma one-on-one. Dozens of Delegates asked for autographs and photographs with Morris Iemma, to which he obliged, making him appear more of a pop star than politician.
According to NUW State Secretary Derrick Belan, Premier Iemma must have seen the reception from NUW Delegates as a good omen for the upcoming March 2007 NSW poll.
"He was almost mobbed. What was to be a 20-minute appearance turned into an hour and a half. He must have been over the moon with the enthusiastic reception of our Delegates. If this is any indication of voting intentions from workers, NSW Labor is doing OK," Belan said.
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Last modified 2006-12-15 03:18 PM
