Tom Hannan

Vale Tom Hannan
Always remembered as the workers’ friend

Members have learned of the recent passing of the AMIEU former Federal Secretary. Terrence Richard Hannan, known to us all as Tom passed away last Thursday, 14th April, 2011 aged 73 years.

Tom was a mentor and friend; it is hard to believe that he has gone. He will be sadly missed.

Tom has a long history of service to the AMIEU. Tom started working as a slaughter floor labourer at the Riverstone Meatworks in 1953 at the age of 14 years and 10 months. He became an AMIEU Delegate at the age of 20.

Tom was elected to the position of AMIEU NSW Branch Organiser in 1973 and was elected as AMIEU NSW Branch Assistant Secretary in 1981. Tom became the NSW Branch Secretary in 1985. Tom also became the AMIEU Federal Secretary in 1992 and performed the dual role of NSW Secretary and Federal Secretary until 1997. Tom relinquished the NSW Branch Secretary’s role in 1997 but continued to serve as Federal Secretary until his retirement in 2004.

A member of the AMIEU for 50 years Tom dedicated a lifetime to the trade union movement. Tom was a passionate meatworker who worked tirelessly to ensure that meatworkers were given a fair go; “the workers’ friend”. He was always an advocate for the recognition of skills and competence of meatworkers. Tom was instrumental in the formation of the Meat Industry Training Advisory Council, (MINTRAC) and was a Director of MINTRAC until his retirement as Federal Secretary in 2004.

Tom will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by meatworkers, his colleagues, friends and family and indeed the meat industry as a whole.