This week we farewelled Ian West.
Ian had a long and distinguished career with the Australian Insurance Employees Union and was Assistant National Secretary at the time of amalgamation with the Australian Bank Employees Union.
Ian was the key architect of the amalgamation which formed the Finance Sector Union – a complex project bringing five unions together.
Following the amalgamation, Ian retained the position of joint Assistant National Secretary and gained responsibility for the new set of rules, financials and overall administration of the new Union. Along with Kevin Davern from the AIEU, they formed a formidable partnership and leadership team who drove the successful amalgamation.
Ian’s commitment to his Union and its members was his life’s work and he was greatly admired by his members, reps and staff throughout his long career. Ian had the honour of being the first Life member of the combined FSU.
Ian’s greatest commitment beyond his members was his family, including his wife Carmel and son James, to whom he was completely devoted.
The FSU National Executive this morning passed a motion of condolence, and expressed its sincere gratitude for Ian’s commitment and service to our Union. We also expressed our sincere sympathy to his wonderful family and many friends.
He is one of those whose shoulders we stand on today at the FSU.
Vale, Comrade.