George Britten reflects on the relatively low level of tension between communists and non communists within the union movement in Brisbane compared to elsewhere in Queensland.
Darryl Noack discusses how he juggled his career and union roles as an FIA shop steward from 1973 to 1978 and delegate in 1979. He describes how he first joined the Australian Workers Union (AWU) whilst working as a rigger in a coal washing plant in Collinsville, Queensland, in 1979, and how he has remained with the union.
Darryl Noack comments on the difficulties involved in his early role as a shop steward, ranging from his young age, inexperience, and the limited presence of FIA organisers from Brisbane and the absence of paid FIA organisers in North Queensland. He discusses the opening of a union sub branch in Townsville, led by secretary Harry Peebles, and how this impacted on the quality of unionism in his workplace, as well as the assistance of Fred Thompson.
Darryl Noack explains how he first became a shop steward in 1973. He describes the duties involved with the position and claims he was appointed to the position almost by default.
Darryl Noack discusses the impact of union official Fred Thompson, organiser of the Amalgamated Metal Workers Union, on his early life and trade union career.
Darryl Noack speaks about his first exposure to trade unionism. He describes the place of the Federated Ironworkers Association of Australia (FIA) in his workplaces in the 1970s and the effects of compulsory unionism. He mentions his involvement as a continous member of the Australian Workers Union (AWU) for the last 34 years.
