Victorian Trades Hall Council. The voice of Victorian workers since 1856.Victorian Trades Hall Council. The voice of Victorian workers since 1856.

Vale Comrade John Cummins

By Brian Boyd, Victorian Trades Hall Council Secretary
30 August 2006 - Melbourne
The President of the CFMEU – Victorian Branch – John Cummins died last  night, aged 58, after a long illness.
His tenacious struggle with his health in recent times epitomised his 40 years of struggle for the working-class.

In particular, John was a well known fighter and representative for building and construction workers.  He participated in many campaigns over the years, including Long Service Leave, Superannuation, improved wages and conditions, occupational health and safety and job security.

Comrade Cummins, however, excelled in defining the tactics and strategies of building workers against the conservative forces over the years.

There have been many attacks via draconian legislation and stunts like Royal Commissions against the unionised building workers over the last four decades.  Without hesitation, John Cummins was in the front-line, he never led from behind.

John Cummins will be sadly missed by his comrades and friends.

A memorial service will he held to celebrate the life and times of John Cummins at the Regent Theatre, 191 Collins St, on Monday 4th September commencing at 2.30pm. A private family cremation will follow.
No flowers by request, donations to Brain Tumor Research would be valued, envelopes available at the Theatre.
Following the service there will be a procession, following the hearse, to Trades Hall.
The following is a statement issued by the CFMEU:

CFMEU mourns death of Victorian President
The Victorian president of the CFMEU Construction division, Mr John Cummins passed away yesterday evening, Tuesday 29 August.
The CFMEU would like to convey our condolences and sincere regret to Mr Cummins’ family.
Mr Cummins died after a long battle with cancer. He died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family.
Mr Cummins was the last Victorian Secretary of the Builders’ Labourers Federation (BLF) before the amalgamation with the CFMEU.
The union will make further announcements about a service for Mr Cummins in the next few days.


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