The following motion supporting Ron’s nomination to Life Membership of the USU was endorsed at Conference 2019. 

We, the Central West Branch of the United Services Union, move that Ron Hunt receive Life Membership under Rule 14 of the Union’s Rules.

Ron Hunt started work at Parkes Shire Council as a labourer in 1986 and became a member of the Municipal Employees’ Union, like his fellow workmates. During his 31 Years at Parkes Shire Council Ron progressed from being a labourer to a ganger in the concrete crews, to eventually moving to the position of street sweeper and finally to works supervisor in the engineering department prior to his retirement in 2019.

In 1999 Ron was elected as the outdoor delegate of the MEU and in turn the USU, and remained in this position until he retired from Council. Ron also took on the role as a representative of Central West Branch / Committee of Management and sat in this position for four and a half terms.

Ron, as an active delegate, not only engaged with the Union on the local level but regularly represented the USU at state Conference and was heavily involved in managing and assisting in campaigns both to support the USU and as part of State and Federal Election campaigns.

Ron also worked to the best of his ability to provide the best possible representation for his members through both his work as a delegate and on Consultative Committees. During this time Ron was able to achieve numerous improvements and above Award conditions for the members of Parkes Shire Council.

Some of Ron’s greatest achievements have included:

  • Being part of the USU Award Restructuring and Negotiation Committee.
  • Negotiating a fair policy in regards to Council uniform gaining access for staff to wear shorts particularly in the summer months.
  • Negotiating and ensuring that every vehicle has a first aid kit and that drivers would receive the first aid allowance.
  • Negotiating a 1 Grade pay rise for Council roller operators on construction jobs.
  • Negotiating a 1 Grade pay rise for Council truck and dog drivers.
  • Negotiating a 1 Grade pay rise for the concrete gang when operating the small excavator and truck.
  • He was able to negotiate resolutions with management without the need of the formal industrial dispute procedures of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission.
  • Most importantly representing his fellow Council workmates and being a part of processes that made a difference in any positive way for hard working regional families.

Ron has been an exemplary delegate who has been an asset to the Union and will be sorely missed.

We move the life membership be accepted by Conference.