Over the 47 years long term member, Barry Ashford, has worked at Wagga Wagga City Council, he’s seen a lot of change to his work, how council operates and how much paperwork and bureaucracy is required for him to drive a grader – a job he’s had for 44 years.
Above: Starting work before sun up, Barry caught up with his organiser, Jed Lawton before heading out of the depot for another day’s work.
While most of the changes have been positive, the ever growing amount of paperwork and bureaucracy is the one change Barry could maybe do without.
His job might be different, the paperwork pile might be enormous, but joining your union remains just as important today as it was 47 years ago to Barry.
His advice to young workers just starting their careers at council?
- Join your union – it’s the most important thing to do when you start at council.
- Listen to your Ganger and try not to be a smartarse
- Just enjoy coming to work and being with your fellow workmates as it forms a big part of your life.
When asked why joining the union is important, Barry said the union has done a lot for workers over the years he’s been employed with council. He believes that without workplace delegates, union officials and our solicitors (Carroll & O’Dea) a lot of employees would be worse off.
Having worked at Wagga council for nearly half a century, Barry can’t think of any other employee who is still around today and was here at council before him.
Starting out on the bitumen crew before moving to the pipe layer gang, Barry got his start in the road construction gang – where he has stayed for 44 years and counting.
Barry can’t thank the USU enough for the work we do, as the union for all local council workers in NSW. Not just the day to day stuff either but the big picture stuff that ordinary members may not see.
With retirement approaching, Barry is looking forward to finishing up one day soon and being able to spend time on his acreage running a few sheep and poking around.
Thank you for all your great work and service to the Wagga community.
Members, if you’re in Wagga and see Barry working on one of the many job sites grading the roads, give him a wave.
