The USU’s Winter 2019 edition of United has been sent to members. Check it out.
General Secretary
Graeme Kelly
Steve’s contribution to the members of the United Services Union and nationally the Australian Services Union is monumental and he leaves the union and members in a stronger position than when he became President of the (then) Municipal Employees’ Union back in 1999.
As Steve Birney retires to finally have some well earned rest I would like to thank him on behalf of all USU members, officials and staff for his commitment to our union and to making working lives better.
Steve is (literally) a giant of the union movement and I have been fortunate to work alongside him for so many years.
Steve has represented the workers of Tweed Shire Council since the early 1990’s, being elected to the Northern Branch committee of management of the Municipal Employees’ Union in 1994 as the Branch Secretary.
Steve has held positions at every level of our union and always treated each job he had with total devotion to the members he represented. I am proud to say that members of the United Services Union and Australian Services Union have had the fortune to be led by one of the most dedicated and committed Honorary Trade Union leaders of modern times.
Steve has been supported by his amazing family – his wife Paula and their three daughters Lauren, Claire and Jenna – over these three decades.
Steve’s leadership has been an inspiration to all who have had the privilege to work alongside him these past three decades, the Union movement is truly indebted to this wonderful leader. I wish him and his family the best for the future and thank him for leaving our great union in such a strong position to continue his great work.
FULL TRIBUTE
A full tribute to Steve can be found at www.usu.org.au/steve-birney
Graeme Kelly
USU General Secretary
