Hundreds gathered at the Regent Theatre on Friday May 7 to farewell Albert Littler and Martin Kingham.

Martin resigned as a full time official of the union after 24 years of service, his last position being Assistant National Secretary responsible for Health and Safety across the union. Martin was also the former secretary of the CFMEU in Victoria.

Albert, the former secretary of the Operative Painters and Decorators Union before it amalgamated with the BWIU along with other unions to form the CFMEU, worked for the union for 37 years.

Those attending viewed a short film where Albert and Martin spoke of their experiences with the union and the various positions they have held.

Speeches from Victorian Trades Hall Secretary Brian Boyd and Doxa Foundation chief, Father Joe Giaccobi paid tribute to the extraordinary contribution that both Martin and Albert have made both in and out of the union movement.

But it was clear that both men were not merely reflecting on the past and simply looking back. In his speech Martin called on the ACTU to lead the fight against any weakening of OHS laws as this is an important issue for the whole union movement.

Albert expressed regret and disappointment that the ALP, an organisation that he has been a member of for many years, has chosen to retain the ABCC and the importance of continuing the fight to restore rights to construction workers.

Their inspiring words left no one in doubt that while their full time tenure with the union has come to an end, both men intend to remain active in the union movement and continue to fight for workers’ rights.