NSW: Hundreds gather in Sydney to farewell union hero Coombs

AAP General News (Australia)
04-07-2001
NSW: Hundreds gather in Sydney to farewell union hero Coombs

Hundreds of Australia's union movement faithful gathered in Sydney laast night to bid
farewell to one of their heroes -- JOHN COOMBS.

The Maritime Union of Australia stalwart chose the third anniversary of one of Australia's
most bitter industrial disputes to mark his retirement.

Mr COOMBS played a crucial role in winning back the jobs of waterfront workers who
were sacked en-masse by stevedoring company Patrick during the 1998 waterfront dispute.

But last night, among a 600-strong turn-out for his farewell bash, he chose to play
down his role in what's been heralded one of the most significant victories in the history
of the nation's union movement.

Mr COOMBS told those gathered he'd be nothing without the union.

Among those saying goodbye were former Labor leaders GOUGH WHITLAM and BOB HAWKE, opposition
leader KIM BEAZLEY and former ACTU secretaries JENNIE GEORGE and BILL KELTY.

Although he officially stood down as national secretary in December, Mr COOMBS chose
last night to bid farewell to his comrades, after 32 years of service.

AAP RTV as/hn/rt

KEYWORD: COOMBS (SYDNEY)

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