The Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) hosted a farewell tribute to Allan Sargent at Geelong Trades Hall on June 14, presenting Allan with a lifetime membership award for his dedication and service to the union movement for nearly five decades.

Allan’s family, friends and comrades from various unions, as well as members of Socialist Alliance, attended.

Former CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith presented the award, and several spoke of Allan’s many accomplishments. Lisa Zanatta, women’s organiser for the CFMEU Vic/Tas Branch, fondly recalled Allan being her first union organiser in the Building Workers Industrial Union (BWIU). She said he was a staunch advocate for women’s equality, always respectful and someone who could be relied on for help. She said Allan was a role model for young workers starting out in the building industry.

Although he........

© Green Left Weekly