By Avalon Kent - Industrial Relations & Workers Compensation

Comrades,
It is with regret and sadness that I announce I will be leaving the BLF on 18th June 2008.
I have accepted an Industrial Officer position with the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union of Queensland where I will be representing marginalised groups of employees such as child care workers, cleaners and hospitality workers.   These workers are lowly paid, lowly skilled and exploited on a daily basis and they need help from dedicated Industrial Officers to assist in their industrial and legal battles and to further their campaigns for better wages and conditions.

I leave the BLF with a thorough understanding of industrial relations and trade unionism.  I have learnt more at the BLF in my two and half years here than I have learnt at my accumulated 7 years of university.  It just goes to show learning on the job is more important than any piece of paper I could ever get.  I thank all those members I have assisted over my time, as each issue I worked through increased my knowledge base.
 
I am proud to have fought with the BLF through the debacle of the WorkChoices laws.  It was a long and difficult battle but we won.  The BLF came out even stronger and more determined to fight for the rights of building and construction workers.
 
I would like to thank all those officials and staff at the BLF I have worked with over my time, particularly Greg Simcoe, David Hanna, Royce Kupsch, Bob Williams, Bob Carnegie, Wayne Carter, Billy Hunt, Daryl Kerr, Lisa Stiller, and all the office girls.  The staff and officials of the BLF are a talented, dedicated and passionate bunch and I have enjoyed working with all of them.  Fond memories of my time at the BLF, of both the good times and the battles we fought, will remain with me for the rest of my life.
I would like to make special mention of Rhett Moxham, the Industrial Manager here at the BLF.  Rhett is an exceptional Industrial Officer, and a close friend, who has been my mentor and has taught me everything I know today.  Members of the BLF will always be led in the correct industrial and legal direction under the careful and insightful guidance of Rhett.
 
In conclusion, I am proud to have cut my teeth in the union movement at the BLF.  The BLF gave me my first real chance in life by employing me at the tender age of 20, and then gave me unparalleled exposure and experiences in my field.  I will always consider my time at the BLF as the bedrock of my career.   
I remain a passionate, strong and committed unionist and vow to represent the members of the LHMU with as much fervour as I represented the members of the BLF.

In Solidarity
Avalon Kent