Glenn Seton: Vice President & Northern Regional Organiser

18 September 2003

It is not unusual for Glenn Seton to travel up to 2,000 kilometres a week in his capacity as Northern NSW Regional Organiser.

It is not unusual for Glenn Seton to travel up to 2,000 kilometres a week in his capacity as Northern NSW Regional Organiser.

Whether he is inspecting individual worksites, answering calls for assistance, or negotiating on behalf of members throughout the great expanse of his area, going the distance is a major part of Glenn’s job.

Much of the workforce is casual and itinerant, which can pose organising challenges. But Glenn has an advantage.
Formerly an itinerant worker himself, Glenn knows first hand the importance of being represented by a strong union when work is sparse. Before he began organising for the AWU Glenn spent many years dividing his time between shearing, grain handling, and truck driving – wherever work was available at the time. But throughout it all his pay and conditions were protected by the AWU.

Now he encourages other itinerant workers to pay their union membership fees through direct debit so that even when they are moving from job to job their protection is constant.

Glenn has also worked in civil construction, operating machinery, and mining. His experience across the industries gives him a special understanding of the issues facing workers in the region. This understanding helps Glenn educate members about their rights and occupational health and safety requirements.

But Glenn says the educative role is not just limited to workers. “You would be surprised at how many bosses seem to have no idea what their responsibilities to the workers are,” he says.

This is another reason why having a strong communication network is vital. “People need not sit at home worrying or wondering. We are here to help and all they need to do is call us and we’ll always do our best to help them,” he says.