It is with deep regret that the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) marks the passing of former National Secretary John Coombs who passed away today at the age of 81.
John Coombs was national secretary and was a hugely important figure in the MUA and the broader union movement in Australia and internationally. He spent his life representing the interests of working people whom he cared for deeply.
Best known to the public as the leader of the MUA during the divisive 1998 Patrick waterfront dispute, John joined the Waterside Workers Federation in 1968 and became WWF delegate for Consolidated Cargo Care in 1972. Please find the statement from National Secretary and ITF President attached.
He was instrumental in setting up the Waterside Workers Credit Union where he was chair for 27 years and the Stevedoring Superannuation Fund which he also chaired.
MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin said: "John will be greatly missed, a person of courage and character and enjoying the great wit and sense of humour of the Australian waterfront. He was tough and courageous in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds and was a lightning rod for galvanizing actions against injustice and elitism, but also for aspirations of a genuine vision for Australian political, social, economic and industrial rights based on access and true process."
Former ACTU Secretary Bill Kelty paid tribute to John saying: "John Coombs was a giant in the union movement. He stood on the shoulders of others before him in the MUA and he led his union in the greatest reforms and one of the most significant disputes of last century. "John fought for and defended his members and the members of all unions. His contributions to the union movement and the rights of ordinary workers across the country was immeasurable.
"John was a great friend and warrior who loved his union and who was so loved by his union in return. We owe John Coombs a great debt." Mr Kelty said.
Retired National President of the MUA Jim Donovan said "John was one of the few self- taught people that could grasp every position that he held, and he did it so well. He took the job to heart and knew it was a big job, but he gave it all he had. He was a great unifier, and his leadership during the 1998 dispute was outstanding."
Former Federal Labor Minister Greg Combet said: "No one who lived through the waterfront dispute in the late 1990s could forget John Coombs' tenacity, passion, and integrity as the leader of his union. He was a titan of the labour movement."
"He was also one of my dearest friends and colleagues for many years. All of the extraordinary and wonderful experiences we shared live vividly in my memories. Farewell my friend," Mr Combet said.
ACTU secretary Sally McManus said: "For generations of trade unionists, John was the dragon slayer who led his union when they won against all the odds and all the might and power of the Government and employers. Twenty-three years later unionists still shout out the defiant "MUA – Here to Stay!" as under his leadership the MUA prevailed. This can never be forgotten.
Humble, strategic and a man of great integrity. John was much loved by all of us as for a period of time, we all looked to him to lead us on picket lines across the country. The union movement sends all our love to his partner Gwen and his family."
International transport Workers Federation (ITF) General Secretary Stephen Cotton paid tribute: "John was a true internationalist and made an incredible impact on the lives of many maritime and transport workers around the world as executive board member and Vice Chair of the Dockers Section he was relentless in the protection of workers."
John Coombs' passing will be deeply felt by his many friends and colleagues. Funeral details will follow.
