Greg Rayner: Calling time on a proud career
After more than four decades with the Communications Workers Union, the time has come for me to retire and call time on my working life.
A lot has changed since that young 25-year-old walked through the gates of the Australia Post Transport Depot in Redfern for the first time in March 1984. Over the years, I’ve witnessed ten Prime Ministers, six Australia Post CEOs, and enormous change across both our major employer groups – particularly, Australia Post and Telstra. Unfortunately, not all of it for the better.
But through all the change, the one constant, and by far the most rewarding part of the job, has been the proud and hardworking members of this great Union. It’s been an incredible privilege to represent you, and nothing has given me greater satisfaction than delivering the real outcomes you and your family demand and deserve. Whether that was a win in enterprise bargaining, a long-overdue meal allowance, or any one of the countless day-to-day matters that make a difference in people’s daily working lives.
Some of the proudest highlights of my time include my direct involvement in:
- Achieving pay parity through the Transport Restructure
- Expanding regional work through the Country Transport Review
- The Linehaul Restructure, delivering better equipment and conditions for drivers
- The creation of the Hub Network
- Ensuring not a single job was lost through depot rationalisation
- The opening of the Sydney West Letters Facility
None of this could have been achieved without the support of so many incredible people. I’ve had the honour of working alongside hundreds of dedicated union reps, officials, and colleagues across every state – all of which have been committed to improving the working lives of our members.
You don’t achieve outcomes like these without solidarity, and I’m proud to say the unity, cooperation, and mutual respect between CWU Branches across the country has never been stronger.
When I was first elected National Secretary in 2015, I made a clear commitment to our members – to restore integrity to our National Office. That meant ending the division that had grown between it and your State Branches, and ensuring members’ funds were being used to advance your objectives – not the personal interests of elected Officials. Our Union’s resources must always serve one purpose above all else – delivering real, tangible improvements to the working lives of our members. And we have a responsibility to ensure every dollar is used as efficiently and effectively as possible.
The formation of the Central Branch marks, in my view, a further significant and positive step forward for the future of our Union, in this regard.
So, as I prepare to step away from the job I’ve loved, and from the organisation I’ve spent the bulk of my working life defending, strengthening, and helping to grow, I do so with complete confidence in your new leadership team now taking the reins.
With Shane Murphy stepping into the role of National Secretary and Dahlia Khatab as National President, the CWU is in the hands of leaders who combine deep experience and unwavering integrity, a renewed energy and fresh perspective.
In my view, it’s the right mix to ensure our Union continues to evolve and meet the challenges our members will continue to face up to across our rapidly changing industries.
I have no doubt in their capability or their commitment – not just to safeguard what we’ve built, but to grow it. With their leadership and the continued support of our members, I truly believe the CWU will not only withstand the disruption ahead, but will emerge stronger, more united, and more powerful than ever before.
With my deepest sincerity, thank you for putting your faith in my ability do deliver for you as your National Secretary – for allowing me the honour of representing you.
It has been the privilege of a lifetime.
Your faithfully,
GREG RAYNER
DEPARTING NATIONAL DIVISIONAL SECRETARY
