AWU Heroes: Spring 2026

Celebrating Tina’s 48 years of service

Tina first began working at Lockwood, now Assa Abloy, in Oakleigh in 1978. As a young Italian migrant with two young sons, she was one of the hundreds of Greek and Italian workers who became the backbone of Melbourne’s manufacturing industry. 

From the day she started, Tina joined the AWU, because she believed that, as a migrant woman with limited English, the union would help protect her from unfair treatment by foremen and ensure she received fair pay for fair work.

Although Tina was never a workplace delegate, she was always a passionate supporter of the union. She actively encouraged others to join and worked closely with the Italian women delegates to stand up for members’ rights and improve conditions in the workplace. In later years, Tina became affectionately known as “Mama” by her workmates,  through her kindness, generosity and willingness to support younger female workers, always offering guidance, encouragement and a listening ear.

After an incredible 48 years of service, Tina’s retirement marked the end of an extraordinary working life. In her farewell speech, she thanked the AWU for standing by her and her fellow workers throughout the years. She finished with the simple but memorable words: “Goodbye, I’m retiring!”

Enjoy your retirement, Tina!

Lenny is proud to be AWU at Tassal

Huonville worker and proud AWU member Lenny has seen a lot in his almost 30 years at Tassal, but one thing has remained the same – the union has always had his back! Lenny joined the AWU to make sure there was always someone in his corner, in case things went wrong. “If I’m fair, the company should be fair,” he says. “And if they’re not fair, that’s why the union’s there!”

Lenny first started in wet processing when Tassal had just one factory and a small team, and has worked in the harvest crew, as a cleaner, and now in the chiller. Tassal has since grown to a billion-dollar company employing over 1,700 workers, with more machinery and automation, different rosters and a huge expansion of facilities, Lenny says a lot has changed in over the past three decades. He remembers the former head of Tassal coming out onto the floor to chat with the workers. “And one night, management stayed with us to do an overnighter after we had a breakdown,” Lenny says. “There was a plaque on the wall for everyone that stayed, and some of us are still there.” With less management coming out on the floor, he says the AWU’s presence on-site to maintain safety standards and give the workforce a voice is crucial. “When union reps come, that makes management realise there are a lot of workers in the AWU, and it pays to listen to us.” Lenny is also a staunch supporter of Tassie salmon, and says those attacking the aquaculture industry need to understand how important it is the state. “Why would you want nearly 3000 people out of a job?”

Even after 28 years, Lenny has no plans of stepping away from work anytime soon.  “I treat Tassal like a second marriage – I couldn’t see myself working anywhere else.” Thanks for an incredible 28 years keeping salmon on our plates, Lenny! 

Lenny going strong at Tassal!