The Guardian 5 December, 2007
Victory for Barry
The Maritime Union Sydney Branch joined CFMEU comrades at Port Botany last week for the reinstatement celebrations in honour of sacked CFMEU delegate Barry Hemsworth.
Sydney Branch Secretary Warren Smith led the MUA contingent giving the union delegate a guard of honour back onto the wharves.
Barry Hemsworth was sacked on September 6, 2006, after 10 years of employment with Botany Cranes, over a safety dispute.
He refused to accept the sack and picketed the front gate of his crane company for 14 months, also visiting every major building site in Sydney campaigning against Howard’s anti-worker laws.
With the fall of the Howard government last weekend, Barry’s employer relented and gave him his job back.
"This is an outstanding victory for all workers. I thank the CFMEU for all its support and encouragement and the broader labour movement. In unity is strength", said Barry Hemsworth.