What a GWUN! IEU Rep wins Unionist of the Year Award
Congratulations to Andy Basterfield, IEU Rep Rep from MacKillop Family Services Geelong, who has been presented with the Geelong Women’s Union Network Woman Unionist of the Year Award at the recent Geelong Trades Hall dinner.
Andy Basterfield, second from right, with IEU Rep Heather Macardy, MFS Whittington member Sharyn Sadler, St.Mary’s Geelong Rep Bridgette Henderson, and IEU Rep Mark Mitchell.
Andy has a long history as a union activist. She began working at the age of 15 on farms, and has worked in factories, hospitality, retail, aged care and as a cleaner in hospitals and shopping centres.
Andy moved into the Community Sector where she found her true passion 25 years ago as a residential care worker and case manager. She has helped support and empower communities affected by the Black Saturday fires, young people in out-of-home care, young adults experiencing dual diagnoses of mental health and substance dependence and young incarcerated adults.
Andy with Jackie Kritz from GWUN.
Andy has been a member of the CFMEU manufacturing division, the Health Workers Union, the Australian Services Union, and now the IEU.
Unionism has been a constant in her family.
“My Dad started work as a 12-year old as a panel beater and retired at the age of 79. He had a strong work ethic and he instilled in me the value of a hard day’s work for a fair day’s pay. He taught me about social justice and democracy, and I have been inspired by the support/advocacy he has provided to others.”
Andy first became involved in the union movement when she was working in a carpet factory as a 16-year-old. She was part of a group that held a picket line due to wage injustices. Union members were viewed as troublemakers by management and even some colleagues. Police were often called to intimidate those on the picket line. Andy is very proud of her bravery as an active member at such a young age.
She moved into the educational system seven years ago in education support at MacKillop Education Geelong, a role she has loved.
The worthy winner speaks.
“I saw a need for an independent voice that was not influenced by leadership. I nominated myself as IEU Rep as I believed I had the skills to maintain respectful relationship with leadership while advocating and supporting my colleagues with an unwavering determination. I feel immensely proud of the role I have played and the increase in membership at the school.”
Andy has the respect of all staff and leadership because she is fearless, fair, and not afraid to have robust discussions. She is a worthy winner of the award and continues the great tradition of incredible winners of the GWUN Woman Unionist of the Year Award.
Geelong Trades Hall turned out in force.