THE Maritime Union says it is “deeply saddened” by the recent death of Glenton (Glen) Wood this week, described as “a towering figure in the maritime industry”.
“A wharfie and Sydney Branch official for many decades, Glen’s life was defined by his love of his workmates, his union and his wholehearted commitment to the camaraderie of the working waterfront,” the union stated.
“Glen was proud to carry on the legacy of leadership for the MUA Veterans after Jimmy Donovan stepped down and spent every day working on behalf of his fellow retired members and towards the industrial ambitions of our working members.
“Like Jimmy [Donovan] and Fred Krausert, Glen was the embodiment of the adage that while they might be retired from the job they were still utterly committed to the struggle every day of their lives in retirement.”
He was said to have been “much loved” by the staff and officials who served in the Sydney Branch and the National Office.
The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) released a statement referring to Glen Wood’s uncompromising defence of union members and being “deeply committed to passing on the history, values and hard-won lessons” to new generations of union leaders.
“Beyond Australia, Glen was a committed internationalist and a close friend of the ITF.
“He believed that only by workers uniting across borders could unions confront global capital and defend the rights of working people,” the ITF stated.
The International Longshoremen’s Association noted Glen Wood had travelled to ports everywhere to fight for dockworkers rights.
ILA international executive vice president Dennis A. Daggett said from the first day he met Glen Wood, he felt “a connection that went far beyond union titles or positions”.
“He reminded me immediately of my grandfather, Joe Moran, a man whose values, strength, and sense of duty shaped who I am, and whose name I proudly passed on to my son,” Mr Daggett said.
“That is the kind of presence Glenton had. Steady. Grounded, and Genuine.”
Funeral details are expected at a later date.