Tom McDonald, former National Secretary of the Building Workers Industrial Union and Vice President of the ACTU has died after a short illness aged 96.

“Tom was a legend of our union; a driving force in the formation of the CFMMEU and the establishment of superannuation for construction workers.”

“Tom came from a background of poverty in the Sydney suburb of Glebe and became a socialist. He never forgot where he came from and never gave up the good fight for workers’ rights, social justice and economic equality.”

“Tom inspired generations of unionists in leading his own union, and in mentoring many union leaders at Organising Works.”

“He was a mentor to many including me.”

“He shaped the way I thought about unionism and politics, and I will forever be in his debt.”

“The union sends deep condolences to Audrey, Daren, Nivek and Casey and to all his family.”

“What they could never kill will go on to organise.”

Dave Noonan, CFMEU National Construction & General Division Secretary