It is with deep sadness that the CWU Central Branch acknowledges the passing of former NSW Postal & Telecommunications Branch Organiser, Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Heiler.
Ronnie began his journey with our great Union in 1955, making application to join the then Amalgamated Postal Workers Union, as a Mail Officer working at the Sydney GPO.
Throughout his career with our nation’s postal service, particularly during his time at the notorious former Redfern Mail Centre, he held a number of honorary representative roles within the Union.
Within 12 months of the landmark 1979 election victory of the Union “Labor Team” led by former NSW Branch Secretary Paul Watson and former Branch President Barry Polson – which reclaimed the Branch from the grasp of political extremists – Ronnie was invited to join the Branch, as a temporary Organiser, by former NSW Branch Assistant Secretary Jalal Natour.
It was in 1982 that he was first elected as a full-time Branch Organiser and was subsequently re-elected at each election he contested – serving with distinction. He was dramatically removed from Office in 1996 along with the rest of the Natour team of Officials, only to be re-elected at a court-ordered election held that same year, with an even larger electoral margin, as part of the Metcher Chalker Team. He spent much of that term on the road during the Union’s Hands Off Aussie Post campaign, fighting against John Howard’s attempts to deregulate and privatise Australia Post, before commencing a well-earned and long-overdue retirement in 1998.
Following his retirement however, Ronnie was never far away – always there to provide his mentorship to newer Officials and to assist in filling gaps when necessary.
Ronnie was held in high esteem by the members he represented – particularly those he worked closely with across Australia Post’s processing facilities and retail post offices. And while he was known for his firm and uncompromising advocacy, often clashing with management in defence of his members, even those he challenged – especially some at the highest levels of Australia Post – respected him deeply and continue to speak of him with admiration.
He played a pivotal role in advocating for workers during Australia Post’s decentralisation of Sydney’s processing operations and was actively involved in the Union’s campaigns opposing the deregulation of our nation’s postal services.
His efforts helped ensure that communities and small businesses, regardless of geographic location across our nation, continue to have universal access to a universally efficient and affordable postal service.
In 1998, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to our Union, particularly during such a pivotal point in the history of the former NSW Branch, he was honoured with admission as a Life Member.
Ronnie is survived by his beloved wife Lorna and their adult children Karen, Adam, Tracey, and Jacqueline.
On 17 September, BCOM resolved to extend its most sincere sympathies to Ronnie’s family – honouring his memory, his lifelong dedication, and the enduring legacy of a true and steadfast Unionist who truly cared for our movement, our members and the communities they serve.
May he rest in peace.
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