New Zealand union veteran Peter Conway dies
Peter Conway was a veteran of the unions, devoting his working to improve the lives of workers.
The former secretary of the Council of Trade Unions, Peter Conway, has died in Wellington after a 12-month battle with a depressive illness.
Mr Conway was a veteran of the unions, devoting his working life to improve the lives of workers.
Before his appointment as the economist and secretary of the Council of Trade Unions (CTU), Mr Conway served as chairman of Oxfam New Zealand and was on the board of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
Among his many accomplishments, Mr Conway helped lead protests against changes to employment law, which would have seen workers lossing their tea breaks.
Mr Conway left the CTU late last year and was honoured by many people in the industry.
"It has been a highlight of my career to work alongside Peter Conway. Peter has made a tremendous contribution to workers and their unions over almost 40 years and I know he will continue to do great work for the people of New Zealand," CTU president Helen Kelly said upon news of Mr Conway’s departure as secretary.
He worked for a number of unions including the Canterbury, Westland, Nelson and Marlborough Clothing Trades Union, NZ Distribution Workers Federation, NZ Nurses Organisation as well as the CTU.
In 2000 Mr Conway came to the CTU as the economist and director of policy, a role he held until his election in 2009 as CTU secretary.
"Peter’s contribution has been outstanding and has included providing a strong and credible alternative voice on New Zealand’s economic strategy which recognises that all Kiwis can, and should, benefit from a balanced approach to economic growth,” Ms Kelly said.
Mr Conway is survived by his partner Liz and three children.
Jason Walls
Tue, 09 Jun 2015
Tue, 09 Jun 2015
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New Zealand union veteran Peter Conway dies
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