VTA and TWU sing praises of former TNT, NSW RTA heavyweight
Tributes for Geoff Tinney are flowing from both sides of the industry divide after his recent passing.
Tinney was a leading industrial relations advocate throughout his career in the road transport industry, being most active during the 1980s and 1990s, Victorian Transport Association (VTA) CEO Peter Anderson says, describing him as “one of the most genuine persons you could ever meet”.
“He was always pleasant and willing to help not only his own company but any person who asked for his advice,” Anderson says.
Tinney represented the transport industry during the “heady days” of ‘compulsory superannuation’ and during several TWU blockades on the Hume Highway, the VTA recalls.
“Geoff was a great negotiator,” VTA executive director Phil Lovel says.
“The TWU representatives respected Geoff because of his integrity.
“He was strong, well mannered, and very experienced in all facets of road transport operations.”
VTA also farewelled industry identity Brian Hicks this year
Tinney was based at TNT in Sydney during growing times there.
Along with other TNT executives, he led the industry on many industrial issues, including owner-driver costings, industry agreements, the early days of Enterprise Bargaining, the Superannuation Guarantee Scheme, TWU wages campaigns, transport industry awards and award modernisation.
He finished his career as the executive director of the NSW Road Transport Association, leaving the branch in a strong and healthy position.
“Geoff retired to the Sunshine Coast in the early 2000s but kept in touch with many of us,” Anderson says.
“He was a gentleman amongst his industry peers. Our condolences go out to Gwen and his family and friends.”
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) notes Tinney was a “principled man” who acted in the interests of the transport industry as whole.
“He was a strong and effective leader and an inaugural member on the bench of the Contract of Carriage Tribunal in NSW designed to protect the goodwill of owner driver small businesses,” TWU national secretary Michael Kaine says.
“He will be missed.”