It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to another union stalwart, Judy Attenberger.

Judy helped pave the way for women unionists in a post-war New Zealand. Her no-nonsense and outspoken attitude moved her quickly through the ranks from delegate to several secretary roles within the textile and retail sectors. Judy fought tirelessly for the rights of women working in what were sectors where leadership was dominated by men. She was on the first FoL women’s committee with Sonja Davies and had a number of roles within our union as Clothing and Textile Secretary, Central Region Secretary, and Retail Secretary.

“For my generation of women unionists in the 1980’s Judy was a rare example of what a woman union leader could be. In the male-dominated smoke-filled trades council meetings she took no prisoners and called a spade a spade. She had a fine strategic mind and was fearless in her advocacy for workers and for advancing the rights of women. She made a huge contribution to our union.” - FIRST Union Transport, Logistics and Manufacturing National Organiser Denise Roche

Feminist, trade unionist and comrade, our thoughts are with her whanau at this sad time.

Jude's Memorial Service will be held this Saturday (March 9th) at 11am, Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre, 58 Waipuna Road, Mt Wellington, Auckland.

ENDS

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