All good things must come to an end.

So the saying goes, and so it is for the longest-serving member of the MTA Queensland family, Ted Kowalski.

The point man on all things to do with employment regulations and industrial relations, Ted has been a stalwart supporter of automotive businesses and an invaluable resource for MTA Queensland members across the state for 35 years. 2019, however, marks his exit from the industry and into well-earned retirement.

Ted joined MTA Queensland as Industrial Relations Officer in 1984, when the Association was known as the Queensland Motor Industry Association (QMIA) and the tradesman’s award rate was $270.10 per week (today it’s $862.50 for a mechanic). By then, the 35-year-old had already established a career in industrial relations working with the Federated Clerks Union.

His arrival at MTA Queensland, however, would mark the start of a relationship with the automotive industry that, over the years, would see Ted write many informative articles for this publication, deliver hundreds of seminars to members across Queensland, answer many thousands of questions concerning employment regulations and other issues, and collectively save member businesses millions of dollars when assisting them with unfair dismissal claims and the like. He has been a constant for many members, always on hand to help navigate the sometimes tricky waters of industrial relations with clear, accurate and honest advice and guidance.

It has been, says Ted, a rewarding career and he will miss the interactions with members and colleagues.

“While I did see my job with QMIA, as it was then, as a long-term thing, I didn’t imagine it would last over 35 years,” he said. “And the most satisfying part of my time with MTA Queensland has been assisting members with their day to day issues. This is particularly true for our smaller members who need to be able to talk to someone who understands their problems.

“Leaving MTA Queensland will be a definite wrench and I’ll miss our many loyal members as well as the staff contact. I’ve lost count of how many staff members have come and gone in my time here, but I’ve appreciated working with all of them and will definitely miss their company. I’d like to thank our loyal members who’ve maintained their membership over the years and allowed me the satisfaction of a productive and rewarding working life.”

While many MTA Queensland members will have received help from Ted over the years, and would acknowledge how important he has been in working with them to resolve issues, it is true that Ted has been equally important to the members of the Association’s administrative and training team.
“Many organisations speak about the face of the company. When it comes to MTA Queensland, it’s the voice of the company that we value most,” said Dr Brett Dale, CEO of MTA Queensland Group. “Many if not all members will have spoken with or heard about Ted Kowalski. The service he has provided is arguably the most valuable that we have on offer.

“Beyond what he has done for our members is his amazing contribution to the MTA Queensland Group as a team player. Loved and respected by all, Ted is the one constant that everyone relies on. He is courteous and statesman-like and has a legitimate interest in the wellbeing of us all. It goes without saying that his loyalty is beyond reproach. His service and his presence will be missed but one thing is for sure, he will remain a big part of the team and will be welcome as our guest of honour at any event we host. It’s hard to imagine the office without Ted, but he deserves the opportunity to take it a little easier.”

While Ted has been a vital part of the MTA Queensland team and its serious mission to assist automotive businesses to achieve success, there is a more light-hearted role he has played through the years, that of the ‘Lotto wrangler’ responsible for rounding up the cash and buying the tickets for the head office team’s weekly try at winning a bucketload of lotto money.

“With all objective feedback comes positives and negatives,” said Dr Dale with a smile. “The positives are numerous and touched on above, but if I have one disappointment it’s the fact that Ted’s ticket buying, money gathering, and staff chasing did not eventuate in a lotto win after so many years. In his honour we will carry that tradition on.”

Hard working, knowledgeable, a true gentleman, and always thinking about how to help Association members, Ted has some sage parting words of advice as he looks to life outside of the workforce.

“Always seek advice before making big decisions,” he said. “MTA Queensland exists to provide that advice so get value for your membership fees by contacting the Association first.”

An outstanding bloke, always happy to help out wherever and whenever needed, and a great friend and trusted advisor to everyone, we wish Ted all the very best as he embarks on his next great adventure.

Original source: Motor Trader (September edition)

11 Sep 2019