Alexander (Alex) Ingram RIP
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Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Australia
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Alexander (Alex) Ingram RIP
There may not be many left that will recall Alex and his contribution to the industry but as one who worked with him the style is missed.
He passed away on 18 January and was remembered at a service yesterday which I had the privilege to attend. As the only aviation representative present I was able to say to his daughter and grandchildren that we miss the Industrial Manager and the calibre of his credibility.
Born in 1920 he came from Scotland with his parents and fought in WW2 until discharged in 1946. He took up Industrial Relations and became the Qantas Industrial Relations Manager until retirement in 1981. He then went to the General Aviation Association (GAA) as industrial director and retired again in 1987.
It is here that he showed his special place in history when employers were trying to stop the introduction of superannuation for pilots and engineers in 1986. During the following two years many employees were signed up to superannuation with life insurance companies usually through the local accountant, many missed out due to the fees charged and lack of returns on the investment.
After discussions he agreed to become the first Chairman of The Aviation Industry Superannuation Trust (TAIST). This gave employers comfort in the knowledge that someone who was held in high esteem would take up the position on the joint Employer/Union board. His work along with Buck Brooksbank and many who followed created the basic superannuation trust for GA pilots and engineers. The Fund survived until 2011 when the red tape and bureaucrats finally won out.
Whilst we may have been on opposite sides at different times Alex was a true gentleman as well as holding the highest credibility and this was always recognised by me and my peers in Industrial Relations.
After 92 years and plenty of great service to our industry may he rest peacefully.
Lawrie Cox
Manager - Industrial Relations
Australian Federation of Air Pilots
He passed away on 18 January and was remembered at a service yesterday which I had the privilege to attend. As the only aviation representative present I was able to say to his daughter and grandchildren that we miss the Industrial Manager and the calibre of his credibility.
Born in 1920 he came from Scotland with his parents and fought in WW2 until discharged in 1946. He took up Industrial Relations and became the Qantas Industrial Relations Manager until retirement in 1981. He then went to the General Aviation Association (GAA) as industrial director and retired again in 1987.
It is here that he showed his special place in history when employers were trying to stop the introduction of superannuation for pilots and engineers in 1986. During the following two years many employees were signed up to superannuation with life insurance companies usually through the local accountant, many missed out due to the fees charged and lack of returns on the investment.
After discussions he agreed to become the first Chairman of The Aviation Industry Superannuation Trust (TAIST). This gave employers comfort in the knowledge that someone who was held in high esteem would take up the position on the joint Employer/Union board. His work along with Buck Brooksbank and many who followed created the basic superannuation trust for GA pilots and engineers. The Fund survived until 2011 when the red tape and bureaucrats finally won out.
Whilst we may have been on opposite sides at different times Alex was a true gentleman as well as holding the highest credibility and this was always recognised by me and my peers in Industrial Relations.
After 92 years and plenty of great service to our industry may he rest peacefully.
Lawrie Cox
Manager - Industrial Relations
Australian Federation of Air Pilots
