Erina Early replaces Matthew Gardiner as United Voice NT branch secretary

ERINA Early has been elected unopposed as the United Voice NT branch secretary

Portrait shots of Erina Early in her office at United voice.

ERINA Early has been elected unopposed as the United Voice NT branch secretary.

Ms Early has been acting in the role since January 2015, when she replaced Matthew Gardiner, who left Darwin to serve with Kurdish rebels against the Islamic State.

The Australian Electoral Commission, which handled the vote, announced the result Thursday.

Ms Early said she has been a long-time supporter of the trade union movement.

“I joined a union on my first day of employment because, even as an 18 year old, I knew that together working people can build better jobs and better lives,” she said.

“Today I am grateful for the honour and mindful of the responsibilities of representing United Voice members in the Northern Territory, who are in many ways are the backbone of our community and our economy.”

Ms Early said she will continue to fight attempts by employer groups to slash Saturday and Sunday penalty rates for low-paid workers.

In her first day in the role, Ms Early had strong words for the conservative CLP government.

“Employers and their friends in government, including the NT Government, are out of step with the community which overwhelmingly supports people’s right to compensation when they give up weekends to work,” she said.

Her appointment has been praised by the national secretary Joanne Schofield.

“Erina is definitely the best person for this important job. Her energy, hard work and determination on behalf of members are very well-known,” Ms Schofield said.

“She will continue to be a great asset for the working people of the Northern Territory.

“I look forward to continuing to work with her and I wish her well.”