Yesterday Mr Phillips officially took over the reins at the union's Port Kembla branch, stepping into the position held by Andy Gillespie for the past 12 years.

Mr Phillips said he planned to continue building the profile of the AWU and the larger union movement.

"To secure our industry so no-one's worrying about tomorrow, whether they've got a job or not, that's a goal we also want to achieve," he said.

"But I think overall if I can leave this job, whenever I get the opportunity to retire, as long as people are in a better position, better pay, better conditions and a job then I'm happy."

Mr Phillips said he didn't plan to emulate his predecessor's notoriously hard-nosed negotiating style but he was determined to work just as doggedly towards improving conditions for workers.

"His style is unique but it got results ... many thousands of workers are better off because of what he's done and what he's achieved," he said.

"I can't say I'm an Andy Gillespie number two but the end goal will be the same."

Yesterday AWU national secretary Paul Howes praised Mr Gillespie for his "tremendous" record of service to Illawarra workers, particularly those in the iron and steel industry.

"There's only one Andy Gillespie," he said.

"Today, it's largely because of Andy's strong leadership that almost 2500 members have the wages and conditions they deserve at BlueScope."

Although sad to see Mr Gillespie go, Mr Howes said he was confident the branch would be in good hands under Mr Phillips.

A boilermaker by trade, Mr Phillips first joined the Metal Workers' Union in 1982 where he progressed through the ranks, eventually working as an official.

But in 2005 he decided it was time for a change and stepped in as assistant branch secretary at the AWU.