April 2000
Volume 1, Issue 1
In This Issue
- Introducing e-TU online
- 36 hour Campaign
- Campaign 2000
- OH&S; representatives registry
- OH&S; Refresher Training
- Crown Casino Property Services EBA
- Shop Stewards Training
- Protect Income Protection
- Information Evening - Ballarat
- Southern Alliance Financial Services seminar
- Electrical Safety seminar
1. Introducing e-TU online
e-TU on-line is an electronic newsletter for members which aims keep you informed of the latest developments in your Union. The Union will continue to publish ETU NEWS quarterly; e-TU online distributes a more up to date report, complementing ETU RADIO NEWS each Wednesday morning on 3CR 855 AM.
The aim is to publish monthly. Future editions will also be available online from our web page at www.etu.asn.au
Please forward a copy to other members or print off a copy for the notice board.
2. 36 hour Campaign
In a major breakthrough last week, electricians and plumbers finalised a four-year deal that will see the 36-hour week introduced on a staggered system by 2003.
It also gives electricians an 18 per-cent pay rise over three years. The major builders Multiplex, Bovis Lend Lease, Walter Constructions and Probuild have agreed to the arrangements, which also include the national electrical contractors Elecraft, Stork, Nilsons and Apps.
The builders have also reached an agreement with the Electrical Trades Union on the number of rostered days off to be taken over the next four years. The agreement contains nine extra rostered days off next year, nine in 2002 and 13 in 2003, which delivered a 36-hour week.
The secretary of the ETU, Dean Mighell, and the secretary of the plumbers' union, Les Wilmott, said that the settlement was a "major breakthrough for the industry.
Dean said the victory, which follows the 36-hour week agreement struck with the Grollo group last week, was a prelude to an industry-wide settlement that would follow soon.
Les said: "We're happy. The CFMEU also have an agreement in principle for the same hours as us ... but they still have some outstanding hurdles."
3. Campaign 2000
Discussions have commenced with a breakaway group of employers who see the Australian Industry group's negative stance on an Industry Agreement as being counter productive. Further meetings have been scheduled and more employers are poised to join the breakaway group.
Assistant State Secretary, Gavin Marshall, will be coordinating Campaign 2000 from the ETU perspective.
Gavin can be contacted on 0418 323 552
4. OH&S; Representatives Register
Has your workplace got an elected ETU representative for Occupational Health and Safety. The OH&S; Act allows each union represented in the workplace the authority to elect a workplace representative for that particular union.
The representative has the right to training. Forward the name of your rep to your organiser or ETU OH&S; officer, Allan Mulvana.
If you don't have one, elect one now and advise the Union so they can be trained now.
allan@etu.asn.au5. OH&S; Refresher Training
The Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985 outlines the role and functions of health and safety representatives. Health and safety representatives play a vital role in ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all workplace participants.
Keeping in touch with changes to the laws governing work practices is often difficult. This one day refresher course has been designed by Victorian Trades Hall Council, with support from the Victorian WorkCover Authority, to update health and safety representatives on health and safety matters.
The session is open to all duly elected health and safety representatives.
The session will cover:
- Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Law:
- what is it and where is it headed?
- new and revised regulations: manual handling and hazardous substances
- future OHS issues
- motivators in the workplace: factors that motivate workers, employers and health and safety reps to effectively participate in OHS
- improving health and safety in your workplace
- WorkCover Safety - resources available to assist in the workplace
- panel discussion and plenary session
More information? Allan Mulvana 0419 132 833 or email allan@etu.asn.au
6. Crown Casino Property Services EBA
Members working at Crown Casino imposed work bans after management rejected claims for an improved wages and conditions.
Crown had second thoughts after bans by ETU, CEPU-Plumbing and CFMEU stopped service to toilets, gaming machines and luxury accommodation at the Southbank complex last week.
Members voted to accept a revised offer by the company.
The three year agreement includes:
- Wage increases of 5%, 4% & 4% annually
- Increases in shift penalty payments
- New classifications linked to training
- Employment of apprentices
- Improved accident make-up pay
- Introduction of rostered days off
- Payment for Electrical / Plumbing / Austel licenses
7. Shop Steward training
If you are a shop steward or delegate you should be fully aware of changes in legislation regarding agreements and other matters. This training course is designed to assist shop stewards with their work as workplace representatives.
Encourage your steward to attend the course. Leave is generally available under your enterprise agreement.
Course dates:
Level 1
May 16 - 19
August 15 -18
October 17 -20
Level 2
June 27 - 30
Contact Mary on 03 8341 5555 to confirm a place.
8. Protect Income Protection
This scheme amalgamates Incolink and Electnet into a single scheme for members.
Protect is the new insurance and severance scheme initiated by the ETU for you and your family. If you are injured, ill or made redundant, you are covered by Protect and your income is safeguarded. Whether you're a worker with dependents or on your own, Protect will look after you.
Extra Benefits at no cost to you: in most cases, you'll find that benefit payments have gone by at least 60% from the previous scheme - and at no extra cost to you. Make sure your company is signed up to Protect.
Contact Pat Power 0429 365 671 for further information.
9. Information Evening - Ballarat
The Union is embarking on a program of information evenings for members who live outside the metropolitan area.
Living in provincial and rural areas can make it harder for members to know how the Union can work for you. We believe these Information Evenings will help explain how our different member services have been designed to work for you and your family.
- Ken Mayes who co-ordinates CONNECT will answer your Superannuation questions
- Allan Mulvena will answer your Health & Safety questions
- Colleen Polgar can help with WorkCover issues
- Tony Devin will explain how Southern Alliance Financial Services has been set up to assist Union members secure their future
- Pat Power will tell you about PROTECT, the new and exciting severance and income protection scheme.
We know these services are important to ETU members and their families. They are provided by your Union to help look after your best interests!
If you are able to attend the Information Evening we would appreciate your e-mailing/telephoning the Union to let us know you will be there.
This is a great opportunity to have your questions answered - its is too good to miss.
The first of the information evenings will be held in Ballarat
Venue:
Ballarat Trades Hall
26 Camp Street
Ballarat
Date:
Monday, April 17
Time:
7:00pm - 9:00pm.
Light refreshments and drinks will be provided.
10. Southern Alliance Financial Services seminar
Retirement Seminar
If you are already retired or intend to retire in the next year, you could benefit from attending this retirement seminar.
Learn how you can:
- Maximise your pension entitlement;
- Build an income stream;
- Maintain growth to beat inflation.
Date:
18th April
Time:
7:00 pm
Location:
ETU Geelong Office
67 Gheringhap Street,
Geelong
Bookings: Joan Harwood on (03) 9879 5066
Bookings are essential
11. Electrical Safety seminar
Sponsored by RMIT, OCEI, WORKCOVER and the ETU
AS/NZS 3000/2000 - THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Date:
Wednesday, May 3 2000
Time:
5:30 pm
Location:
RMIT
Cost:
$25.00
Call RMIT on 1800 067 177 to register
For further information call Allan Mulvana 0419 132 833
Bookings are essential
1. Event dates are subject to change. Check with your organiser or local office.
2. To subscribe
If you wish to subscribe to e-TU online e-mail us etu@etu.asn.au
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