eTU online

eTU online is a e-newsletter for members and supporters who have registered their e-mail address with the union. It aims to keep you informed of the latest developments within your Union.

Please forward a copy to other members or print off a copy for the notice board.

Newsletter Archives

In This Issue

1. ETU wins apprentice course fees case
2. Electrical installations on construction and demolition sites
3. Johnson Tiles contract out to Skilled Engineering
4. 3CR Radiothon 2001
5. Shepparton district members meeting
6. Computer Sale @ ACTU and Virtual Communities
7. Construction Industry Basic Induction Training
8. ETU backs major initiative to promote safety switches
9. Shop Stewards' training
10. There must be an election looming
11. Eureka Flag one step closer to home
12. Health and Safety Week June 17-22
13. Next edition of eTU online

Organiser Mick Montebello recently notified a dispute in the newly convened ETU/NECA Disputes Board in which he claimed that the course fees for apprentices should be paid by the employer.

The dispute was unresolved in the first instance and went to the full board, presided over by Chairman Mr Bob Merriman, for determination.

Mick argued that clause 8 in the Contracting EBA provided for the payment of course fees generally and in this instance specifically in relation to apprentices. NECA argued that the clause only provided that the employer would only have to pay for "additional training" of apprentices. That is, any training which is necessary outside of the core modules.

Mick's arguments were supported by the fact that clauses 23 and 24 specifically excluded apprentices. This was in contrast to clause 8 in which there is no specific exclusion of apprentices.

Mick's arguments were successful and the Disputes Board held that employers of apprentices' under the Contracting EBA must pay for the apprentices course fees.

2. Electrical installations on construction and demolition sites

All members who attended the ETU Temporary Electrical Installations Training courses from 1997 and 1998 are reminded that your Accreditation Card expires 3 years from date of issue.

In November 2000, a 2-day refresher course was developed by an industry-working group as appropriate to provide members the additional refresher training that addresses the regulatory changes that have occurred in Victoria.

For further information and dates for the Refresher Courses please contact:

3. Johnson Tiles contract out to Skilled Engineering

Johnson Tiles in Boronia have informed employees on May 21 that they intend to contract out maintenance functions from June 1, costing 29 jobs at the factory.

Management says that it lacks the skills to manage the maintenance workgroup of 23 fitters and 6 electricians. "due to an inability to manage the maintenance process" [from minutes of Board meeting offered as evidence in the AIRC].

The company intends to reduce the plant lines in August and is offering voluntary redundancies to production workers. No offer of voluntary redundancy is available to maintenance workers.

The company initially said all the current employees will start with "Skilled" Engineering. Later it advised the Union that 17 would find work at the site with Skilled, then 15, then 13, then 10, then three and later they revised the number to two.

They now say another 8 employees will be brought from Skilled to make up a total combined workgroup of 10, with only two employees from the current employees remaining.

Members have rejected the company's offer on redundancy. The company has now extended the deadline for redundancy to June 8.

Members should watch the current disputes page to keep up with what is happening at the site.

Your help may be needed.

4. 3CR Radiothon 2001

3CR is holding its annual Radiothon from June 4 - 17. This year the station needs to raises $125,000.00. ETU Radio News aims to raise $4,000.00 of that target.

The theme for 2001 is "Outspoken and Uncensored". For 25 years, 3CR has been covering disputes and issues, supporting locked out and striking workers, promoted health and safety in the workplace and this year given voice to the struggle of outworkers in the pursuit of entitlements.

The station has also promoted the struggle for the 36-hour week in the construction industry and improved Long Service benefits. It has maintained a commitment to broadcasting union issues (which often are subsequently picked up by commercial media) since 1971.

3CR produces national programmes that are broadcast on community radio across Australia that gives the Union movement and social justice a particular focus.

On June 13 the ETU Radio News wants YOU to phone in with your pledges towards our target of $4,000.00. We will be waiting for your call. Collection sheets are available from organisers. Remember all donations are tax deductible.

Phone 3CR 03 9419 0155

5. Shepparton district members meeting

Members in the Shepparton and surrounding districts are reminded that there is an information night on at Overlander Hotel/Motel tonight (June 5)

The night will provide members an opportunity to meet and discuss views on matters of concern.

Officials and guest speakers include:

Dean Mighell (State Secretary), Wes Hayes (Metal Industry State Organiser), Shaun Leane (State Contracting Industry Organiser), Ken Mayes (Connect Superannuation), Colleen Polgar (Workcover Officer), Tony Devin (SAFS Financial Advice), Allan Mulvena (OH&S Officer)

6. Computer Sale @ ACTU and Virtual Communities

Following their successful computer sale at the Melbourne Showgrounds, the ACTU and Virtual Communities have opened a clearance centre at 189A Swan Street Richmond.

They have a couple of opening specials for Union members:

IBM Aptiva desktop

Featuring a 500 Mhz processor, 5GB hard drive, 64 MEG Ram and 15-inch monitor. The Aptiva is preloaded with Win 98 and Lotus Smartsuite and comes with an IBM warranty. Cost $999.00 for financial union members. Cash, Eftpos or Credit Card.

IBM Thinkpad Laptop

Featuring a 500 Mhz processor, 6GB hard drive, 64 MEG Ram, preloaded with Win 98 and Lotus Smartsuite and an IBM warranty. $1,999.00. Cash, Eftpos or Credit Card. Free laptop carry pack for financial Union members or $50.00 cashback.

Other configurations are available.

For further details call 03 9428 5088 or fax. 03 9428 6011

www.virtualcommunities.com.au

7. Construction Industry Basic Induction Training

Worksafe Victoria requires all workers in the construction industry to undertake a Construction Industry Induction Training course.

Each worker will be required to hold an accreditation card to verify they have completed the training.

The first course will commence on July 3. It will be integrated into the Temporary Wiring Course or offered as stand alone unit.

For further information call

8. ETU backs major initiative to promote safety switches

The ETU is backing a major initiative by Victoria's electricity safety regulator, the Office of the Chief Electrical Inspector (OCEI), to promote the installation of safety switches in existing homes.

A pilot project earmarking some 70,000 homes in Ballarat will commence early in June and run until the end of August. The campaign will be promoted heavily and initiatives will include hard-hitting TV commercials on regional channels and brochures delivered to homes.

The OCEI will be providing substantial prizes for consumers, registered electrical contractors, licensed electrical workers, and licensed electrical inspectors as part of the promotion. To qualify, a safety switch must be installed by 31 August 2001. A prize draw will be held on 30 October 2001 and winners notified a short time later.

9. Shop Stewards' training

The next level 1 Shop Stewards' training course is will be August 28 - 31.

Call Mary on 03 8341 5555 to reserve your spot

10. There must be an election looming

There has been much media hype about a proposed Royal Commission into the construction industry, alleging the usual behaviour. The allegations include using bogus OH&S matters for industrial purposes and trying to coerce subbies to enter into enterprise agreements.

A recent example which attracted some media attention involved Mick Montebello. Mick came across a subbie who had an agreement with the union on a small site. Mick was not too impressed about the state of the site. WorkCover had already been there and felt the same way as Mick did. WorkCover turned up again, issued a prohibition notice and sent everyone home.

Mick was also concerned that the subbie was not paying the proper terms and conditions as contained in the agreement. Mick attempted to exercise his rights and sought to inspect the books to see if the subbie was doing the right thing. At this legal request, Mick was allegedly threatened with violence.

The press reports identified this as using OH&S for industrial purposes and attempting to intimidate subbies into signing agreements. There's truth and then there's what you read in the papers.

The matter is being pursued by the union through the Commission.

11. Eureka Flag one step closer to home

On Sunday June 3, the City of Ballarat conferred on Gough Whitlam "The Eureka Stockade Illuminated Address".

At a lunch in his honour, organised by The Eureka Stockade Memorial Association, Gough urged Federal and State politicians of all persuasions to get behind the plan to bring the original Eureka flag home to the Stockade site. Currently it resides on the site of the government/police camp in Ballarat.

The Eureka Stockade gave rise to democracy in Australia and a free vote for all. The diggers' flag flew above the stockade in defiance of the Government, declaring that workers on the goldfields had rights.

Gough reminded guests at the lunch that "for Eureka to succeed, [the flag] must be housed with dignity and respect".

The ETU supports the campaign to return the flag to its rightful place on the Stockade site where scores of men died to bring democracy to Australia.

12. Health and Safety Week June 17-22

OH&S reps are reminded there is a one-day refresher course being done in Melbourne and regional areas during Health and Safety week.

Details from your organiser, the VTHC or these pdfs

Health and Safety Reps Refresher Course (457Kb)

Health and Safety Week 2001(377Kb)

www.vthc.org.au/ohs/ohsweek.html

Thanks for reading this issue of eTU online. You'll receive your next issue on July 5.

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