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. General Motors Holden EBA
2. ETU History Project
3. Gas fired generator green ban
4. WFE - National Forge fatality
5. Bradmill
6. Compliance with EBA obligations
7. Protect post 55 payout
8. Green jobs ~ Renewable energy ~ Solutions
9. Next edition of eTU online

Organiser Greg Arnett reports that negotiations with General Motors Holden are continuing. The offer is currently 15.1% over 36 months. That offer has been rejected by the negotiating committee, and members in SA last week were off the job from Thursday till Monday.

The company has also offered an electrical licence payment of $13.00 per week. The licence payment continues the vehicle industry push for licence payments, a precedent set at Ford.

The dispute with Holden continues.

2. ETU History Project The ETU Historian, Ken Purdham reports that the written history of the ETU (Victorian Division) has now been completed. Arrangements with the publisher and printer are being finalised and the book should be ready for publication in May next year in time for the centenary of the Union's formation on May 13, 1902.

3. Gas fired generator green ban The ETU state council recently moved a resolution in support of community action against the installation of peak demand gas- fired generators in Geelong, Morwell and Somerton. The State Council sees the installation of these generators as a short-sighted venture to supply Victorian energy needs. The ETU approached the Victorian State government earlier this year to support a venture by Siemens to manufacture wind-powered generators at its Morwell workshops. The structural steel work for the wind generators would be manufactured in Portland and the fibreglass shrouds and windmill blades in Geelong.

The State government initially rejected the plan, but following a campaign by the Union and community groups, the ETU is confident that the proposal to use clean green power and commence long term planning for Victoria's power needs will succeed.

It is worthwhile remembering that Germany's installed capacity from wind energy sources is higher than Victoria's total power generation from all other energy sources.

Further information on the issue is available on the ETU website's "Down to Earth Environmental issues" page.

4. WFE - National Forge fatality A mechanical maintenance worker employed by WFE (National Forge) in West Footscray was killed at the plant in late July. There were no proper work procedures or risk assessment policies in place. Employees had conducted work in a similar manner for at least 15 years without review.

An inspection of the site by union OH&S officers revealed numerous problems. The current management is keen to work with the unions involved to remedy the problems.

ETU organiser Paul Coffey says, "This unfortunate and tragic death should remind all members that workplace procedures and assessments should be regularly be reviewed to make sure they are up to date. Risk assessments should be reviewed by qualified external experts".

The pending introduction of the Crimes (Industrial Manslaughter) Bill has focused the minds of many managers on Occupational Health and Safety issues in recent months.

5. Bradmill Bradmill Textiles in Yarraville recently announced the closure of three manufacturing sites in Victoria. Earlier in the year the bank called in receivers after losses became unstainable. Initially members were told they would not receive these entitlements.

After a joint union, industrial and media campaign targeting State and Federal Governments, members have secured all entitlements to wages, redundancy pay, Long Service Leave and Annual Leave.

On August 14, the receivers announced that 390 employees would be made redundant. Thanks to the concerted campaign by the TCFU, ETU and AMWU, these employees will receive their entitlements in full.

Furthermore, the entitlements of the remaining workers will be guaranteed. Other companies in the textile industry have gone broke in recent times and no entitlements were paid (except where the Prime Minister's brother was a managing director).

6. Compliance with EBA obligations In recent months, Enterprise Agreement compliance officer Chris Ferruccio has been auditing a number of companies for compliance with EBA obligations. Chris checks compliance with wage rates, severance, site allowances, income protection, overtime rates, protective clothing issues, non-use of sub-contractors and other other obligations in each company's EBA.

Recently he concluded an investigation into a security installation company that had underpaid 3 workers $30,000 in entitlements. That matter has now been settled to the satisfaction of the members.

Power industry contractors are currently being audited prior to new EBAs being negotiated and one search has resulted in a payment of $8,000 to one employee. Many employers do not check their obligations with the agreement, leaving themselves open to big back-pay claims.

Members can contact Chris through the ETU office on 039 347 9555.

7. Protect post 55 payout Members of the Protect Severance Scheme are reminded that a different tax rate is applied to those over 55 years of age.

The current rate of tax on severance funds is 30% (plus the Medicare levy) for members under 55 years of age.

For those over 55 years of age the rate is 15% (plus Medicare levy).

Further details can be obtained from the Fund Administrator on 1300 134 417.

8. Green jobs ~ Renewable energy ~ Solutions

For people who are building, renovating, planning, buying, travelling, commuting, consuming or simply learning how to live more sustainably on the planet, you'll find what you need at the Sustainable Living Fair, November 16th - 18th.

Building on the outstanding successes of the two previous Fairs, this major event is targeting 40,000 people and 250 exhibitors to attend at the Alexandra Gardens on the Yarra.

This Fair is Australia's foremost sustainability event, providing the best opportunity to find out what's involved in sustainability as a whole. With a reputation for delivering authentic and reliable information, the Fair covers a wide range of topics including building construction, business, education, energy, environment, water, ethics and social issues, health, resource recovery, science and technology, sustainable living, transport, food and agriculture.

The Sustainable Energy Foundation, running the Fair, is a "can-do" organisation of highly committed people working to build the Sustainability industry and add momentum to the movement. The ultimate gaol is to help achieve the critical mass needed to get our society as a whole onto a sustainable track. That means sustainable jobs, sustainable lifestyles in sustainable communities on a sustainable planet.

The Fair is a celebration of all the technologies, practices, knowledge and solutions that are available to us right now. It is a highly collaborative event that enables us to come together to demonstrate the size and breadth of 'sustainability' in 2001 to acknowledge the many players involved and to empower people generally to pick up on positive solution oriented action.

For further information contact:

The SEF Fair office

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

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