TAFE - 'jobs gateway' for Sparkies

Victorian TAFE Institutes have teamed up to form a new online 'jobs gateway', that will help shape the future of industry by attracting quality candidates into the TAFE sector.

The new web portal - Jobs@TAFE is a 'one-stop-shop' for people to access information about job opportunities for skilled teaching and support staff across participating TAFE Institutes.

The site has been developed for the Office of Tertiary Training and Education, in partnership with 12 Victorian TAFE Institutes: BRIT, Box Hill, Chisholm, Central Gippsland , Gordon, Goulburn Ovens, Kangan Batman, RMIT, South West, Swinburne, William Angliss and Wodonga.

The site makes it easier for people working in industry - but wanting to teach sessionally, part-time or fulltime in a TAFE Institute - to find out about job opportunities. The key to Jobs@TAFE is its accessibility. People can log on to the site 24 hours a day seven days a week and target their job search to find opportunities that match their skills, experience or lifestyle needs.

The site also enables individuals to register their details and create a profile so they can receive regular job alerts.

Visit- http://jobs.tafe.vic.gov.au/

Background information

The purpose of the jobs@tafe initiative is to better position the TAFE sector in relation to its future supply and demand of skilled teaching and non-teaching staff and managers. It is anticipated that an e-recruitment system will bring significant benefits to TAFE human resource processes.

t is also anticipated that the profile of TAFE Institutes as employers will be raised in the community, as the Victorian public will be able to obtain more information about the employment opportunities offered by TAFE, especially at regional and local levels, from a common information agency. The Office of Training and Tertiary Education, in partnership with Victorian TAFE Institutes has contracted nga.net to develop and implement an e-recruitment service Victorian TAFE Institutes. This has involved developing and providing an electronic service accessible to 12 Institutes in the first instance (with plans to include the additional 6 next year) for the purpose of supporting, tracking and monitoring the recruitment process. The service will provide a means for candidates to register interest in existing vacancies or in future opportunities within TAFE.

2. Well, why shouldn't we brag?

Well, we're not exactly bragging. However, it is true that the ETU was the first organisation to hoist the Eureka flag on 29 November, in commemoration of its first appearance at Bakery Hill in 1854. While Bracksy and the mob gathered for a 2 pm launch at Federation Square , we chose 11 am at the Haymarket roundabout. Call it coincidence if you like, but two ETU members, Fintan Lalor and Glenn Withers were on hand to salute the Southern Cross. Fintan is a direct descendant of Peter Lalor and Glenn's great, great, great grandmother, Anastasia Withers, was one of three Eureka flag makers. You might have spotted a phot of Glenn in The Age . It didn't stop there. To add to the occasion, Anne Hall, whose ancestor, Anastasia Hayes, also helped sew the flag, joined Glenn.

It's a proud tradition.

3. Eureka - from Melbourne to Chile

What with the flag launch at the Haymarket, and our Night under the Southern Cross on Eureka eve (Thursday 2 December), the ETU has done its bit to promote the significance of Eureka . So captivating was the flag unveiling at the Haymarket, we received several very interesting emails.

The first email came from the august Melbourne University :

Rush to Rebellion , an exhibition commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Eureka Rebellion, has opened on the first floor of the Baillieu Library, University of Melbourne (near Royal Parade; enter the campus at Gate 12). A joint project between Special Collections and the University of Melbourne Archives , it looks at life on the Victorian goldfields in the 1850s and examines the events that lead to the rebellion on 3 December 1854 . The exhibition will run until 10 December.

For more information please contact Lesley Caelli on 8344 5380 or Jason Benjamin on 8344 6848.

The second email came from The Age newspaper:

Gday. The historian Weston Bate says Dean Mighell made a good speech about Eureka -- on Monday at the flag unfurling I guess -- in which he said that while Eureka was important to the left, it was broader than that, or something like that. Do you know if I could get my hands on Dean's speech?

James Button

Just for the record, Weston Bate has written quite extensively on Ballarat. His book, Lucky City , details the evolution of mining in Ballarat from alluvial to deep lead and quartz mining. It's a fascinating story of how the city evolved and a labyrinth of mine shafts appeared under it. James Button, of course, has been writing about Eureka .

It's reassuring to know that the ETU's contribution to the discussion about Eureka has been having such an effect.

And of course our comrades in Chile had plenty to say:

Estimado compañero:

Reciban los cordiales saludos clasistas de la Central Unitaria de Trabajadores de Chile , lo cuales le solicito hacerlos extensivos a todos los trabajadores de Electrical and Telecommunications Union, E.T.U.,de quienes tenemos una alta valoración; como asimismo a todos los trabajadores de Australia .

La historia del movimiento sindical esta inserta en la lucha por la ampliación de los derechos de los trabajadores y por la democracia.

Nos unimos a Uds. en esta fecha tan significativa en la que se conmemoran 150 años de la rebelión de los trabajadores mineros de EUREKA, en donde 22 trabajadores entregaron su vida por el derecho a la sindicalización.

La lucha y la militancia sindical es un paso importante en la vida de cada trabajador, puesto que da origen a la defensa de todos los derechos de los trabajadores  y  así se va conquistando más democracia,  más  igualdad, más libertad. Los trabajadores chilenos hemos comenzado a conocer -a través de algunos dirigentes de ETU- la historia de vuestro movimiento sindical y es por ello que queremos estar presentes en esta ocasión con nuestro saludo fraterno y clasista.

Gloria a los mártires de EUREKA

Saludos fraternos para todos los trabajadores y  el pueblo de Australia .

Fraternalmente.

José Ortiz Arcos

Secretario General

CUT - Chile

Our interpreter, organiser David Mier, says José Ortiz Arcos wants to acknowledge the struggle of miners 150 years ago for democratic rights, and wishes us well as we commemorate the day.

4. An Historic Polo Shirt for Christmas

The ETU has a limited supply of very fashionable, Eureka Polo Shirts, available from the Eureka Committee. They're going for the very special price of $25.00. Stock is limited. So we suggest you jump in and grab one.

If you're looking for the kind of Christmas present that will make that special person swoon. or a friend to simply say 'thanks mate', what about this:

Century of Struggle - A history of the ETU, written by Ken Purdham

Normally $19.95 - now only $9.95! Limited time only.

ETU Drink Bottle - Buy now for summer! Only $4

ETU 'Proud to be Union ' Pin $10

For a thorough look at what's available go to the ETU Shop page - http://www.etu.asn.au/members/shop.html  )

5. The Long March

At 5 pm on Wednesday 1 December the eTU online spoke with former Essendon champion Michael Long, as he passed through Yass, en route to Canberra . Long was due to meet with the Prime Minister on Friday 2 December at 9.30 am .

Firstly, Long would like to thank the Plumbers Union for their support with resources, and the ETU for supporting Richard Frankland in his campaign to attempt to win a senate seat at the last election. He says that upon his return he'd love to meet with ETU officials to explain what he thinks should be done to address the problems confronting indigenous Australians.

Long says he's been 'overwhelmed by people tooting their horns as they drive past and by their offers of food, and drink, money and general support'.

As far as the Long is concerned, Australians must address all the issues that confront indigenous Australians. He says it's not just about suicide but the quality of the lives of all indigenous people.

As he headed off into the sunset he left the following message:

'I want John Howard to tell me what his vision is for indigenous Australians. He will probably say we have a 'reference group'. But my view is that people have to understand indigenous history, and Australians have to work together with blacks. We should have done this at the time of colonisation. We're happy to share, but we need to work together. It's one thing to love a black when he kicks a goal, but you need to take the whole package. What about his extended family? What about where he comes from and how those people in his extended family are going? People a dying. Kids are committing suicide and we're hurting. We need to do something about it'.

At the ETU's Night Under the Southern Cross, Shane Howard dedicated his anthem Solid Rock to Michael Long's journey to Canberra . It had the crowd in raptures.

6. Dancing with the rednecks

It's an interesting coincidence that at the same time as the eTU online was talking to Michael Long, the following email arrived from an admirer (not an ETU member) of Pauline Hanson:

A fascinating entertainment and political phenomenon has unfolded in recent weeks, and I refer to the redemption of Pauline Hanson through her appearance on the high rating TV show, 'Dancing with the Stars.' The show ran for just over two months and like a lot of people I expected that Pauline would be knocked out in the first round but no! - she defied all the critics and danced off in the final to take second spot. Like Australian Idol, the public's vote was vital and that is where Hanson was able to turn the tables on a couple of the very politically correct judges who from round one were determined to do her over.

Week after week Hanson was kept in the game by her supporters Australia wide and the judges were humiliated into almost fawning over her - such is the power of ratings. In past years many mainstream Australians supported her covertly, intimidated as they were by the hysterical attacks made on her by the media maggots but times have changed and dancing aside, the show ended up becoming a popularity contest with the Redhead winning hands down. Where to now for Pauline Hanson? The smart TV bosses might see further value in her good-natured efforts to have a go.

Those with a sense of history might like to recall what Hanson said in her maiden speech to the Australian Parliament in 1996.

"Present Governments are encouraging separatism in Australia by providing opportunities, land, moneys and facilities available only to Aboriginals, I'm fed up to the back teeth with the inequalities that are being promoted by the Government under the assumption that Aboriginals are the most disadvantaged people in Australia...I talk about the privileges Aboriginals enjoy over other Australians...I believe we are in danger of being swamped by Asians.They have their own culture and religion, form ghettos and do not assimilate...."

No wonder Michael Long is walking to Canberra ! If the average Australian or the likes of Hanson, for example, met someone like The Murray Harrison who welcomed us onto his land at Ballarat, their eyes might be opened. Let's hope Long's march is the start of a great step forward from the silly days of Hansonism.

7. Night under the Southern Cross

It culminated with Shane Howard treating the crowd to one of the great renditions of that 80s classic Solid Rock, and it was truly a night to remember. From Jack Munday, the legend of the green bans on Sydney 's historic Rocks precinct on the harbour, to Shane Howard it was one hell of a night. Not many people actually know that Shane Howard 's 88-year-old father is the grandson of a Eureka miner, Patrick Howard. So it was rather special for ETU member Glenn Withers, a fan of Shane's music to meet the man himself.

Murray Harrison a local Koorie elder, sang about being taken from his family and placed in an orphanage. He later lit the democracy flame with ETU assistant secretary Alex McCallum . A champion boxer in his early days, he is a highly respected local identity. As always, Richard Frankland was at his eloquent, fiery best, and historian Clare Wright delivered a powerful account of the role of women at Eureka . The Sydney Trades Hall Choir was exquisite and the craic (Irish for fun) was next to none. There were some tired heads, but let's face it the ETU, and in particular the Eureka Committee, deserves a pat on the back.

8. Skin Cancer

We've come a long way since the days when kids would get so sun burnt they'd have to use vinegar to ease the pain. And as we learnt with the James Hardie saga, there's no point expecting bosses to show any interest in the health hazards associated with work.

Skin cancer remains a serious form of cancer in Australia . WorkSafe is running free skin cancer checks for construction workers this month. On Monday 6 December, between 10 am and 4 pm , one such check will be held in the Legends Room at Moonee Valley Racecourse . For information call WOHC on 9662 4820.

9. Shocker of the Week

In the December Edition of the ETU News there's a small piece on Danny Tim mers, who's taken up the position of OH&S rep support officer, principally funded by WorkSafe. An experienced shop steward, Danny will be working on secondment with OH&S Officer Allan Mulvena for the next twelve months. Together they've just produced the first edition of a monthly ETU OHS NEWSLETTER. Look out for it. If you have any issues you think should be covered in the newsletter, please speak with your OH&S Officer.

Apropos heath and safety, we thought the attached Absolute Shocker of the Week might interest you. That carpenters would construct an entire extension frame around old 'live' electricity service cables won't exactly make an E-Class electrician smile, but it's worth a look.

As you may be aware, the ETU has put in place a number of policy and strategy initiatives to get greater representation of the various interest groups within the union. This is particularly so for "non traditional" entrants to the electrical apprenticeship trades, through proactive EBA provisions.

However, despite all good intentions, there may be times when women in our industry may feel a bit isolated or intimidated by an historical culture that at times seems to struggle to welcome and accept women within and into the industrial workplace. Sometimes all that might be needed is to get through a difficult time or receive some counsel on how to deal with workplace issues.

One thing that may be of use in this process is a women's network within the ETU whereby women members can ring and talk to other women about the issues that confront them. This not meant to erode the other avenues of redress or support through the ETU, but to provide additional peer support for women in our industry and particularly apprentices and young women who may be working within a male dominated industry for the first time.

If you would be prepared to add your telephone number to the women's support network please let me know. Another concept that could be worth consideration is an adhoc meeting group for ETU women members.

This would be different to the Women's Committee and would only meet from time to time to consider various matters of interest to our women members. The concept I have in mind is like a breakfast seminar program where guest speakers/panels would present on various topics over a breakfast from say 8.00 to 9.30 am.

If you are interested in either or both the above initiatives or have any comment or alternative ideas please call Ray Crampton, Apprentice Officer on 0400 135900 or e-mail on ray@etu.asn.au

11. ETU Support Services

In the coming weeks, you might see a leaflet outlining worker support services provided by the ETU. Conscious of the broad range of health issues that confront ETU members, the Union has assigned Incolink to provide a range of services.

Chaplaincy, Apprentice and Young Worker Support, Critical Incident Debriefing, Gambling, Drug and Alcohol and Personal Counselling is now available. Not only is it a great service, but it will offer shop stewards faced with such issues on site, the chance to refer people on rather than have to grapple with a problem they feel unprepared or trained to deal with.

Look out for the leaflet.

The Incolink number is 9639 3000 or Toll free 18000 337 786.

12. A New Bloke on the Block

It's not easy to keep up with the growth of the communications industry. The days of Telecom and a weighty telephone in the kitchen have given way to home offices, digital cables, satellites dishes and a world of sub contractors. In an attempt to keep up with the changes, the ETU has recruited Tony Cecere to spread the union word in this growing industry.

'Companies such as ABB, Siemens Theiss, Downer and Pracom are hiring sub contractors to install Foxtel and Optus communications networks. The biggest problem is that these sub contractors have no rights, but must follow a strict company regime that includes ridiculous hours of work ( 7 am till 7 pm - six days a week) and one sided contracts. The only solution is for them to join the Union ', is Tony's frank assessment.

In an effort to do this Tony turns up at football ovals, such as Knox and Doncaster , Hampton Park and Tullamarine, where such contractors meet to collects materials and equipment. His standard approach is to introduce himself, ask whether they are union members and tell them they'd be better off joining the union. 'Some are prepared to join on the spot. Others say they are thinking about it. We have much to do, but it looks promising', says Tony.

It might be only a small step, but a recent unfair dismissal case in the AIRC is being greeted with optimism by Tony Cecere. 'The offer we've received suggests we're on the right track. It could be a sign of the times. It just might serve as a warning to the companies and a reminder to sub contractors that in union is strength', he says.

If any ETU members know of contractors, or permanent staff, looking for help, Tony's the man to contact. tony@etu.asn.au 0407 925 696.

13. Latest WorkCover changes

WorkCover had undergone some changes. According to Liberty Sanger, Maurice Blackburn Cashman, the recent WorkCover changes will result in improvements to WorkCover for your members. If you have any queries regarding the changes, please do not hesitate to contact Maurice Blackburn Cashman on 9605 2700 or 1800, 810 812.

14. Next edition eTU Online

Thanks for reading this issue of eTU online. You'll receive your next issue in January 5, 2005.