Bluescope Dispute

The ETU and its members at Bluescope (formerly BHP) have been involved in a dispute over the employees' terms and conditions of employment for approximately 4 months.

The ETU members at BSL have been treated terribly by their employer, like inventory rather than as valued human beings. For approximately two years now, BSL has held the outsourcing "axe" over the heads of the BSL employees without telling the employees when they are going to let it drop. BSL have also taken the dispute out of the workplace, and have sent letters to spouses of the workers containing all forms of propaganda.

The BSL employees have stood firm all throughout the dispute, supporting and protecting the electrical industry terms and conditions which are so important to all electricians.

The employees have also withstood a BSL attack in the Federal Court. Just after the new year, BSL sought a Federal Court injunction against both the CEPU and BSL employees (what a nice employer BSL is to sue its employees!). BSL got their just deserts with the Federal Court throwing out their case for an injunction and stating that BSL's action was a case of "pedantic formalism" and just part of an intense strategic game.

2. Aurora Energy - EBA Campaign - Same Power, Same Pay!

In late November 2004, the CEPU Electrical Division in Tasmania kicked off its campaign within Aurora Energy for Tasmanian power workers to receive the same rates of pay as mainland power workers.

On average, a line worker in Tasmania earns $7,000 a year less than a line worker in Victoria (base rate). Historically, companies have always argued to keep wages lower in Tasmania saying that it is cheaper to live in there than in other States.

In reality this has never been the case, as Tasmanians pay more for just about every item and service. However, since the advent of the real estate boom in Tasmania with skyrocketing property prices, the community is wondering why Tasmanian workers should be paid less than their mainland counterparts!

The ETU produced a survey to obtain the issues of most importance to Aurora Energy workers. Overwhelmingly, pay parity with mainland authorities was the major issue, receiving almost twice the number of votes to the second-most important issue, overtime rates.

Negotiations with Aurora Energy will commence on Monday 7 February 2005 , with the current agreement due to expire on 1 May 2005 .

Kevin Harkins , Assistant Secretary of the Electrical Division Southern States Branch says "Tassie power workers are no longer prepared to accept the second class wages on offer to them. They are committed to an outcome of mainland pay parity".

"We all want a successful power industry in Tasmania . To achieve this we must value our skilled workers and pay them property. We need to keep our young, newly-qualified tradespeople in Tasmania . We don't want them leaving Tasmania for more pay on the mainland.

Tasmanian power workers must have pay parity. We deliver the same power. We deserve the same pay!"

3. Mesothelioma - The Battle Continues

Kate Eyles of Slater & Gordon Lawyers would be pleased to hear from ETU members who were employed - or know of someone who was - by the following companies:

* Brelaz Pty Ltd

* J & B Ranking Pty Ltd (John Ranking)

* Delaney Electrics Pty Ltd.

Kate is seeking assistance in a claim on behalf of her client who is suffering from mesothelioma, having been exposed to asbestos while employed as an electrician in and around Melbourne in the 1960s. In particular, she would like to make contact with Bruce Edgecombe, John Norton (or Naughton) and Bill Young who worked for Delaney Electrics in about 1965 to 1967.

She would also like to hear from any ETU members that worked as electricians on the construction of the Channel 0 (now Channel 10) buildings in Nunawading in about 1964 or have any information about that project.

Members can contact Kate or her Legal Assistant, Jane Odachowski, on (03) 9602 6984.

Further demonstrating the widespread nature of the occupational epidemic, the " Yorkshire Post " reports that

" A former hairdresser died as a result of years of exposure to asbestos in old hood-style hair-driers, a Bradford inquest has heard. Janet Watson, 59, contracted the asbestos cancer mesothelioma through exposure to dust produced as asbestos linings in the equipment crumbled with time. She worked in salons for 30 years, during which time she used the driers that were common in the 1970s and 80s. Neil Holdsworth, 46, her fiancé, told the hearing in Bradford that the driers contained a layer of asbestos inside the hood to save customers from getting burned.

Mr Holdsworth said: 'I just hope that other women who may have been exposed realise and are aware so they can make the most of what time they have left. Unfortunately that's something that Janet never really had.' He added: 'The girls in those days were not aware of asbestos.' Dr John O'Dowd told the inquest that asbestos fibres found in her lungs were considerably higher than normal background levels. Roger Whittaker, the coroner, recorded a verdict of death from industrial disease. He said he accepted that Mrs Watson had been exposed to asbestos from the driers, 'which was therefore asbestos in the workplace."

4. Incat Blokes Jumping Ship

Workers employed by Tasmanian shipbuilder Incat have been campaigning to renew their workplace agreement for more than three years with little success.

Incat is involved in the construction of catamaran vessels for "fast ferry" services in Europe , and supplies a number of military vessels for the U.S Army.

The company and employees had a "single union" agreement with the AMWU for many years, which has greatly inhibited all the workers on the site from being able to gain a new deal.

ETU members were able to negotiate some wage increases outside of the EBA process but are still behind what has become the Electrical Industry standard rate for Tasmania .

The company has made it clear they are vehemently opposed to any agreement that involves the ETU or any other union as a signatory.

Incat have established a "negotiating committee" that does not involve any union official or give the unions the ability for direct input.

Totally frustrated, electricians at Incat took protest action for two consecutive half days and followed with a full day stoppage.

They have also implemented a total work ban on vessel 50 (better known as the US Army vessel, joint venture) and will continue to insist that the company negotiate with the Union about their employment conditions.

The members have also decided that no industrial action will be implemented which will affect other vessels currently in dock that may be required for Tsunami relief work, and that all stops will be removed (accept the ones in the back of the boat) to ensure these vessels are ready to go if required.

5. Compact Size - Big Benefit

Copies of the 2005 pocket size RDO calendar are now available from the Melbourne , Geelong and Morwell offices or from your organiser.

The calendar includes construction and service RDOs, public holidays and school holidays.

6. Appeal to Assist Sri Lankan Tsunami Victims

The anxiety and determination of the Sri Lankan Community to help all victims in their former homeland has prompted the undersigned to organise a special appeal for donations from the Australian public to assist Sri Lankan communities affected by the tsunami.

"It is our intention that this financial support will assist communities in Sri Lanka , regardless of their ethnicity or religion. We have arranged for Oxfam Community Aid Abroad to be the aid and development agency that accepts these donations, to use in their short-term emergency and longer-term rehabilitation response in Sri Lanka .

•  At least 90% of the amount collected will be directed to the short-term emergency and longer-term rehabilitation response in Sri Lanka ;

•  Oxfam is responding to need and is currently working in Hambantota, Matara, Batticoloa, Amparai, Kilinochchi, Trincomalee, Vavuniya

•  Donations can be made only by cheque or credit card. The form must be mailed or faxed directly to Oxfam Community Aid Abroad. Donations can also be made by telephone or the internet, however these funds may be used in other tsunami affected countries.

•  Mr Warwick Heine, the recently retired Chief Executive Officer of the Greater City of Dandenong has agreed to act as the Chair of this special appeal and to report progress back to the community through the local press.

•  All funds will be received and managed by Oxfam community aid abroad.

•  A receipt will be sent directly from Oxfam Community Aid Abroad. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

•  You can support this essential work in Sri Lanka by donating to Oxfam Community Aid Abroad's Tsunami Emergency Appeal. For your donation to be used specifically in Sri Lanka , use only the donation pdf form downloaded here."

http://www.etu.asn.au/pdfs/2005/srilanka_tsunami_appeal.pdf

7. Position Vacant at RMIT

RMIT University seeks to appoint a person who will be responsible for the preparation and delivery of classes to a range of its Instrumentation & Electrical trade programs.

The successful applicant must possess a relevant trade qualification, a Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training or equivalent teaching qualification, and at least three years' experience in the instrumentation industry. It is desirable that applicants possess an E Grade (Electricians) Licence.

For further information, please contact Debbie Hawkins

School of Infrastructure , Electro-technology & Building Services

GPO Box 2476V , Melbourne 3001

Telephone: (03) 9925 4468

Website: http://www.rmit.edu.au

8. Next edition eTU Online

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