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. The ETU Ball
2. Campaign 2000
3. Godfrey Hirst Dispute
4. Shop Stewards Training
5. 2000 Tax Guide
6. Wilson Transformer Company
7. OTHER VOICES OTHER VALUES
8. Protect Severance Scheme
9. Rally for Worker and Human Rights
10. Superannuation Report
11. Campaign 2000: Termination of the Bargaining Periods
12. Next Edition

The fabulous annual ETU Ball will be held on Saturday 11th November this year. Put this in your diary now.

Make the most of a great evening by organising a table with your workmates. It's your chance to socialise with other union members and to treat your partner to a fun night out (or even meet one there). The cost will be approximately $50.00 per head including dinner, drinks and entertainment.

A committee of shop stewards has been formed to coordinate activities; other members interested in assisting are welcome.

A promotional poster will be delivered soon to your workplace. Tickets will sell fast, so get in touch with Colleen Polgar on 0419 500 465 to reserve your places.

2. Campaign 2000

Campaign 2000 rolls on despite the best efforts of some employers and the political campaign by the AIG.

Following a recent shop stewards' meeting, a day of strike action was coordinated to focus employers' minds on the campaign.

The AIG then launched legal action to stop strikes from taking place. This action was largely ineffective. Members took action at sites where in-principle agreements or agreements had not been made.

Many signed agreements in the hours before Tuesday August 29.

Agreement have been made in a wide range of companies, including:

Four and Twenty Pies

CUB

Wilson Transformers

Mertitor

CIGWELD

DF Skelley

GUD

Kennon Melded Fabrics

Gerard Signold

Foodmach

Simplot Echuca

Active Scales

Haycolec

BHP

ACL Engine Parts

BTM Tube Product (BHP - One Steel)

Empire Rubber

ABB Power Services

In several workplaces our members have used the campaign to pursue Electrical Licensing Allowances. This has been very successful and licence allowances have moved as a result of Campaign 2000.

Four and Twenty Pies and Simplot Echuca now have allowances of $35.00 per week and indexed by 10% during the life of the agreement. Pacific Dunlop have offered $29.50 per week and $39.50 for the "Authorised Person." BTM offered $15.00 per week and Empire Rubber $10.70 per week (known as Electrical Calibration & Testing allowance).

The amounts vary, but they indicate that it is possible to get an allowance or ratchet up any current rate.

Other companies close to agreement, but still in dispute, include:

Cadbury-Schweppes

Email /Major Appliances

Email /Martin Bright Steels

Crane Servicing companies

Southcorp

Biscuit Industry Westons/Arnotts/Lanes

Shaw Industries

MeadowLea

See related story at Item No. 11

Members at Godfrey Hirst Geelong, a textile manufacturer, have been on strike since August 18 in pursuit of a Campaign 2000 Agreement.

The company has failed in a bid to overturn a legally protected bargaining period and has been using scab labour to do electrical maintenance work.

Members have now been stopped by a court injunction from using video cameras to film scabs doing our members' work.

The Textile Workers Agreement at the site has now expired and the TCFU have imposed a series of bans as part of their protected action.

Our members have been doing it hard on the picket and the Union is asking shop stewards and members to "pass round the hat" and collect money to support these workers during their campaign for an agreement. Contact John Doran at the Geelong ETU office on 5229 3344.

Members can get a copy of the Godfrey Hirst collection sheet as a PDF file here or ask your organiser.

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.

The next Level 1 course:
October 17 - 20

Contact Mary on 03 8341 5555 to confirm a place.

5. 2000 Tax Guide

Members are reminded that you must lodge your Income Tax Assessment by October 31, 2000 unless it is prepared and lodged by a registered tax agent.

The Union has produced a guide in conjunction with their tax advisers, Peter Jess and Associates, to help you with your 2000 income tax return. Read in conjunction with the 2000 tax pack,it will give you a good indication as to what is required when preparing your income Tax Return.

A copy can be obtained by phoning the office on (03) 8341 5555.

6. Wilson Transformers Campaign 2000 Agreement

Members at Wilson Power Transformers at Glen Waverley have secured their Campaign 2000 agreement after a two-week strike/rolling stoppage at the manufacturing plant.

The company had attempted twice to put their own agreement to members in ballots. In the first ballot conducted by the company, members rejected the company agreement.

Members were after a Union agreement and when the company again attempted to have another ballot, they voted for strike action and rolling stoppages.

Members were sick of the of continual "information sessions" conducted almost daily, discussions in small groups and other pressure tactics to influence their opinions.

Members maintained a 24-hour picket at the site. Staff attempted to do the work of the 120 production workers 75 of who are ETU members.

The company attempted AIRC and Federal Court action; eventually they capitulated and agreed to the 15% package on Monday 28th August.

It was a great win for the workers at the Wilson Picket.

7. OTHER VOICES OTHER VALUES

Other Voices Other Values is an alternative forum on globalisation and its impact on workers, the environment, culture and human rights.

In the lead up to the World Economic Forum Asia Pacific Meeting, we must speak out about the lack of regulation of global capital, the damage of free trade and the irresponsible behaviour of Multinational Corporations.

Sponsored by a coalition of Trade Union, Faith, Community, Indigenous and Environmental Organisations.

Followed by:

For more info, click here
www.globaljustice2000.com
www.vthc.org.au
www.actu.asn.au

8. Protect Severance Scheme

In order to overcome the difficulties some employers are experiencing with understanding their obligation to Protect, a full-time compliance officer has been appointed.

This is to support those employers who are doing the right thing and in recognition that there has been some confusion caused by the wind up of Incolink #3 fund.

Mike Symon has been appointed as Protect Compliance officer. His role is to assist employers and assist members who are entitled to receive contributions and or Income Protection.

Mike can be contacted on 0418 362 154 if you need information about your obligations or entitlements.

9. Rally for Worker and Human Rights

Rally for Australian jobs and human rights of workers all over the world. In the lead up to the World Economic Forum Asia Pacific Meeting, we must speak out about the lack of regulation of global capital, the damage of free trade and the irresponsible behaviour of Multinational Corporations.

For more info, click here
www.globaljustice2000.com
www.vthc.org.au
www.actu.asn.au

10. Superannuation Report

Industry Super funds are now reporting their percentage credis for the year to June 30, 2000.

This is a small summary of the returns based on a "Balanced Fund" option.

More information can be sought from Ken Mayes CONNECT Field Officer (0418 561 727) or Gavin Marshall CONNECT Super board member(0418 323 552).

11. Campaign 2000: Termination of the Bargaining Periods

The AiG, on behalf of some 70 companies, has applied in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission to terminate the bargaining periods of those companies. The AiG lodged the application immediately after being alerted to the statewide stoppage on Tuesday, 29 August. Justice Munro on an interim basis suspended the bargaining periods of 15 companies on the evidence provided by the AiG. The unions will be contesting that evidence (mainly because it is completely wrong!).

The hearing commences for the rest of the companies on Friday, 1 September. The consequences are serious if the AiG is successful in their application. The termination of the bargaining periods means that the unions lose their ability to take protected action to support our claims. Justice Munro is setting up the hearing so as the Workplace Relations Act is on trial.

The question to be determined in the first instance is: Can you pattern bargain under the Act? International Labour Law says that you can but will the Commission uphold Australia's international obligations and the rights of workers to take collective action?

These questions will be answered in the near future with not only the unions and those involved looking on with interest but also Mr Reith and the Democrats. Stay tuned as this legal drama unfolds.

Jesse Maddison
ETU Legal Officer

The next edition of eTU online will be e-mailed to you on October 5, 2000.

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