A Tragic and Avoidable Death

How can a worker die at work? It's a question Dean Mighell was asking after ETU member, Allen Pearson, was killed repairing power lines on 3 April 2008.

' To lose a member, or any worker in this way is heart wrenching,' said an emotional Dean Mighell. The ETU offers its deepest sympathy to Allen's family, and of course will take the matter up with government and employers.

'We'll be taking it up at the highest level. There can be no excuse for a bloke going to work and losing his life. Our workers are skilled and dedicated, and as this tragedy shows, work in highly dangerous situations,' said Dean.

As ETU members know, privatisation has not delivered the paradise former Premier Jeff Kennett promised. Drastic cuts to crew numbers - a reason why so many people were left without power for two days during the storms - is a real problem in the power industry. Those in the media who think this is union speak ought to consider what talkback callers were saying on 3AW and ABC radio. No one is fooled. Worse still a family has lost a loved one.

To listen to Dean Mighell's interview with Derryn Hinch on 3AW please click here .

A Little ETU Fridge for You

They’re off and running, so you need to get in early. Only $200 for an ETU branded bar fridge with a 12-month warranty. Our supplier, Peter Hogan, says you won't find a cheaper fridge anywhere. The fridges can be collected from Peter in Richmond, as per the details below or at the Geelong and Morwell offices of the ETU.

The specs for the fridge are as follows:
• Volume: 50 Litres
• Connection: 220V – 240V / 50Hz
• Power: 68 W
• Temp Range: 0 – 10 c
• Dimensions: W470 + D534 + H490mm
• Accessories: 1 Grid
Remember, this is an exclusive offer for ETU members.

Payment:
Fill out Order Form below and send or bring to ETU office or just ring on 8329 0000 and make an order.
Please download the Order Form from here.

Collection:
Once payment has been receipted your ETU Fridge can be picked up in Richmond:
103 Murphy Street
Richmond, VIC 3121
Telephone: 03 9243 6600

Or at the Morwell or Geelong offices.

Waging War on the Wharf

It might only seem like yesterday but ten years have now past since Patrick Stevedors went to war against the MUA and the principles of unionism. On Thursday 3 April many of the people who held the line at the wharf during those emotional times, gathered at Vic Harbour for the launch of a sculpture by Dan Wollmering to commemorate that great struggle. Among them was Trades Hall secretary, Brian Boyd and the VFA/VFL’s games record holder and Port Melbourne champion, Bill Swan. Bill still works on the docks and has never forgotten seeing the ‘scabs’ coming down the Yarra. Nor has the picture of those men, clad in balaclavas and protected by vicious dogs, been erased from his memory.

So strong is the MUA’s collective memory it is still searching for the truth. Bob Patchett the assistant secretary of the MUA wants the authorities to dig deeper and tell the world what the real game plan was and who was driving it. We can only hope.

A Union Show For You

In previous editions of the online magazine we’ve drawn attention to The Union Show and its significance to working people in Melbourne. The unveiling of the 10-year commemorative sculpture at Victoria Harbour didn’t attract the commercial stations but the Union Show was there. If you want to see what Bill Swan, Kevin Bracken and Bob Patchett and other comrades remember of that remarkable moment in history tune in to 31 over the next two weeks.

As you would be aware I’m now in the chair (Phil Cleary) and chasing stories with Deb Weddall and Kassey Dickie . We’re always happy to hear from you. The Union Show can be seen on Channel 31 at 7 pm on a Tuesday night. If you miss the show you can catch episodes on the ETU website at
http://www.etu.asn.au/2007/union_show.html

These are edited and uploaded by Jason Gibson from the communications department at the ETU. And as the following email confirms – from an old footy mate whom I recently caught up with on the Tiwi Islands - there are plenty of good union stories that don’t see the light of day.
‘I just phoned the office to say thanks very much to sparkies who came and fixed my sister’s power last night in really quick time – she’s on 24 hour oxygen. Please pass on my thanks – I tried to get on to 3AW when I heard Dean, but couldn’t get on’.

Dean’s Left to Doyle’s Right

If you’re sick of hearing the same old rightwing drivel from the usual suspects there’s a solution. Look out for ETU secretary Dean Mighell on radio 3AW every second Thursday. His opposite number is that bloke who tried to lead the Liberal Party in recent times, Robert Doyle.

‘It’s a good opportunity to put some views in support of working people. It’s kind of funny really that I’m doing the spot given some of the things I’ve said about Neil Mitchell,’ says Dean.

The online magazine seems to remember him famously suggesting Neil should get off his fat posterior and forego long lunches in favour of some time rubbing shoulders with working people. Good to see Neil has a sense of humour. It’s also nice to know that our apprenticeship advertising campaign on 3AW still has them talking. Only last week a caller to Radio SEN was howling about something I’d said about Wayne Carey and citing my alleged comparison of electricians with brain surgeons as an example of my stupidity.

All that was said in the ad was that if it took seven years to train a doctor how could you train a sparkie in two years? People hear whatever they want to hear. Make sure you hear what Dean has to say. And don’t forget to ring the 3AW talkback line on 96900693.

Build tunnels that encourage more cars, or offer a better public transport system? What’s the answer to Victoria’s traffic problems? And what will be the impact of tunnel building on global warming? The experts have divided on predictable grounds. Those who want more cars and bigger roads – the RACV for example – love Rod Eddington’s tunnel bonanza. Those without a vested interest in cars think it’s dumb and dangerous.

Keen to stay abreast of such matters the ETU has appointed Imogen Schoots as its first environment and research officer. Imogen comes to the ETU with a range of skills and experience, having worked for the ACTU, NTEU and LHMU. Her employment experience also includes advising on environment matters in state government, in environmental organisations and for a member of parliament. She has qualifications in science and environmental law.

Imogen will be working to help position the ETU in the climate change debate. She will be exploring job growth opportunities for electricians to help meet reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. She can be contacted on imogen@etu.asn.au

A recent case involving an apprentice who lost the sight in one eye after a preventable injury, illustrates the need for common sense workplace accident prevention. Kim Shaw, WorkCover partner at Maurice Blackburn Cashman's Ringwood office, said the injury was a simple one that could easily have been avoided with better occupational health and safety procedures.

The facts are, a young man was loading ladders onto a work van and securing them with octopus straps when the hook slipped and flicked him in the eye. The 23-year old-apprentice lost one hundred percent vision in his left eye, which was devastating for him.

‘This serious injury would have been avoided if the employer had spent a few dollars and bought strapping to hold down the load,’ says Kim, adding that ‘It seems obvious that to use octopus straps for such a purpose is dangerous and puts workers at risk of serious injury.’ Kim said she would now launch a common law claim for the injured worker. She has also reported the incident to WorkSafe and requested an investigation into the circumstances of the injury.

Maurice Blackburn has been involved in a number of significant legal battles on behalf of working people since it began in 1919. If you have a problem that requires a legal remedy we suggest you ring Maurice Blackburn on 1800 810 812 and receive a free no obligation consultation.

All apprentices employed with Victec are asked to attend the Wednesday 9 April meeting, which will report on EBA progress and other Victec matters.

The meeting will start at 7 am - Wednesday 9 April - at the ETU offices at 200 Arden Street North Melbourne.

All apprentices must attend this meeting.

It’s also an opportunity to meet new apprentice officer Omar Merhi. Omar has taken over from Ray Crampton, who has moved into a very significant training role with the ETU. The ETU wishes both men the best and congratulates Ray on the work he has done with apprentices.

And Don’t Forget to Cut Your Gas and Electrical Bills

As explained in a previous news bulletins, the ETU has brokered a deal, to provide ETU members with the first ever, discount electricity and gas deal – TRUenergy Mates Rates. With TRUenergy ‘Mates Rates’ every Victorian ETU member qualifies for ongoing discounts on electricity and gas rates. ‘It’s not a mixed up way of working out a discount. It’s a real decrease straight off the bottom line, where it matters,’ says secretary Dean Mighell.

The ETU is asking all members to consider the ETU TRUenergy Mates Rates offer. We’re also asking members to consider using energy saver devices and to turn off appliances when not in use. The union will be working with TRUenergy to bring you other ‘Green’ options in the near future.

And look out for the ETU’s increased role in the energy debate. Some exciting initiatives are on the horizon, including a strategy to train ETU members in green skills. Green sparkies working alongside green plumbers can only be good for business.

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