|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
||||||
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
 About Us  About Unions NSWAbout UnionsWho's WhoInformation Centre What's Going On? Annual Reports   
|
|
|
Ernie Razborsek, Industrial Officer (Northern)
Ernie Razborsek, Industrial Officer
(Northern)
As part of the agreement between the Labor Council of NSW and the Newcastle Trades Hall (NTHC), the NTHC changed its rules to allow for election of an Assistant Secretary. Ernie was elected to the position unopposed. He, together with Secretary Gary Kennedy, will in 2002 draw up strategies to enhance the position of the trade union movement within the Councils boundaries and beyond. Ernie continues his responsibilities as an Industrial Officer with Labor Council. EnergyErnie continued his responsibilities with Macquarie Generation assisting unions with disputes and other matters. He was also given responsibility for the newly created Eraring Energy shortly after its formation and finalised wage increases in that Corporation. A new award is due in March 2002 and Ernie with the Generation Unions will be negotiating for a satisfactory outcome. For some time now Ernie has been leading unions with coverage of power station construction, maintenance and services in an attempt to have an award made for the industry in view of problems associated with contractors undermining Enterprise Agreement rates and agreements reached previously. As the employer respondents to the case employed senior legal representation, a legal opinion was sought by the unions to ascertain the likelihood of success with the claim. The legal opinion stated the result would have provided less than expectations of the unions it was resolved to withdraw the claim and attempt to deliver a result by alternate means. Building & Construction Industry2001 saw the completion of a number of major construction projects in the Hunter Region, which created fears that 2002 would be a lean year with regard to these types of projects although for some time new projects. Fortunately it appears unlikely with the Mount Arthur North Mine starting a three-year construction phase in October 2001. Also, Protech Steel commenced negotiations for a project award with the unions and will start construction in April 2002 if their finances are finalised. Tomago Aluminium is talking about upgrading in 2002 and various other projects look promising. Ernie has also assisted a number of unions in 2001 with organising and disputes in a variety of industries. Hunter Water CorporationHunter Water Corporation continues to be a blight on the industrial landscape in the region. In 2001 Hunter Water Corporation denied a fair outcome to recent bargaining for wage increases for their workers. This culminated in a three-day stoppage by all workers at Hunter Water Corporation. This was the first stoppage for these reasons in nearly 20 years and the first time in history that both wages and salaried staff stopped work in unison setting up pickets outside head office. The level of community support by passers by indicated that these actions can be positive with the correct public relations. Problems continue with the Corporation's subsidiary Hunter Water Australia. Ernie continues his responsibilities with the aboriginal communities in relation to employment matters and is steadily progressing in these areas. Ernie continues to sit on the following boards and committees: -
Previous
| Next
| Up
| Title Page
|
|
|
Home | Contact | Feedback | Sitemap | Privacy Statement |
|
© Unions NSW 2001. URL: http://council.labor.net.au/annual_reports/2001/ar2001-Ernie.html
Unions NSW is proudly created, designed and programmed by |
 |
 |
  |
