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 About Us  About Unions NSWAbout UnionsWho's WhoInformation Centre What's Going On? Annual Reports   
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Labor Council of NSW Annual Report 2001The Labor Council is the peak body of trade unions in NSW with 75 affiliated trade unions, representing over 800,000 workers throughout NSW. This is the third of Labor Council's Annual Reports published exclusively on the Internet. A HTML and PDF version can be found at http://council.labor.net.au/annual_reports/. Below you will find links to the various sections of the report including an overview of the activities of the officers and departments of the Council. The report also includes additional information such as significant events of 2001, guest speakers to weekly Labor Council meetings, Scrolls of Honour, Motions of Condolence, and a listing of 2001 office holders. Secretary's ReportThe Secretary, John Robertson, reports on the activities of each of the officers of the Labor Council during 2000.
John Robertson,
Secretary
New SecretaryIn August 2001, Michael Costa resigned as Secretary of the Labor Council to take up a seat in the Legislative Council of the New South Wales Parliament. Michael had been with the Labor Council since 1989 and served as Secretary for a period of three years. Michael has left the Council following his period as Secretary in a strong position both financially and politically. Following Michael's departure John Robertson was elected unopposed as Secretary of the Council and Mark Lennon as Assistant Secretary and both commenced in their respective positions in July 2001. New Deputy Assistant SecretaryMichael Gadiel was elected unopposed to the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary - Industrial in October 2001. Prior to his election, Michael had been employed by the Council as an Industrial Officer since May 1996. New Industrial OfficerNancy Carl commenced at the Labor Council in September 2001 as an Industrial Officer. Prior to commencing work with the Council, Nancy worked for seven years at the Police Association of New South Wales and brings an understanding of the role played by an Industrial Officer in an organsing context. She brings a wealth of experience to the position she holds at the Council having worked as a para-legal prior to her employment at the Police Association. OrganisingThe Organising Committee continued to meet during 2001 developing a number of organising strategies for the Council. The Organising Committee also provided an opportunity for affiliates to briefed on the latest campaign techniques being utilised by unions both here in Australia and internationally. The briefings were conducted with the assistance of the ACTU Organising Centre. Labor Council continued to work closely with the ACTU Organising Centre in a range of organising activities undertaken throughout 2001 and by assisting with the accommodation costs of the Organising Centre in Sydney. Thursday night meetings continued to be a forum that allowed affiliates to report to the Council on organising and industrial campaigns they were pursuing. The meetings were addressed by rank and file activists from a range of industries on the issues they were confronting in their workplace. Labor Council worked in conjunction with the ACTU in the development and launch of an organising campaign in call centres. The campaign was launched in Wollongong with the assistance of the South Coast Labour Council outside the premises occupied by Stellar, a call centre operator in which unions were attempting to organise the workers. Stellar has contracts with numerous businesses including Telstra and the Department of Transport. As part of the campaign Labor Council also facilitated a two day workshop with organisers and rank and file activists working in call centres. The workshop was aimed at providing training and information to the activists to improve their skills in organising their fellow workers. Towards the end of 2001 Labor Council embarked on the development of an ambitious industry organising project for the building and construction industry involving the Australian Workers' Union, the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, the Electrical Trades Union, the Plumbers Union and the Transport Workers' Union. If this pilot proves to be a success, Labor Council will look to develop similar organising projects in 2002 with other affiliates. Labor Council has for sometime now been utilising the internet as means of both communication and organising. As part of that strategy the Council launched the Bosswatch which provides information on executive salaries, the major shareholders in particular companies, the board of directors, profits declared, taxes paid and other relevant information. The information is collected from the annual reports of companies and formatted in an easy to read form. Bosswatch is intended to be a tool that unions can utilise as part of their organising campaigns. Labor Council also launched the I.T. Workers' Alliance which is targeted at organising workers in the information technology industry. The unions supporting the I.T. Workers' Alliance are the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers, Australia, the Australian Services Union - Services Branch, the Communication, Electrical, Plumbing Union - Technical & Services Branch, the Electrical Trades Union, the Finance Sector Union and the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance. In the three months since the launch of the site over 80 applications to join a union have been received via the website. Workers' CompensationThe most significant campaign of 2001 for the trade union movement in New South Wales was against the package of workers' compensation reforms proposed by the Minister for Industrial Relations, John Della Bosca. The package of reforms introduced without consultation were draconian and would have seen all workers in New South Wales severely disadvantaged had the package proceeded as proposed in March 2001. The Labor Council initiated a campaign involving affiliates in industrial action across a range of industries and the public sector, all targeted at the Government with minimal inconvenience to the general public. Council also developed a campaign of advertisements and literature highlighting the effects of the reform package and encouraging rank and file activists to visit their local member of Parliament in opposition to the package of reforms. The Government subsequently disaggregated the package and only proceeded with some aspects of the package in the middle of the year. Changes to common law were referred to an inquiry chaired by Justice Terry Sheahan who was then of the Land and Environment Court. The introduction of medical assessment guidelines were referred to a committee of medical specialists nominated by WorkCover and the Labor Council. As part of the campaign, which had been aimed at engaging and involving rank and file activists, the Labor Council organised the largest ever stop work meeting utilising the SKY Channel network to brief members across the state on the campaign. The broadcast was well received and ensured that this campaign involved all members in New South Wales. Labor Council participated in the Sheahan Inquiry as a member of the expert committee, established to assist Justice Sheahan, and also by making a written and oral submission to the Inquiry. The outcome of the Inquiry was considered by most affiliates as less than satisfactory, however, there were some improvements to the reform package achieved as a result of the recommendations of Justice Sheahan. Labor Council was represented in the development of the medical guidelines by a number of eminent medical specialists in their fields of expertise and as a result was able to ensure that the guidelines to be used to assess injured workers are far more fair and balanced than those that were a part of the original package of reforms proposed in March 2001. The Government introduced its final package of workers' compensation reforms in December 2001 none of which was supported by the Labor Council and its affiliates. To ensure that all workers in New South Wales were aware of the stance taken by the Council and affiliates, full-page advertisements were taken out in the metropolitan, rural and ethnic press. Labor Council intends to continue to monitor the effects of the Government's reforms to workers' compensation by encouraging rank and file activists and the medical and legal professions to contact the Council through a special website established at compomonitor@labor.org.au. All the information received will be used to highlight to the Government how workers have been disadvantaged through the introduction of the reform package. In addition the Council will be seeking legal advice on its ability to run a test case before the Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales for improved workers' compensation benefits using an award provision to increase benefits to injured workers. Radio 2KY - Labor MediaIn 2001 the Labor Council sold Radio2KY, after having owned the station for 75 years, to the New South Wales TAB. The sale of 2KY has ensured the Council is in a strong financial position to deal with the numerous challenges that confront the trade union movement in New South Wales. The sale was part of the Council reassessing its investments to ensure the returns received and the original intentions of these investments continued to be appropriate. This was no longer the case with Radio 2KY. The Council has however maintained a presence in radio and continues to broadcast on 2KM 1620AM. The format of all time favourites continues to prove popular and the station is being used extensively to broadcast the labor message. In addition Labor Council has established an internet broadcaster, Wobbly Radio which has its website at http://www.wobblyradio.com. Wobbly plays unsigned Australian bands and is also used to broadcast the labor message to a younger audience. 2KM, Wobbly Radio and Workers Online are all now operated under the Labor Media banner, which is over seen by the Labor Council's Wireless Committee. Trades HallIn June 2001 the Labor Council exercised its option under the rules of the Trades Hall Association to purchase 800,000 shares in the Association. This effectively gave control of the Association to the Council. The Council's objective is to refurbish the Trades Hall to its former glory, enhancing its heritage value and have it once again the centre of trade union activity. While there are still issues to be resolved, this refurbishment proposal is more likely to proceed than other previous proposals because the Council has sufficient funds available to it, after the sale of Radio 2KY, unlike other proposals that have relied on financial backing from external partners. RalliesIn 2001 the Labor Council assisted and supported numerous rallies organised by affiliates including:
Federal ElectionLabor Council officers were again placed in key marginal seats during the federal election campaign. In addition the Council co-ordinated, in consultation with the ALP, the placement of union resources in all the key marginal seats in New South Wales throughout the campaign. The election result was disappointing as was the stance taken by the Labor Party on some of the key issues during the election. Union ConferencesThroughout 2001 the Secretary addressed the following union conferences:
Regional CouncilsIn August 2001 an agreement was signed off between the Labor Council and the Newcastle Trades Hall Council establishing a set of arrangements to ensure resources were better utilised by both Councils in the Hunter. The agreement also established that Labor Council Industrial Officer, Ernie Razborsek, would commence as Assistant Secretary of the Newcastle Trades Hall Council. The agreement sets the foundations for a far more close and co-operative relationship between the two Councils. Throughout 2001 the Labor Council has continued to work co-operatively and build closer links with the South Coast Labour Council, particularly during the Workers' Compensation campaign. In December 2001 the Labor Council met with representatives of the Barrier Industrial Council. The discussions covered a broad range of topics including how the Labor Council could assist the Barrier Industrial Council with future organising and industrial campaigns. Community ActivitiesThe Labor Council has always participated in community activities, and in 2001 was part of a rally for the better treatment of refugees, which was held outside the Villawood Detention Centre. At the end of 2001 the Council was in the early stages of developing the Workplace Harmony Campaign, which will seek to highlight the positive effects of Australia's former approach to refugees and immigration. The campaign will be conducted using media, literature and workplace visits. The Labor Council in December 2001 was a key driver in the establishment of Labor for Refugees in New South Wales. Labor for Refugees is seeking to alter the policy of the Labor Party on refugees by engaging all MP's, ALP Branch Secretaries and rank and file members in the debate on this issue. International SolidarityLabor Council continued its support for human rights and the re-establishment of democracy in Burma. As part of this support the Council continued to provide office accommodation to the Burmese. In November 2001 discussions were held with a delegation of Burmese Ministers in exile on the current situation facing Burma and its democratically elected leader Aun San Suu Kyi. Throughout 2001 Labor Council also assisted Polisario, the group leading the struggle for self-determination in Western Sahara against the Moroccon Government. Polisario is represented in Australia and the Council assisted with and addressed a rally outside the Moroccon Consulate, raised the issue with affiliates and arranged a meeting with the Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Laurie Brereton. Labor Council has been a long time supporter of East Timor. In 2001 Labor Council took the decision to establish fraternal relations with the newly formed Council of Unions and has offered to assist and support the new Council as it establishes itself. The Annual General Meeting in February 2001 was attended by representatives
of Rengo Tokyo and the
Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions.
FinancesThe Labor Council's financial position as reported in the end of June 2001 accounts continues to remain sound. The Council continued the practice of subsidising affiliation by drawing on funds generated by Council assets to fund its operations. To this end, the Council continues to run a deficit in its Management Account, which has been offset by surpluses in its Property Account. The Labor Council late in 2001 sought expert advice regarding its investments to ensure that it is maximising its returns on its assets, whilst at the same time minimising the risk. As a result of the advice some alternative investments strategies will be implemented through the Council's Finance Committee in 2002. In the Management Account sustentation fees have increased by $13,492.00 reflecting an increase less than the CPI increase of 6%. Interest has decreased by $111,933.00 as a result of the Council's portion of the sale of 2HD being deposited in the Labor Council ALP Trust. Expenditure has increased by $319,269.00 due mainly to legal costs incurred in the sale of the 2KY license of $ 162,979.00 and an increase in general expenses. In the Property Account rents increased by $ 92,693.00. Expenditure increased
by The Currawong Account recorded a deficit of $ 59,645.00. As previously stated, in April 2001 negotiations for the sale of the 2KY license to TAB Limited were concluded. As a result of the sale several property assets were transferred to the Council. The property portfolio now consists of over half of the strata units at 2KY house, 20-22 Wentworth Street Parramatta, land at the transmitter site at Homebush Bay, the top two floors plus one level of carpark at 364 Sussex Street Sydney, and the Currawong Resort. AffiliationsAt the end of 2001 the Australian Writers Guild was accepted as an affiliate of the Labor Council. The Guild represents script-writers for movies, T.V. dramas and theatre productions. ResearchIn 2001 the Labor Council jointly funded, with the ACTU, research conducted by the Australian Centre for Industrial Relations, Research and Training into industries for potential membership growth. The research provides the foundation for a more strategic approach to organising in the future and debunks many of the myths associated with the decline in union densities. Labor Council also commissioned a survey through the Australian Centre for Industrial Relations, Research and Training, which establishes a Quality of Working Life Index. The index will set a benchmark to assess workers views on work related matters and its impact on family life. The survey will be conducted annually and the results released once they are available. GetonBoardIn November 2001 GetonBoard ceased operating as a result of its computer supplier, Gateway, withdrawing its operations in Australia. GetonBoard was unable to find a suitable alternate supplier and ceased operations on 20th November. All customers were advised and steps taken to ensure that all warranties were honoured. I was a Director of the following Boards: -
Mark Lennon, Assistant
Secretary
The electricity industry, the public sector, superannuation and Industrial Relations Commission matters dominated much of the work of Assistant Secretary, Mark Lennon in 2001. ElectricityThe electricity industry saw a number of new awards negotiated and continued discussion about reform in the industry. Mark completed negotiations for a further increase of 1.5 % for members at the new corporatised Eraring Energy that followed on from a 4% increase that they received late last year. A new consent award for Delta Electricity was negotiated with Mark coordinating the union negotiating team. The management sought to put on the table a number of trade offs in return for any wage increases. At a series of mass meetings members rejected the proposed trade offs in particular a proposal for a move from weekly to fortnightly pay. As a consequence after further negotiations the proposed trade offs were withdrawn and a new agreement was reached which contained a 9% increase for members over a two year period. A new award was also negotiated with TransGrid. The process involved extensive consultation with members about what they would like to see in new the award including a visit to each of the organisations sites. The negotiations involved a two-day lock up with a number of follow up meetings. The final outcome was an award that included a 10% wage increase over two years which was accepted by the membership at the end of 2001. Throughout the year discussions continued with representatives of the NSW Treasury about the future of the electricity industry's consulting and engineering arm, Pacific Power. The Treasury conducted an expressions of interest process, which sought proposals from the private sector to purchase the organisation. The outcome is still being evaluated. The unions remain opposed to any privatisation of the organisation as it is important for the industry and consumers in NSW that a restructured Pacific Power continue to remain in public hands. At the end of 2001 discussions with the Government were continuing. Negotiations for a new award for Pacific Power commenced in December 2001 and should conclude in the new year. As a first step management agreed to pay a 3% increase from 26th November 2001. RailIn the rail industry, Mark was a member of a State Government working party, which considered the transfer of entitlements to be paid to members employed by FreightCorp, the Government's freight rail arm, upon its sale. The formation of the working party followed the announcement by the State Government that it intended to sell FreightCorp as part of a joint sale with the National Rail Corporation. The entitlements package that was negotiated through the working party by the unions included a three year job guarantee upon sale and a payment for transfer. The proposal was endorsed by the membership in November 2001 and the sale is expected to take place early in the new year. IndustrialMark, together with other officers, assisted various affiliates throughout the year with award reviews under Section 19 of the Industrial Relations Act. On a number of occasions employers sought to vary awards beyond the scope of S 19 by seeking to define the term 'modernise' very broadly. One instance in the retail industry employers sought to use the process to vary the part time work provisions. Mark intervened in this and other matters on behalf of Labor Council to ensure that conditions of employment were protected in the process. The Union Dues Test Case was another of Mark's industrial responsibilities during the year. Three private sector and two public sector awards are part of the application and the matter is set down for hearing before a full bench of the Industrial Relations Commission in March 2002. The State government has indicated that they support the application in principle and discussions have commenced between the various public sector agencies and unions as to the wording of an appropriate clause. Mark late in the year took responsibility for negotiations with the State Government over changes to S. 106 the unfair contracts provision of the Industrial Relations Act. A draft amendment bill was released in November but did not proceed to Parliament. Negotiations over any changes are expected to take place in February 2002. Public SectorIn the public sector Mark continued to be involved in negotiations regarding reforms to the public sector arising from the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Government and unions in 2000. The primary focus of discussion was reform to the Public Sector Management Act with the Premiers Department seeking a number of changes including expanding the employment categories to include fixed term and casual employees. Unions have expressed concern with these proposals as they fear they will make employment in the public sector less secure. The discussions on the Act continue and are likely to conclude in the middle of 2002. Mark also remained chair of the Labor Council's Public Sector Superannuation Employee's Committee. In 2001 the Committee put a log of claims to the Government seeking a number of improvements to the Public Sector schemes. In principle agreement was reached on some of these claims including payment of superannuation contributions for members on maternity leave and adoption leave. Financial ServicesMark remains a Director of Chifley Financial Services and in that role assisted with changes to the ownership structure of Chifley. Equitilink the former joint venture partner of Chifley sold its share in the company to Aberdeen Funds Management who in turn sold their shares to the Local Government and Energy Superannuation Funds. At the end of 2001 Chifley had moved premises to Margaret Street, the home of the Local Government and Energy Superannuation Funds. The organisation is undertaking a restructure, which will ensure it remains a viable financial institution in the NSW marketplace. Other responsibilitiesMark continued in his role as trustee of the Trades Hall Association in 2001. It was an important year for the Trades Hall with Labor Council taking a controlling interest in the organisation in June. Work then continued on cleaning up the share register of the Association so that the Labor Council can make an offer to purchase the remaining shares in the Trades Hall as a precursor to its redevelopment. In addition to Chifley and the Trades Hall, Mark was also a board member of Asset Super, the State Transit Authority, and the ISO and joined the board of Labor Media Pty Ltd. He also represented the Labor Council on the committee of the Labor Management Studies Foundation and was the Chair of the Funeral Industry Council of NSW. The Funeral Industry Council was successful during the year in achieving in principle agreement from the State Government that an accreditation scheme be established for the Funeral Industry. Mark also continued to administer the Australian Trade Union Program at Harvard Foundation, which will be sending three officials to the six-week program at Harvard to be held early in 2002. Like all officers at the Council, Mark assisted with the Workers Compensation campaign throughout 2001. In particular, he lobbied a number of the Governments backbenchers regarding the Labor Councils concerns with the reform package. Mark also assisted with the logistics for the SKY Channel broadcast in June. In taking on the role of Assistant Secretary during the year Mark gained some additional responsibilities including joining the Council's Finance committee, becoming office manager and the organiser of business for Thursday night meetings. With the latter role Mark believes that organising a sufficient number of guest speakers will be his biggest challenge in 2002!
Chris Christodoulou, Deputy Assistant Secretary -
Organising
Chris was involved in a range of activities during 2001, in particular he picked up responsibility for co-ordinating the building and construction industry and also ran the State Wage Case on behalf of the Labor Council. Chris was also actively seeking changes to the way the Department of Public Works and Services deal with the industrial relations issues of its contractors and suppliers. State Wage Case / Lagging AwardsChris, assisted by Paul Howes, again ran the Labor Council State Wage Case in 2001. The Labor Council achieved the flow on of the National Wage Case Decision of $13.00 to $17.00 in relevant award classifications. More importantly however, Labor Council successfully opposed attempts by employers to put barriers in the way of the making of consent awards under principle 2(e) of the State Wage Case Principles. In addition, the Industrial Relations Commission also set forward a process to deal with the problem of Lagging Awards in New South Wales. This particular matter was heard in October 2001. Following negotiations with employers and then arbitration, the Industrial Relations Commission was able to bring forward the operative dates for a number of awards, some of which had lagged several years behind in terms of achieving state wage increases. The issue of Lagging Awards will again be raised at the next State Wage Case with Labor Council attempting to further improve the status of these awards. Building & Construction IndustryDuring the year Chris took over responsibility for the Building and Construction Industry. His role has been to facilitate the making of Project Awards/Agreements and to assist unions resolve disputes on these sites. During the year more than twenty Project Agreements/Awards were entered into with various companies. Major DisputesChris also intervened on behalf of Labor Council to assist unions to resolve a range of disputes at the following sites:
Building and Construction Unions Strategic Planning WorkshopChris co-ordinated a Building and Construction Unions strategic planning workshop on the 22nd and 23rd November 2001. A range of issues were discussed including:
An "in principle" agreement was reached to embark on a more co-ordinated approach to delegate training and to take a more aggressive stance against those companies which do little to ensure compliance in the industry. A full report and strategy document will be prepared by the Labor Council, and the ACTU Organising Centre for the consideration of the Building and Construction Unions in 2002. Non ComplianceNon compliance by contractors on major government contracts continued to be a major problem for building and construction unions during 2001. Unlike the strict adherence by builders to ensure compliance during Olympic construction, the State Government has taken a much more hands-off approach. This has lead to many contractors not complying with payroll tax, WorkCover and basic award/agreement requirements. Labor Council and affiliates have brought examples to the Government's attention and a commitment was given by the Premier in October 2001 to investigate a "whole of government approach" to the issue. This matter will be a priority area for Labor Council and the building and construction unions during 2002. Hindu Temple Helensburgh DisputeThe Hindu Temple Dispute at Helensburgh involving seven stonemasons from India took centre stage in the media for several weeks. Labor Council, the Construction, Forestry, Mining & Energy Union, and the South Coast Labor Council assisted these overseas workers to claim thousands of dollars in back-pay and other conditions. The dispute, which saw the stonemasons being paid as little as $300.00 a month and living in illegal sub-standard accommodation, highlighted the inadequacies of the Federal Government's Temporary Work Visa Scheme. Chris played an important role in assisting the Construction, Forestry, Mining & Energy Union and the Temple Management reach an out of court settlement. Department of Public Works and Services Goods And Service Procurement AgreementAt the end of 2001 Chris on behalf of Labor Council and its affiliates had successfully secured a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on industrial relations issues as it relates to government contracts with companies who provide goods and services. The Memorandum deals with contractor's obligations to abide by all employment related law including awards, agreements, payroll tax, superannuation etc. The Memorandum of Understanding recognises the rights of union activity and provides procedures to deal with non-complying employers. Chris will co-ordinate union activity regarding the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding. Organising CommitteeChris has assisted during the year with the operation of the Organising Committee. The Labor Council will be reviewing the operation and structure of the Organising Committee in the new year with a view to encouraging more affiliate driven activity. There will be a particular focus on rural and regional organising strategies and supporting those unions who wish to engage in genuine organising and campaigning strategies, which increase rank and file involvement. Federal Election CampaignAs part of Labor Council's campaign activities, Chris liaised with party officers on a range of issues including our "Ripped Off" industrial relations launch and worked on the campaign in the seat of Macarthur. Secure EmploymentChris co-ordinated the development of a draft clause on secure employment for use by affiliates. Whilst the Labor Council has contemplated a Test Case on this issue, the officers have come to the conclusion that the issue should be firstly addressed in the public sector first where prima-facie evidence from both the Public Service Association and NSW Teachers' Federation would suggest wholesale use of temporaries, casuals and labour hire companies is common across public sector departments. Olympic Games ProjectThe book "The Collaborative Games" was launched on the first anniversary of the Olympic Games. Chris assisted the project team who wrote the story. The book was launched by Premier Bob Carr and demonstrates without a doubt the significant contribution made by the Trade Union Movement to win, construct and operate the best ever Games. Labor Council's contribution was recognised by the Government earlier this year for our role in the Olympics when Chris, on behalf of the Labor Council of New South Wales, was appointment to the board of the new Sydney Olympic Park Authority. Other ResponsibilitiesChris continues to play an active role on the following bodies: -
Alison Peters, Deputy Assistant Secretary - Community
Affairs
Alison is responsible for building and maintaining alliances with a wide variety of community organisations and groups. Such links are important to ensure that the union movement's message is conveyed broadly throughout our communities and to build a positive environment upon which unions can organise and grow. This work involves addressing meetings, participating in forums, attendance at events as well as having discussions with a wide variety of community groups and organisations. Alison has also convened meetings of the NSW Alliance which is made up of a number of peak organisations representing community based organisations, disability services, environment groups and lobby groups. The NSW Alliance is a forum for the exchange of information and ideas and to develop campaigns around issues of common concern. Alison has also provided advice and assistance to affiliates about working with community groups in their campaigns. InternationalAlison has co-ordinated Labor Council's efforts in support of the international campaign opposing the use of forced labour by the Burmese military regime. In an unprecedented resolution the International Labor Organisation (ILO) has called on business and governments to cease providing support in the form of trade or aid to Burma while the practice of forced labour continues. Unions world-wide have taken action to ensure companies cease trade in or with Burma. Labor Council worked with Fairwear on the "Support Breasts Not Dictators" campaign, which resulted in Triumph International (Australia) a major producer of women's underwear ceasing placing orders from their factory in Burma for the Australian market. The campaign against the use of forced labour in Burma will continue in 2002. Other international campaigns that Alison has been involved with on behalf of Labor Council include Papua New Guinea, Malaysia and Columbia. These have involved making representations on behalf of activists who have had their rights infringed in those countries as well as raising awareness of the issues with NSW unions. These campaigns illustrate the increasing importance of unionists working globally and not just locally in organising workers. Alison has also spoken with delegations from Papua New Guinea, China, Japan and the USA about Labor Council and its activities. DiscriminationDuring the year Alison worked with the Anti Discrimination Board (ADB) to develop a set of guidelines for union workplace delegates about discrimination matters. This document will be a valuable tool in helping workplace activists understand their obligations under various anti discrimination laws as well how they can work towards fairer, discrimination free workplaces. The guidelines will be complimented by a training program. Working on this project has enhanced the level of understanding and co-operation between the union movement and ADB. Women's CommitteeLabor Council Women's Committee is convened by Alison and meets every two months. The major issues discussed by the Committee during the year were paid maternity leave and work and family issues. Unions have made significant breakthroughs recently in extending the provision of paid maternity leave to women in local government and higher education. However, Australia remains one of only two developed nations (the other is the USA) who do not have a universal scheme of paid maternity leave. Alison has been working with affiliates, academics, women's groups and the ACTU Women's Committee to develop and implement a campaign to extend paid maternity leave to all women workers. This issue was also raised with Pru Goward who addressed the Women's Committee on her priorities as the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, particularly as they affect working women. Other responsibilitiesAlison has also co-ordinated a range of rallies and events including several rallies in support of the sacked Ansett workers and the union movement's participation in the Mardi Gras Parade and Fair Day. Alison is also a member of the organising committee for the Workers Out! Second World Conference of Lesbian and Gay Trade Unionists, which will be held in Sydney in late 2002. Alison is on the following Boards and Committees: -
Michael Gadiel, Deputy Assistant Secretary -
Industrial
In 2001 Michael was elected unopposed as Deputy Assistant Secretary. In his new role he continued with his duties in the rail industry, State Transit, training policy, the Internet and information technology. RailRail Industry Re-structureIn response to the recommendations of the McInerney Inquiry, the NSW government amalgamated Rail Services Australia (RSA) and the Rail Access Corporation (RAC) to form the Rail Infrastructure Corporation (RIC). In implementing the recommendations of the inquiry the rail entities embarked on a wide-ranging organisational cultural change program. The Labor Council and rail unions sought to maximise their input into the rail reform program. To assist in this process Labor Councilu retained the services of Dr Daryll Hull of The University of New South Wales and The Productive Edge consulting group. Daryll was the author of the RTBU's publication "Back on Track - Managing Rail Maintenance in the New South Wales Rail Network". In 2001, Dr. Hull worked with the Labor Council, the rail unions, the Office of the Coordinator General of Rail (OCGR), RIC and SRA through the Change Management Steering Committee, which has been the overseeing committee in the change management process. Labor Council has been able to gain the government's agreement to move away from management models based on contestability and outsourcing. In particular the government has agreed that; "Contestability and Outsourcing should not be used to drive cost efficiencies through the rail business". Rail Infrastructure Corporation is engaged in combining the business units of the former RSA and RAC into a single structure. The Labor Council will play an ongoing monitoring role in this process. State Rail Authority (SRA)Labor Council's main activities in the State Rail Authority throughout 2001, other than the handling of day-to-day disputes, focused around facilitation of discussions between unions and management in the development of new policies and procedures governing a wide cross section of the organisations activities. In fulfilling Labor Council's role in the rail industry dispute settlement procedure, Michael assisted in the resolution of numerous disputes including; Wyong Revenue Protection, ticket booths, rostering of leave, use of temporary employees, clearance and cash payment of public holidays and implementation of a 19-day month, as well as a number of individual grievances. Labor Council, rail unions and the State Rail Authority at the end of 2001 commenced preliminary discussions for the next enterprise agreement. These discussions will continue in 2002, which will hopefully result in wage increases for employees. Rail Infrastructure CorporationMichael was involved in the Rail Infrastructure Corporation re-structuring process through the Change Management Steering Committee, and assisted with the Cat 1/Cat 2 issue with respect to the allocation of overtime. Michael, with the assistance of Labor Council Officer Mark Morey, co-ordinated the single bargaining unit for the negotiations for the 2002 Enterprise Agreement. The Labor Council, in conjunction with the Rail unions, put together a comprehensive claim, which was put to management at the start of the Enterprise Agreement discussions. These negotiations will continue in 2002. FreightCorpMichael chaired the negotiations for the FreightCorp Enterprise Agreement. The agreement was registered and provides for a four percent increase over one year. The agreement contains the post sale employment package negotiated between the Labor Council, Rail Unions and the NSW Government. Features of the package include three years employment protection with salary maintenance, a transitional payment to every employee on sale and a voluntary redundancy package of four weeks wages for every year of service. The agreement also entrenches a range of conditions supported by custom and practice such as union right of entry, recognition of union delegates and protective clothing. Rail Industry Award SimplificationLabor Council was involved the Award Simplification process for the five Federal Awards that apply in the NSW rail industry. The process is ongoing, however it is of significant long-term importance to the rail unions that employment conditions are not undermined. State TransitIn 2001 Michael continued to maintain responsibility for the State Transit Authority, which primarily consisted of his role as the mediator in disputes under the Dispute Settlement Procedure. Such disputes included driver authorities, enforcement of bus lanes, maintenance rosters, ticket booths, overcrowding and contracting out of maintenance functions. HealthMichael assisted the Electrical Trades Union of Australia, the Health and Research Employees' Association of NSW and the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Unions in a dispute involving a proposal to outsource the maintenance function at South Sydney Area Health Service to an external contractor. Michael co-ordinated and assisted the unions in organising a community campaign against the proposal. As a result of the campaign and the lobbying of Craig Knowles, Minister for Health, the proposal was put on hold pending negotiations for a new industrial agreement to operate for the service. Information TechnologyEmail Privacy CampaignLabor Council continued to campaign heavily around email privacy, attracting significant media interest in this matter. With the release of the NSW Governments Law Reform Commission Inquiry into Surveillance, Michael, with assistance of Susan Sheather, will be formulating the Labor Councils response in early 2002. Labor Council OnlineIn 2001 Michael, assisted by Paul Howes, oversaw the re-vamp of the Labor Council's website. Re-named Labor Council Online and located at http://council.labor.net.au the new site now contains an extensive range of material, including circulars, minutes, publications, submissions, events and meetings associated with the Labor Council. The site features a private "union only" area, which is accessible only to affiliated unions - all of whom have been issued with a password. This site now reflects the majority of the Labor Council's activities online. IT Workers AllianceMichael convened the union steering committee overseeing the establishment of the IT Workers Alliance. TrainingCommon Rule Training Wage AwardLate in 2000 Employers First and Australian Business Industrial lodged applications in the NSW Industrial Commission to establish a NSW Common Rule Training Wage award. The effect of this application, had it been granted, would have been to bring all trainee employment arrangements in NSW into line with the National Training Wage Award (NTWA) standard. However the NTWA has not operated as an across the board standard in NSW, but has been adopted by a range of industries. Labor Council opposed the application(s) on the grounds that a range of traineeship arrangements had evolved in NSW over the last seven years that were outside the standard form. In many cases unions had been able to achieve wages and conditions for trainees that were above what is provided for in that NTWA. With the assistance of Industrial Officer Nancy Carl, the matter was substantially resolved in the last weeks of 2001 when the employers agreed to an extensive list of exemptions, in exchange for the Labor Council's consent to the making of the award. There are a number of outstanding areas that are to be heard early in 2002. Committees and Working PartiesMichael continues to contribute to a number of working parties and committees of the Department of Education and Training including the New Apprenticeships Reference Group, the Migrant Skills and Qualifications Committee and the Board of Studies VET Advisory Committee.
Mary Yaager, Workers Compensation and |
| Mary Yaager | |
 | |
| Workers Compensation and Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator |
In 2001, Mary retained her responsibilities for the co-ordination and development of Labor Council's policies on:
In addition to this, Mary also retained the responsibility for co-ordinating organising campaigns in Rural and Regional areas.
Mary played a major role in the campaign of opposition to the Governments Workers Compensation Reforms.
Mary, in consultation with the Workers Compensation Committee, prepared a response paper to the WorkCover Authority's discussion paper, which provided an alternative proposal to that of the Governments. This paper was entitled 'Protecting Injured Workers - A Fairer Alternative'. This proposal was used as the basis of all future discussions and negotiations with the Government. Labor Council's consulting Actuary, David Zaman, provided the costing on the Labor Council's alternative options.
Labor Council also established a Workers Compensation Negotiating and Campaign Committee. The Campaign Committee had responsibility for: -
Mary was also intensely involved with the committee and all of the negotiations with the Government.
Mary co-ordinated and chaired all of the various working parties that were set up early in the dispute as a means of seeking to resolve the crucial issues. The working parties comprised representatives of the Workers Compensation Campaign Committee and were able to gain considerable concessions on a number of the issues. However, there were a number of fundamental issues, which remained unresolved.
During the negotiations, the Government agreed to Labor Council nominating medical specialists onto the Government's working groups who were responsible for developing the new medical assessment guidelines. The Groups were split into five categories and Mary arranged for over 18 medical specialists to represent the Council on these groups. These specialists were selected from the most eminent medical specialists in NSW.
In addition, Mary, with members of the Workers Compensation Committee, prepared a comprehensive submission to the Sheahan Inquiry into Common Law. The submission outlined all of the unions concerns and recommendations in relation to what they viewed as being the most fundamental aspects of a common law scheme for seriously injured workers.
Mary arranged for a delegation to give oral evidence to the Sheahan Inquiry. This delegation was comprised of representatives of the medical profession, a consulting actuary and a number of unions who were on the Labor Council's Workers Compensation Committee.
In 2002 Mary will be establishing a peak Labor Council Monitoring Committee to monitor the Workers' Compensation changes. This Committee will comprise: -
This committee will be responsible for overseeing the impact of the Governments changes to workers compensation, which will commence on 1st January 2002. The Committee will report on all cases where an injured worker has been disadvantaged under the Carr Government's reforms.
Mary continued to represent Labor Council on a number of peak Workers Compensation and Occupational Health and Safety Committees, forums and conferences.
She also represents the Labor Council on a number of the Peak Industry Reference Groups, which are responsible for developing injury prevention and injury management strategies.
The Government established thirteen peak Industry Reference Groups (IRGs) with equal employer and employee representatives. These groups are responsible for the development of industry specific Occupational Health and Safety codes of practice, guidance material and return-to-work strategies.
Mary and union representatives have been able to initiate the following: -
Development of easy to follow guides such as:
Mary continued to have carriage of rural organising with Labor Council Officer, Mark Morey. Both Mary and Mark conducted a number of forums and workshops in rural locations. Mary and Mark are developing a strategic plan targeting the rural sector in conjunction with the Labor Council's Organising Committee. The draft plan was presented to the Committee at the last meeting of 2001. The rural organising campaigns will commence in February 2002.
Part of the plan will be to visit a number of major rural locations in 2002 and campaign around issues, which are important to the unions and the local community. Labor Council will conduct workshops on campaigning and organising for the local organisers and delegates. We will meet with all the local community leaders and try to establish important links and structures, which can be left in place.
Mary prepared a submission with the Labor Council Occupational Health and Safety Committee representatives on the changes to the new Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Government accepted the majority of recommendations. The new Act was passed by both Houses of Parliament and came into effect in September 2001.
The new Act makes provision for a "Duty to Consult". Employers who fail to consult with their employees will be prosecuted. The Act also provides for the establishment of Occupational Health and Safety Representatives as well as Occupational Health and Safety Committees.
The Government released Version 2 (revised draft no 2) of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and Labor Council had to respond by the end of January 2001.
Mary, in consultation with Labor Council's Occupational Health and Safety and Workers Compensation Committee, prepared a comprehensive submission in response to the Government's draft.
The Government met with Mary and members of the Committee and agreed to establish a number of working parties to work through the issues of concern, which were raised in Labor Council's submission.
The Government addressed all of the concerns raised by Labor Council and the unions and signed off on the revised third version of the Draft Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001.
The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation came into effect on the 1st September 2001.
A number of briefing kits and notes were prepared by Mary on all of the changes to workers compensation throughout 2001.
Mary will be producing a comprehensive kit on the changes to Workers Compensation and Occupational Health and Safety in 2002. This kit will include comprehensive overheads, speakers and background notes. It will be available in both hard and electronic versions.
The NSW Government held a Drug Summit in May 1999. One of the initiatives arising out of the Summit was a joint venture between the NSW Government, Labor Council and Unions to pilot drug and alcohol workplace training, targeted at Supervisors, Human Resource Managers and others in key Occupational Health and Safety roles. Labor Council has established a peak project management committee that developed policy guidelines and is working towards developing a training package.
The Department of Health's Centre for Education and Information on Drugs and Alcohol (CEIDA) agreed to fund a project to turn the Guidelines into easily understood fact sheets in order to progress the project. A Kit will be launched by Labor Council in February 2002.
Mary has continued to assist and convene the Labor Council's YouthSafe Committee. In association with the Committee, Mary has developed:
The NSW Teachers Federation (NSWTF) and the NSW/ACT Independent Education Union (IEU) were involved in the development of the kit and associated materials.
The Kit comprises classroom activity based lessons and relevant material for students such as, information cards, stickers and leaflets, which also provide information about unions.
As part of a WorkCover grant project, Labor Council established an Occupational Health and Safety Internet Site to sit alongside LaborNET. There is also a dedicated section for young workers and Council has developed an interactive site for high school and TAFE students located at http://ohs.labor.net.au
In 2001 Mary represented Labor Council on the following boards and committees: -
| 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.
Ernie 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.
2001 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 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: -
| Nancy Carl | |
 | |
| Industrial Officer |
Nancy Carl joined the Labor Council team on 24th September 2001 after her seven years with the Police Association.
Whilst employed by the Police Association, Nancy was heavily involved in the workers compensation campaign. She was a member of the Labor Council team appointed to negotiate with the Government on the changes to the scheme.
Nancy was one of the presenters on the Labor Council SKY Channel Broadcast from Sydney Town Hall. Nancy spoke about the impact of the changes on psychological and psychiatric injuries.
Subsequent to joining the Labor Council she continued to assist Mary Yaager in negotiations with Government including lobbying politicians, drafting amendments and explaining the impact of the reforms to members of the union movement.
Nancy remains involved with workers compensation and will continue to assist Mary Yaager including preparing and presenting a "Train the Trainer" information package for union officials.
Since joining the Labor Council as an Industrial Officer Nancy has assisted other Labor Council Officers with various matters including the Common Rule Training Wage Award.
Nancy assisted Deputy Assistant Secretary Michael Gadiel with research and negotiation in relation to this matter and appeared at the hearing of the matter before the President, His Honour Mr Justice Wright, in the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW.
Nancy was provided with the opportunity of assisting Deputy Assistant Secretary Chris Christodoulou with the resolution of a dispute, which threatened to impact on the opening of the M5 East project.
The dispute related to the underpayment of wages by a sub-contractor of the RTA and the matter was satisfactorily resolved before the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW.
Nancy assisted Assistant Secretary Mark Lennon with writing the Labor Council's submission regarding the review of the Industrial Relations Act. Nancy will remain involved in this matter and will represent affiliates of the Labor Council during negotiations with the Government in relation to this review.
Nancy is preparing for the commencement of the hearing of this matter before the Commission on 6 March 2002. Nancy will assist the Council's lawyers in this matter.
Nancy will be providing assistance to Deputy Assistant Chris Christodoulou with the hearing of the State Wage Case 2002, which is listed to commence in the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW on 20th May 2002. Nancy is currently undertaking background research in order for the Council to be fully prepared for the hearing of this important matter.
Nancy will be further developing her relationships with affiliates during 2002.
| Peter Lewis | |
 | |
| Media Officer |
Media Officer Peter Lewis has continued to assist Officers interact with the mainstream media as well as maintaining the trade union movement's own voice through LaborNet and Workers Online.
During 2001 the Labor Council ran many campaigns to support the organising activities of affiliates. The highlight was undoubtedly the campaign for workers compensation entitlements, where Peter worked with affiliates to dominate the media with targeted industrial action and activity. He also coordinated the online campaign around workers compensation, which included a massive email assault that led to the Parliament House server blocking incoming emails.
Workers Online has now completed its third year, passing 100 issues in June, an occasion marked by a commemorative book - 'The Ship of Tools' published by Pluto Press. It has become compulsory reading within the labour movement and is syndicated to more than a dozen trade union websites. Peter is working to secure the long-term future of Workers Online by extending the network of contributors to the publication in 2002.
Peter has also played a leading role in the development of Labor Council's two big online initiatives for 2001. The IT Workers Alliance, which he will be further developing to make it a hub of information for workers in the IT industry who may have little experience of unionism. He will also be assisting the further development of Bosswatch which, as previously stated is an ambitious project to build a corporate database of information about Australia's major companies and allow workers to track the interests of directors and shareholders.
Throughout the year Peter also maintained a network of Media Officers from across the movement, who met regularly to share ideas, develop strategies and co-ordinate the messages coming out of the NSW trade union movement. He also assisted affiliates and the ACTU to distil their messages in the lead-up to the November federal election.
| Paul Howes | |
 | |
| Organising & Research Assistant |
Paul assisted Deputy Assistant Secretary Chris Christodoulou, in conducting the May 2001 State Wage Case. Paul assisted affiliates on a number of key Industrial issues including numerous Section 19 reviews in early 2001, several State Wage Case adjustments and various disputes.
Paul also assisted Secretary John Robertson and Deputy Assistant Secretary Chris Christodoulou in the construction industry with the passage of numerous Project Awards in the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW.
During 2001 Paul was appointed to the NSW Government Clothing Outworkers Entitlements Taskforce. The taskforce involved the Labor Council, NSW Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), NSW WorkCover Authority, the Textile, Clothing & Footwear Union and the NSW Minister for Industrial Relations.
The taskforce aimed to investigate the levels of non-compliance in the Clothing Industry and develop policies and strategies to ensure a high level of compliance in the future.
A major part of the taskforce involved implementing a program of inspections; education and compliance work with fashion houses, clothing manufacturers and outworkers. Paul was a member of a three-person inspection team with a WorkCover Inspector and a DIR Multi-Lingual Inspector.
As a part of this team Paul was on the road three days a week for several months undertaking an ambitious schedule of workplace inspections across the Greater Sydney Metropolitan area.
In 2001 Paul took over as the officer responsible for International Affairs.
Throughout 2001 Paul was responsible for receiving delegations, from Rengo -Tokyo (Japan), Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, Hangzhou City Labour Union (China), Zhejiang Federation of Trade Unions (China), Zhejiang Labour Department (China), Guandong Federation of Trade Unions (China) and a delegation of Young American Political Leaders through the Australian Political Exchange Council.
Paul represented Labor Council on the Enterprise & Career Education Foundation, the NSW Department of Education & Training, the GROW Training and Education Advisory Committee, and the NSW Board of Vocational Education and Training Curriculum Advisory Committee. Paul is also an alternate Director of the Property Services Industry Training Advisory Board NSW Pty. Ltd.
Following the successful 'Organising Young Workers' Forum in February, Labor Council has established a Young Union Officials Network that met several times in 2001. The Young Union Officials Network is currently planning a union presence at the Sydney University Orientation Weeks and organising the "Unions NSW" stall at the 2002 Big Day Out.
Paul organised the union presence at the 2001 Big Day Out where over 60 young people applied to join a union.
Paul also represented Labor Council on the ACTU Youth Committee.
Throughout 2001 Paul assisted Peter Lewis with the production of Workers Online each week.
Along with Deputy Assistant Secretary Michael Gadiel, Paul was involved in the Project Management of the new Labor Council Online website.
Paul was appointed Campaign Director of the ALP's campaign in the NSW Central Coast seat of Robertson.
| Mark Morey | |
 | |
| Productive Diversity Officer |
Productive diversity is a way of valuing the cultural diversity within the Australian community. It is a way of increasing the utilisation of overseas gained skills and qualifications in the workplace in order to provide additional benefits to individuals, the broader community and industry. Productive diversity provides a framework from which unions can develop organising strategies to target specific cultural groups within a workplace in a meaningful and culturally appropriate manner. The Department of Education and Training funds the Productive Diversity Project.
Labor Council's Special Project Officer, Mark Morey continued to work in the four priority areas, research, training, change management and information and promotion, identified for 2001. The main achievements of the project in 2001r included:
Mark completed a demographic profile of non-English speaking background
(NESB) workers and union members across NSW. The report from this project
entitled
Non-English Speaking Background Workers and Union Membership in
New South Wales is available from
Labor Council.
A training package for unions and organisers entitled Intercultural Skills and Competencies for Union Organisers was finalised and will provide the basis for training to be provided by Labor Council in 2002. This training package is to be used in conjunction with the resource kit Organising for Productive Diversity which was developed by the project in 2000.
A working group was established to investigate the possible expansion of a Community Language Allowance into appropriate state awards. In conjunction with the Community Relations Commission, a proposal was developed to establish a working party consisting of the Premier's Department, the Community Relations Commission and the Labor Council. The proposal was sent to the Premier and is currently before the Minister for Industrial Relations.
Mark developed a generic pamphlet that answers a variety of questions Non-English Speaking Background (NESB) workers often ask about unions. The pamphlet has been translated into the following languages, Hindi, Italian, Burmese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic, Filipino and Korean. The pamphlets are available to be downloaded from the Labor Council website http://council.labor.net.au/community/bysubject_index.html by unions for distribution to current and potential members. The pamphlet will be translated into additional languages in the future.
The NESB Union Network continued to meet throughout 2001 providing a reference point for the broader project. The Network also helped in the development of contacts between unions and community-based organisations. The Network had a number of guest speakers from a variety of organisations including the Asylum Seekers Centre, the NSW Refugee Health Unit and Australian Business Limited.
Mark also assisted in the organisation and re-launching of the Productive Diversity Network held on the 16th August 2001. The Network is a joint initiative between the Premier's Department, Australian Business Limited (ABL) and the Labor Council. The aim of the Productive Diversity Network is to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, information and experiences in relation to the improved recognition and utilisation of overseas-gained skills, qualifications and experience of migrants.
Mark was also involved in a number of other initiatives including:
| Susan Sheather | |
 | |
| Organising Assistant |
Susan Sheather was employed as Labor Council's Organising Assistant in April 2001. As well as assisting other officers with organising activities, Susan has provided technical support and computer training to officers and staff as required, troubleshooting in computer hardware/software as well as programming of other office machinery.
Susan assisted in upgrading the Labor Council computer systems, which involved implementing the Labor Council broadband internet connection.
Susan spent a large portion of her time assisting with the maintenance of the Labor Council's websites. Her duties include:
Susan maintained the shop as a distribution point for affiliates during various union campaigns including the Workers Compensation and the Ansett campaigns.
Susan ensured the shop remained a vibrant union resource, which was regularly used as a centre where union officials had meetings, made telephone calls, undertook industrial research and had access to copy or fax materials.
The shop also continued to be a contact point for union members and the general public. Inquiries about workers rights via the union hotline and over the counter have resulted in numerous new union members who were referred to an appropriate union.
Since April over 200 referrals have been made to affiliates.
Susan was also responsible for data collection at Labor Council. She has ensured that privacy and security standards have been maintained.
With Special Projects Officer, Mark Morey, Susan co-ordinated the Labor Council stall at the Auburn Employment Information Day. The day was a success with a number of affiliates also involved. The stall provided general and specific information about unions to a variety of workers entering the workforce from a range of backgrounds including: young people, migrants who were recent arrivals and people entering the workforce from employment programs.
Susan provided resources and supported a range of affiliate campaigns on behalf of Labor Council, which included the Hiroshima Day march, One.Tel workers rally outside the Industrial Relations Commission, and Ansett rallies at the Ansett Terminal, Sydney Airport.
Susan represented Labor Council on a funding panel with the Department of Education and Training for Industry Training Advisory Boards for training projects. The role of the panel was to appropriately fund projects, which aimed to: -
Susan also sat on a panel of judges for the Trainee of the Year award. This award is given yearly to a trainee who has not only gained valuable working experience and training through the traineeship but has also developed as a person during the training process.
As previously stated, in conjunction with Labor Council's Occupational Health and Safety Officer, Mary Yaager, Susan was involved in a collaborative project with the Premiers Department, NSW Department of Health, Employers First, and the Federated Municipal and Shire Council Employees' Union as well as other unions developing guidelines for managing alcohol and other drug use in the workplace. The project arose out of recommendations from the NSW Drug Summit in 1999 due to a distinct lack of guidelines on how to appropriately manage alcohol and drug use in the workplace. The main focus of the project from Labor Council's perspective was on safety for workers and ensuring their rights were protected.
Susan drafted a number of responses and submissions for Labor Council, specifically, on the issues of surveillance in the employment context and on the new Federal Draft Privacy Codes of Conduct being implemented, in particular, with regard to issues in the workplace.
Susan has also assisted other officers with research on topics including training wage awards and casual loadings.
Susan presented a paper to a Youth Action Policy Association conference on how trade unions assist young people and employment policies in Australia.
She was also involved in the Young Union Officials Network which primarily runs campaigns aimed at looking at young workers issues and recruiting young union members as well as raising awareness among young people on the role of unions in the workplace.
Susan represented Labor Council at the ACTU Women's Committee in Melbourne in September. She also presented a paper on the NSW Equal Pay Principle at a committee meeting.
| Neale Towart | |
 | |
| Librarian |
Neale has been developing the Information Centre as a resource centre and "clearinghouse". Union members can access or be guided to the vast array of industrial, political and social material available electronically. Speed of information retrieval has been considerably enhanced.
Books, journals, newsletters and magazines play a central part in the way the information centre is used. Electronic information sources have made it possible to quickly access a wider array of material than would previously have been available in the library. The Internet and in particular LaborNet and Workers' Online have made it possible to disseminate the information widely and quickly. Neale produces Labour Review, a fortnightly summary of the industrial, occupational health and safety, personnel management, workers' compensation, economics and statistics and other union related information received at Labor Council. Labour Review is published on the Labor Council's own website at http://council.labor.net.au/ and in Workers' Online. General background information on economic and social issues of interest to unionists is included in the newsletter.
Federal and State legislation and court decisions are now generally available on line, as are federal and state industrial decisions and agreements. Internationally, legislation and case law is also published in this way.
The International Labour Office, many occupational health and safety organisations and most state and federal government departments carry a great deal of information on their web sites which are important for industrial relations practitioners. The value of the information centre to unions is the experience developed in techniques of searching for this information and distilling it into usable chunks.
University Research Centres such as the Monash National Key Centre in Industrial Relations (NKCIR), the School of Industrial Relations and Organisational Behaviour (IROB) at the University of NSW, the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM) at University of Canberra, and the Australian Centre for Industrial Relations Research and Training (ACIRRT) at the University of Sydney produce useful working papers on industrial issues. The union movement is going through a lean time, and having access to wide-ranging research developments is invaluable. Part of the Information Centre's role is to make sure unionists are aware of and can respond to social research.
Neale has regularly helped track down useful enterprise bargaining clauses and precedents via the web and CCH industrial law services. These are ongoing issues and Neale's work on Labour Review tracking industrial developments is crucial in ensuring agreements Labor Council officers are involved in negotiating are the on track with all recent developments in industrial law.
The Internet provides access to overseas papers of value. This was exemplified in research for the upcoming union dues test case on the rights of unions to collect fees and have recognition in workplaces. Many overseas examples of legislation and summaries of rights throughout Europe and North America were online. The web and email also enabled quick access to experts in this area in North America. The International Labour Organisation has terrific information if you can find your way around their enormous web collection. It also has been helpful in accessing information on international labour rights. Very pertinent to current campaigns against practices in Burma for example. The Labor Council's Bosswatch site will also find this useful as it develops its corporate watch profiles.
The development of http://www.labor.net.au as a more broad ranging interactive resource has been a significant feature this year. Much of Neale's time and knowledge comes from researching answers to questions asked by users of the AskNeale section where workers and students can ask questions about work and unions. Responses usually are within a few days. This helps workers and also provides a potential organising tool as workers from non-organised workplaces contact us and we can let them know about unions and also let unions know of possible organising opportunities. Answers to questions that have broad interest are posted on the site and over 120 have so far been placed on the site, but many more have been answered. The Help Desk of the new IT Workers Alliance also has a question and answer section. The Labor Council's own site has been revamped to include front-page access to Labour Review.
Neale has established stronger connections with Trade Union Training Authority (TUTA) in purchasing material on organising and union issues. The development of an organising resources collection within the library for city-based organisers and TUTA staff is the aim. The Information Centre's legal resources and excellent supply of background information on trade union history, organising strategies, community/union links and occupational health and safety information will be developed with the assistance of the organising expertise of TUTA. The focus on organising will also be assisted by the Information Centre partially focussing the fortnightly Labour Review on successes in organising strategies around the world.
Our book collection will continue to expand in other ways via scholarly publishing on union history, economic and social conditions and political developments. Despite alarm calls, books are far from redundant and maintaining the library as an important resource for labour and industrial relations researchers, students and activists is a priority.
Neale has been using the historical collections for articles on Workers' Online this year. What goes around comes around and old pamphlets and events strangely mirror current events. We have also been buying historical materials for the library, with second hand and new materials adding to the depth of our collection.
Each year affiliated unions are given the opportunity to nominate individuals worthy of recognition to receive a Labor Council Scroll of Honour.
Each year at the Labor Council Annual General Meeting these awards are presented, in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the trade union movement.
In 2001 Scrolls were awarded to:
