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 About Us  About Unions NSWAbout UnionsWho's WhoInformation Centre What's Going On? Annual Reports    
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The Secretary, John
Robertson
2003 saw many affiliates of the Labor Council grow their membership. Those unions that did grow their membership did so by targeting their resources in many of the key growth sectors of the economy. The very areas where unions must make inroads if we are to ensure the future viability of the movement. However a reminder of the challenges that lie before the union movement was the release of ABS statistics that recorded a decline in the level of union density in New South Wales and nationally. This continuing decline in union density is of concern to both the Labor Council and its affiliated unions. The obvious need to turn this around and organise workers into unions continued to focus and drive the agenda of the Labor Council throughout 2003. The Labor Council has recognised that in addition to the need to organise, there is a need to build a union movement that is united and supports any union that is under attack from a hostile employer or hostile government. Throughout 2003 the Labor Council has sought to ensure that factional alignments are not impediments to its activities of supporting and organising workers into unions. The Labor Council continued to assist affiliates introducing new strategies to achieve real growth in membership through the implementation of approaches that empower and activate members of their unions and the community. The assistance of the Labor Council of NSW, through its officers and their activities, is detailed in the body of the report. OrganisingThe Labor Council has adopted the practice of looking for organising opportunities in all the areas it has involvement and interaction with its affiliates. In 2003 the Labor Council continued to underwrite the operations of the ACTU Organising Centre Sydney office in a number of ways, including the provision of office accommodation in the Labor Council building. In addition, the Labor Council continued to develop a closer working relationship with the officers and staff of the Organising Centre. One of the successes of 2003 was the establishment of TUEF, The Union Education Foundation. The Labor Council was closely involved in the establishment of TUEF with the ACTU and assisted in successful approaches to the New South Wales Government for the provision of a one off funding grant of $3 million. New South Wales was the first state to receive funding from a state government. Similar approaches have been made by the ACTU in the other states. Victoria is the only other state to have provided a similar level of commitment. TUEF’s objectives are to provide delegates with education and training in the key areas of organising and activating workers on issues in the workplace. TUEF has a board comprising of various representatives from the union movement, including the Labor Council of NSW Secretary, and representatives from business. In each of the states, TUEF also has an oversight committee comprising of representatives of the Labor Council and the ACTU Organising Centre. In New South Wales the Labor Council representatives are the Assistant Secretary, Mark Lennon, and the Director of Organising, Adam Kerslake. The Labor Council was a co-sponsor with the ACTU, of the second Australasian Organising Conference held in May 2003. The Secretary was one of three keynote speakers at the conference. All the officers of the Labor Council attended the three day conference and a number of them presented in the workshops. In 2003 the Labor Council held the second Delegates Conference on Occupational Health and Safety. The Conference was held at the Sydney Exhibition and Convention Centre at Darling Harbour. Delegates from the majority of Labor Council affiliates participated, with over 600 in attendance. Each delegate was given a copy of the UnionSafe manual entitled “All You Need To Know... A complete guide to Occupational Health & Safety ". The conference was attended by the Premier, the Honourable Bob Carr MP, who presented a number of delegates with certificates for outstanding achievements in occupational health and safety in their workplace. The conference was also attended by the Minster for Industrial Relations, the Honourable John Della Bosca MLC, who launched the Labor Council’s Occupational Health & Safety Delegates Rights Charter. The conference provided the delegates with the opportunity to exchange ideas on how to organise and activate their work colleagues around occupational health and safety. Political BriefingsIn 2003 the Labor Council commenced regular briefings for New South Wales ALP backbench MPs. Briefings were conducted during the year on issues of importance to the trade union movement in New South Wale, which were to be considered by the New South Wales Government. Issues discussed included the Labor Council’s Secure Employment Test Case and the introduction of industrial manslaughter charges. The briefings also provided an opportunity for dialogue on other significant issues between the political and industrial wings of Labor. The Labor Council also commenced regularly corresponding with ALP branches during 2003. This provided an opportunity for ALP branch members to receive information on the current activities of the union movement in New South Wales. It also allowed for the development of a closer relationship between rank and file ALP members and the trade union movement. Trades HallThe planning for the refurbishment of the Trades Hall continued through 2003. The proposed plans were finalised and a Development Application was lodged with the Sydney City Council in December 2003. It is anticipated that the Sydney City Council will deal with the Development Application in February 2004 and, subject to approval, work will commence in March 2004. The refurbishment of the Trades Hall will ensure the significant heritage value of the building is maintained and enhanced for future generations of trade unionists and the broader community. It is anticipated the refurbishment will take approximately 15 months to complete. RalliesIn 2003 the Labor Council supported and assisted a number of rallies organised by affiliates including:
May DayAs part of the 2003 May Day activities, the Labor Council sponsored a poster competition looking for designs that reflected the value of being a union member, promoted an image of modern unionism and showed an active, vibrant and broad membership base. Over 50 entries of a high standard were received, reflecting on a range of the criteria. The winner was Kayti O’Sullivan from the Public Service Association. Her entry had four posters, all with varying themes of why union membership was important in workplaces of the 21st century. Regional ActivitiesIn July 2003 Northern Regional Industrial Officer, Ernie Razborsek passed away. Ernie made a significant contribution to the activities of both the Labor Council of NSW and, more recently, as Assistant Secretary of the Newcastle Trades Hall Council. His passing was a huge loss to the Labor Council, Newcastle Trades Hall Council and the broader trade union movement in the Hunter Region and northern New South Wales. Ernie was replaced in October 2003 by Peter McPherson who has taken up the position of Northern Regional Industrial Officer for the Labor Council and was elected unopposed as Assistant Secretary of the Newcastle Trades Hall Council. Peter was an organiser with the Electrical Trades Union in Newcastle and Sydney before commencing with the Labor Council. During 2003, discussions continued with the South Coast Labour Council regarding a closer working relationship and integration. At the end of 2003, agreement had been reached on proposed rule changes that would provide for recognition of the South Coast Labour Council as a Regional Branch Council of the Labor Council of NSW. The proposed rule changes will be considered at the respective organisation’s Annual General Meetings in early 2004. The proposed rule changes, if adopted, will provide greater co-operation and increased resources for the union movement within the area of operation of the South Coast Labour Council. The proposal also ensures there is autonomy for local matters to be dealt with by the South Coast Labour Council. Community ActivitiesThe Labor Council continued to build and enhance its links with community organisations during 2003. It is an important part of the union renewal process for the union movement to be actively involved in the broader community. Developing this is a role the Labor Council has undertaken with a great deal of vigor in recent years, looking to develop a broad network in the community. The Labor Council developed a closer working relationship with the disability sector during 2003. The Labor Council worked with disability advocacy groups to host the inaugural Workers With A Disability Conference. This led to the formation of the Workers With A Disability Alliance, which brought together legal groups, disability advocacy groups and unions who represent workers with a disability. The aim of the Alliance is to improve the rights and status of workers with a disability. The Labor Council assisted the NSW Teachers Federation with their community campaign against the introduction of TAFE fees. The campaign included protests at TAFE campuses, parliamentary briefings and community forums. It also succeeded in having the NSW Government reintroduce course exemptions for disadvantaged students.
The Labor Council was an integral part of the Walk Against the War coalition, a group of 65 leading community organisations. The Labor Council also developed a union campaign for peace that was rolled out in workplaces across the state. The work of the Labor Council, as a part of the Walk Against the War coalition, culminated in the largest ever rally in Sydney which was attended by over 300,000 people. The participation of the Labor Council in this campaign built strong relationships between the union movement in New South Wales and many key community groups. The Labor Council was also involved in the Save Medicare campaign during 2003. International SolidarityIn 2003 the Labor Council continued to assist Polisario, the group leading the struggle for self-determination in Western Sahara against the Moroccan Government. Polisario is represented in Australia. The Labor Council continued its support for human rights and the re-establishment of democracy in Burma. As part of continued support, the Labor Council maintained the provision of office accommodation to the Burmese. In February 2003 a delegation from Rengo Tokyo attended the Labor Council’s Annual General Meeting and continued the strengthening of the fraternal relationship that has existed for many years between the two organisations. During 2003 the Labor Council hosted visits by Amy Dean from the South Bay Labor Council and Marilyn Shneiderman, two of the leading U.S. trade unionists. The visit provided an opportunity to share experiences and exchange views on what is required to achieve growth and power for unions and their members. During the visit, Amy Dean participated in a half day seminar with all affiliates on the experiences of the South Bay Labor Council. She discussed the issues they are confronting and the strategies they have developed to overcome many of the challenges confronting the union movement in South Bay and the U.S. Both Amy and Marilyn provided many ideas that could be applied in New South Wales.
Finances
The results for the year to 30th June 2003 reflect the acquisition of the shares in the Trades Hall Association Ltd The Management Account continued to be subsidised by the Property Account and the Wireless Committee. In the Management Account, Sustentation Fees decreased by $14,530.00. Total income was $121,460.00 higher than the previous year due to an increase in trade union directory income and directors fees. Expenditure increased by $247,621.00 due mainly to employee wage increases. The Property Account income increased by $182,316.00 and expenditure decreased by $140,113.00. The total surplus for the year was $1,136,114.00. The Wireless Committee income was $496,622.00 higher than the previous year of $1,837,469.00. This is due mainly to the return from a managed fund investment. Expenditure is $442,954.00 above the previous year due to increased legal costs of $111,380.00 and an increase in property expenses of $264,976.00. The Currawong Account recorded a deficit of $242,169.00 for the year. Income from rentals was down $78,498.00 and expenditure of $389,208.00 was $151,580.00 higher than last year. The Trades Hall Association Ltd recorded a net loss for the six months to 30thJune 2003 of $297,314.00 as a result of the activities associated with the refurbishment of the Trades Hall. AffiliationsIn 2003 the Labor Council received, and accepted, applications for affiliation from:
ResearchThe Labor Council commissioned two major research projects in 2003. Both provided a platform for debate on two key areas of concern. The first report was entitled “Executive Pay – the Bucks Stop Here”. It was researched and written by John O’Brien from Sydney University, Michael O’Donnell from ANU and John Shields from the University of New South Wales. The report made a series of recommendations on executive remuneration and corporate regulation. A conference for affiliates was held in conjunction with the release of the report. The conference was addressed by the authors, as well as Stephen Mayne from Crikey.com, Catherine Wolthuizen from the Australian Consumers’ Association, and the Honourable Bob McMullen, Shadow Minister for Finance. The Labor Council, the Rail, Tram & Bus Union and the Australian Services Union – Services Branch, commissioned the second report entitled “Our Public Transport – A Community View”. Sustainable Futures, a research group within the University of Technology, Sydney, undertook the report. The report looked at future transport requirements for New South Wales and made a series of recommendations on investment in transport. The report was launched at Parliament House in Sydney in November 2003. Other ResponsibilitiesThe Secretary sat on the following Boards and Committees:
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