|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
||||||
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
 About Us  About Unions NSWAbout UnionsWho's WhoInformation Centre What's Going On? Annual Reports    
|
|
|
Peter McPherson, Industrial
Officer
Peter's duties during 2004 included industrial work in the aluminium, power and building and construction industries. AluminiumHydro Aluminium2004 started well when Hydro Aluminium agreed to a Labor Council proposal for a project award to cover employees of contractors engaged on the $140 million smelter upgrade project (SURF) following 12 months of discussion. Peter was involved in the negotiations of an award and an agreement that were registered by the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW (IRC) in March 2004 containing substantial wage increases, superannuation, redundancy and conditions of employment. The project concludes in late 2006. Tomago AluminiumThe $200 million project at Tomago was successfully completed mid year. Additional wage increases were agreed to by the parties covered in the project award. PowerPeter continued his work with electricity unions in a number of areas. Eraring EnergyAgreement was reached with Eraring Energy, Labor Council and affiliates for a new 2-year award in January 2004. The award provides for increases to wages and allowance of 4.5% (21.1.2004) and 4.5% (2.3.2005), salary sacrifice arrangements of company product, motor vehicles, superannuation, laptop computers and an improved standby allowance. Confirmation was also received that all day work positions will be advertised on a 9-day fortnight basis. The parties also agreed to review the contractors’ entry protocol and the promotional appeals process. An enterprise agreement was reached to provide for payment of sick leave on retirement of ill health. Macquarie GenerationDiscussions with Macquarie Generation through the IRC over the contractors’ entry protocol delivered a 6-month trial. The process allows for consultation with Union delegates and officials over the work proposed to be contracted out. The trial identified deficiencies in the process such as notice to Unions, inadequate OHS compliance and training. Discussions are continuing to improve the process. In December a draft log of claims was developed for a new award to replace the current award that expires in June 2005. The parties have also reached agreement to provide for the payment of sick leave on retirement of ill health. A number of disputes are before the IRC over Trades/Non Trades skill development and EO’s/PO’s classification structure. Building and ConstructionPeter, in conjunction with the Newcastle Trades Hall Council, negotiated a number of project awards on behalf of affiliates for the following projects: -
Major projects for 2005 include: -
Memorandums of Understating (MOU’s) were put in place with builders for 12 projects in the Newcastle/Hunter region. These projects range from $5 million to $20 million and cover productivity allowances and industry standards. North and Mid North CoastA high level of interest from affiliated unions followed a number of visits by Peter to the North and Mid North Coast region. Labor Council and Trade Union Education Foundation (TUEF) have training courses with more proposed for 2005. Unions are keen to have a Labor Council presence in these regions. Research shows that the Northern NSW is one of the fastest growing areas in Australia. The building sector alone has $415 million of developments on their books. This creates a growth in this sector plus the flow on effect to retail, community and service sectors of employment. The North Coast region looks exciting for 2005.
Previous
| Highlights | Contents | Next
| |
|
|
Home | Contact | Feedback | Sitemap | Privacy Statement |
|
© Unions NSW 2001. URL: http://council.labor.net.au/annual_reports/2004/2004-Peter.html
Unions NSW is proudly created, designed and programmed by |
 |
 |
  |
