Meeting held : 23 November 2006
Chair of Meeting: The Acting President, Com. M. Issanchon
Location of the meeting : Trades Hall Auditorium, 4 Goulburn St Sydney
UNIONS NSW MEETING MINUTES
MEETING HELD THURSDAY 23RD NOVEMBER 2006
IN THE TRADES HALL AUDITORIUM
AT 4 GOULBURN STREET, SYDNEY, AT 6:04 PM
The Acting President, Com. M. Issanchon, occupied the Chair.
PRESENT M. Lennon (Acting Secretary), C. Christodoulou, A. Peters, M. Thistlethwaite (Deputy Assistant Secretaries).
The Acting Secretary, Com. M. Lennon, moved: -
"That the minutes as circulated be received".
Com. B. Tubner seconded.
CARRIED
The Acting Secretary, Com. M. Lennon, moved: -
"That the minutes as circulated be adopted".
Com. P. Sinclair seconded.
CARRIED
CREDENTIALS
From The Textile, Clothing & Footwear Union of Australia appointing M. Edwards replacing J Owen.
The Acting Secretary, Com. M. Lennon, moved: -
"That the credential be received and the delegate welcomed".
Com. C. Game seconded.
CARRIED
APOLOGIES
Apologies were received and accepted for: - S. Moait, J. Robertson, C. O'Sheades, J. Diamond, B. King, B. Holmes, R. Collison and M. Stuart.
QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Com. F. Barnes asked why the Secretary, J. Robertson, has been wearing a white ribbon.
In reply the Acting Secretary, Com M. Lennon explained the white ribbon was to protest violence by men against women. Com J. Robertson is an ambassador for White Ribbon Day on the 24th November.
GUEST SPEAKER
The Acting President, Com. M. Issanchon, introduced and welcomed Mr. Bernie Banton, Vice President of the Asbestos Disease Foundation of Australia, and invited him to address the meeting on Asbestos Diseases Awareness Week from Monday 20th to Friday 24th November 2006.
Mr. Banton, thanked Unions NSW for the opportunity to address the meeting.
He advised the meeting that the deal between the New South Wales Government and James Hardie has now been finalised and wished to thank the union movement for its support of the James Hardie campaign. The unions' support had helped bring a strong message that asbestos disease sufferers deserved fair compensation.
Mr. Banton said that an information day would be held on 1st February next year and an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Foundation would be held on the 7th February to endorse the $185-200 million compensation fund.
He brought to the attention of the meeting that the week commencing 20th November 2006 is Asbestos Diseases Awareness Week.
In conclusion, Mr Banton said he wanted to encourage people to attend the 30th November 2006 Rally against WorkChoices.
The Acting Secretary, Com. M. Lennon moved a vote of thanks. On behalf of the union movement he thanked Bernie Banton for his work in campaigning for fair compensation for asbestos diseases sufferers and highlighting the injustice done by James Hardie to these people.
Com. Lennon concluded by wishing Bernie Banton good luck with his nomination for Senior Australian of the Year.
EXECUTIVE BUSINESS
CORRESPONDENCE
1. From the Public Service Association of New South Wales:- advising that in June this year the Howard Government passed some major changes to the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918. The Union said that one area that will have a direct impact on affiliates relates to the imposition of annual reporting requirements on "third parties" that incur expenditure for a "political purpose" in excess of the disclosure threshold - which is now $10,000. The Union said "third parties" are defined as "persons other than parties, candidates and groups, members of Parliament and Commonwealth departments and agencies" which will include unions. The Union went on to say that the definition of political purpose is broad in scope and would cover much of the campaigning activity that unions engage in, including the current "Your Rights at Work" campaign. Given the possible implications of non-compliance the Union requested Unions NSw to ask the Australian Electoral Commission to provide a braiefing for affiliates on the possible implications of the changes.
The Acting Secretary, Com. M. Lennon moved the Executive Recommendation: -
"That the correspondence be received and Unions NSW convene a briefing for affiliates concerning the possible implications of the amendments to the Electoral Act."
Com. B. Johnson seconded the resolution.
CARRIED
2. From the Minister for Industrial Relations:- regarding the approval by Cabinet of legislative amendments that will benefit members of the State Superannuation Scheme and the Police Superannuation Scheme. These amendments, which it is expected will be introduced into Parliament in the Budget Session next year, will allow members to salary sacrifice their compulsory superannuation contributions if they so choose. The Minister said that the changes are expected to provide greater choice in the way members manage their salary and superannuation. He said the Iemma Government introduced similar arrangements for members of the State Authorities Superannuation Scheme and these arrangements will commence on 1 April 2007. The Minister also indicated that the Public Employment Office will consult with Unions NSW in the drafting of the legislative amendments.
The Acting Secretary, Com. M. Lennon moved the Executive Recommendation: -
"That the correspondence be received and that Unions NSW welcome the commitment from the NSW Government to improve superannuation benefits for Police and other public sector workers.".
Com. B. Tubner seconded the resolution.
CARRIED
3. From the Maritime Union of Australia, Sydney Branch:- requesting the support of Unions NSW in the creation of Australia's first Pictition being organised by the Working Harbour Coalition as part of the Save Sydney Harbour campaign. The Union explained that a Pictition is an artwork digitally composed of thousands of faces, and the plan is to collect up to 63,000 images. The Union said its objective is to sway the decision making process with respect to changes planned for Sydney's working harbour and to highlight the negative environmental and social impacts of its closure as a working harbour. The Union said to aid the project it will be collecting photographs of members, and requested permission to have a photographer present at a Unions NSW meeting to collect willing participants for inclusion.
The Acting Secretary, Com. M. Lennon moved the Executive Recommendation: -
"That the correspondence be received and Unions NSW supports the MUA and the Working Harbour Coalition's 'Save Sydney Harbour Campaign.
Further, Unions NSW delegates be encouraged to participate in Australia's first pictition."
Com. W. Smith seconded the resolution.
CARRIED
4. From the Minister for Industrial Relations:- forwarding a copy of the Legislative Council's Committee on Social Issues' final report of its Inquiry into the WorkChoices Legislation, containing conclusions and recommendations. The Minister said that the Committee found that the Workplace Relations Amendment (Work Choices) Act 2006 will exploit the labour of the vulnerable, leading to a profusion of low-paid, poor quality work and more underprivileged people. The Committee also found that the legislation is likely to exacerbate the skills shortage, reduce workplace safety and result in an economy characterised by low productivity. On this basis, the committee concluded that 'Work Choices is unjust and will have a detrimental impact on our future society and economy' and recommended that the Work Choices Act be repealed in its entirety. The Minister said it is significant that the Committee found that 'rarely has a Committee heard such unanimity of criticism and such deep fear for the future'. He went on to say that the Iemma Government remains committed to opposing the Work Choices Act and ameliorating its harsh effects to all extent possible. He concluded by thanking Unions NSW for its valuable participation and input into this Inquiry.
The Acting Secretary, Com. M. Lennon moved the Executive Recommendation: -
"That the correspondence be received and Unions NSW welcome the findings of the NSW Upper House Inquiry into WorkChoices. Further, Unions NSW will continue to campaign against WorkChoices in the community."
Com. N. Allen seconded the resolution.
CARRIED
5. From the Finance Sector Union of Australia, NSW/ACT Branch:- advising that it had won the battle regarding Westpac Concord and offshore outsourcing.
The Acting Secretary, Com. M. Lennon moved the Executive Recommendation: -
"That the correspondence be received and that Unions NSW congratulate the FSU for their successful campaign to protect the domestic jobs of their members.
Further, Unions NSW will continue to campaign to stop multinationals offshoring Australian workers' jobs.
Com. J. Derrick seconded the resolution and Com. C. Burke spoke.
CARRIED
6. From the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union, NSW Branch:- Expressing concern about the recent announcement by Qantas Airways Ltd that it was considering a private equity bid by Texas Pacific and Macquarie Bank to buy out the airline. The Union said this private equity bid potentially threatens disaster for thousands of Australian jobs, the viability of our national airline industry and the quality and safety of airline travel in this country. The Union said Texas Pacific has a record of slashing many thousands of jobs in its pursuit of cost-cutting based profits. It gave the examples of Continental Airlines where the firm slashed 3,000 jobs in the early 90s, and more recently the Texan private equity raider forced 3,500 job losses at Gate Gourmet. The Union said Texas Pacific has a terrible slash and burn record on workers' wages and jobs. The union called upon Unions NSW to join with other airline industry unions to campaign to oppose the destruction of this vital national airline.
The Acting Secretary, Com. M. Lennon moved the Executive Recommendation: -
"That the correspondence be received and that Unions NSW condemn attempts by Macquarie Bank and other private equity firms to take over Qantas. Further, Unions NSW will campaign to protect Qantas jobs and services."
Com. C. Drane seconded the resolution.
CARRIED
7. From the Australian Services Union of New South Wales:- notifying of a dispute at Sydney Water regarding advertising the November 30th Day of Action. The Union said it had paid for a Variable Electronic Message Board to be erected at the Chatswood Depot of Sydney Water with the wording "Join the Protest against Unfair IR laws - November 30th - 8.30 am - Belmore Park" to flash across a number of screens. The Union said members feel so strongly about Work Choices that they decided this was the best way to advertise to the public travelling on the busy Pacific Highway. However when Sydney Water management disabled the electronic message boards, which union members had surrounded with barricades, locks and heavy duty chains, members at this Depot commenced industrial action immediately. The Union said that subsequently an agreement was reached that the fence to the Depot which faces the Pacific Highway would be covered with signs made by the workers advertising November 30, and on this basis the members resolved to release the electronic equipment back to Kennards Hire. The Union stated that its members at Sydney Water and in the other industries it covers were looking forward to the Day of Action and were confident that ASU members would be there in force.
The Acting Secretary, Com. M. Lennon moved the Executive Recommendation: -
"That the correspondence be received and that Unions NSW congratulate ASU members for their attempts to inform the community of the Day of Action. Further, Sydney Water be condemned for removing advertising of the event".
Com. P. Sinclair seconded the resolution.
CARRIED
8. From the New South Wales Local Government, Clerical, Administrative, Energy, Airlines & Utilities Union:- regarding the dismissal of Rhonda Walke from her position in a Medical Centre three days after the Howard Government's extreme IR legislation was enacted. The Union said that while it undertook a media campaign in support of Rhonda Walke's reinstatement, unfortunately there were fewer than 100 staff at the Medical Centre, and therefore the Union was limited to on-the-ground activity, exposure to the media and politicians. The Union said that the Office of Workplace Services was contacted for an investigative report on the legality of her dismissal, and whilst it found that Ms Walke's dismissal was legal, the Union said it was unfair. The Union said Ms Walke had attempted to obtain the report (which they understand to be five pages) but the Office of Workplace Services indicated that certain procedures need to be followed and fees which have so far totalled $97.00 need to be paid. The Union has therefore requested Unions NSW to correspond with the Office of Workplace Services or Minister Andrews with a view to having the report forwarded to Ms Walke. The Union said this inaction by the Office of Workplace Services on behalf of an employee is unacceptable and feels that all employees should be made aware of this unsatisfactory situation.
The Acting Secretary, Com. M. Lennon moved the Executive Recommendation: -
"That the correspondence be received and that Unions NSW condemn the Office of Workplace Services for inaction concerning the dismissal of Ms Walke. Further, Unions NSW highlight this situation in the community."
Com. M. Want seconded the resolution and spoke.
CARRIED
REPORTS
1. Sky Channel - Day of Action - 30th November 2006:
The Acting Secretary reported on arrangements for the Sky Channel broadcast which will go to 195 venues throughout NSW and will last for just under an hour. In Sydney it will be followed by a march and a rally.
2. Fair Employer Network
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Chris Christodoulou reported on the launch of the scheme and the website by Premier Morris Iemma in Wollongong and gave a video presentation.
The Acting Secretary, Com M. Lennon moved:-
"That the reports be received."
Com. J. Derrick seconded.
CARRIED
The Acting Secretary, Com M. Lennon moved:-
"That the reports be adopted."
Com P. Farrow seconded.
CARRIED
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Half Day Seminar - Unions and the Provision of Public Services - Friday, 24th November 2006, in the Trades Hall Auditorium, 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.
2. There will be no Unions NSW Executive or General Meeting next Thursday, 30th November 2006, due to the Day of Action. Meetings will reconvene for the last one of the year on Thursday, 7th December 2006.
:
Acting President >______
About Unions NSW
