Meeting held : 01 March 2007
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 1ST MARCH 2007
IN THE TRADES HALL AUDITORIUM
AT 4 GOULBURN STREET, SYDNEY, AT 6:07 PM
The Acting President Com. M. Issanchon occupied the Chair.
PRESENT: - J. Robertson [Secretary] M. Lennon [Assistant Secretary],
C. Christodoulou, A. Peters (Deputy Assistant Secretaries).
MINUTES: -
The Secretary, Com. J. Robertson moved: -
"That the minutes of the Annual General Meeting of 15th February 2007 as circulated be received".
Com. C. Morgan seconded.
CARRIED
The Secretary, Com. J. Robertson moved: -
"That the minutes of the Annual General Meeting of 15th February 2007 as circulated be adopted".
Com. P. Fernandez seconded.
CARRIED
The Secretary, Com. J. Robertson moved: -
"That the minutes of the Meeting of 22nd February 2007 as circulated be received".
Com. S. Bali seconded.
CARRIED
The Secretary, Com. J. Robertson moved: -
"That the minutes of the Meeting of 22nd February 2007 as circulated be adopted".
Com. F. Barnes seconded.
CARRIED
CREDENTIALS
From The Construction Forestry Mining & Energy Union, Construction & General Division, NSW Branch appointing:- B. Hemsworth in place of R. Mallia.
From The Rail Tram and Bus Union, NSW Branch appointing:- H. Bellette in place of P. Kessey.
The Secretary, Com. J. Robertson moved: -
"That the credentials be received and the delegates welcomed".
Com. A. Ferguson seconded.
CARRIED
APOLOGIES
Apologies were received and accepted for: - S. Moait, M. Thistlethwaite, P. Kessey, M. Want, B. Kruse, N. Lewocki, C. Haigh. W, Hickey, B. Holmes, J. Kiejda, J. Davidson.
The Secretary, Com. J. Robertson moved: -
"That the apologies be received and accepted".
Com. A. Ferguson seconded.
CARRIED
QUESTION WITHOUT NOTICE
Com. F. Barnes asked the Secretary if he was aware that the trade union float in Mardi Gras parade was wearing their orange Rights At Work T-Shirts.
The Secretary, Com. J. Robertson replied that he wasn't aware but was pleased with the colour as it matched that of the campaign generally.
GUEST SPEAKER:
The Acting President, Com. M. Issanchon, introduced Mr Piyasiri Wijenaka, Chair of the Sri Lankan Federation of Trade Unions.
Com. Wijenaka thanked delegates for welcoming him.
He said that the Federation currently had 220 unions affiliated to it. The Federation was becoming stronger and is achieving great results. Recently they held a general strike where they were successful in achieving many of their demands.
Com. Wijenaka said that they were affiliated to a political party the JUP and were hoping to form a workers government in the future.
He said he was aware of the threat to Australian workers from the Federal government's laws and he said it showed the need for all workers to stand together. A great example of workers standing together was the assistance Australian trade unions provided to Sri Lankan workers during the tsunami disaster which was greatly appreciated.
In closing, he invited Unions NSW to send representatives to Sri Lanka for their May Day celebrations.
The Secretary, Com. J. Robertson thanked Com. Wijenaka for his address and said it showed the importance of our overseas links. He said we are in a common struggle across the globe for fair and decent conditions for workers.
EXECUTIVE BUSINESS
CORRESPONDENCE
1. From the Council of Retired Union Members' Association (CRUMA): advising Unions NSW that the members of CRUMA's affiliated association fully supported the campaigns of Unions NSW and the ACTU in their fight against the new regressive Industrial Relations Laws and ensure the defeat of the Howard Government with its reactionary agenda. CRUMA said that they were a small but active group of retired unionists and were keen to participate fully in the fight to preserve the working conditions obtained through years of long and arduous struggle. They said that they believed they would be more effective with greater numbers and requested the assistance of Unions NSW by formally endorsing CRUMA and allowing one of their members to address a future meeting of Unions NSW. They also requested a list of unions affiliated to Unions NSW so that they could approach them personally. CRUMA said that they looked forward to working together to achieve a successful outcome in the struggle for the rights of workers.
Com. J. Robertson moved the Executive Recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and Unions NSW continue its support for CRUMA and provide them with the information requested and to invite them to address an upcoming meeting of Unions NSW."
Com. F. Barnes seconded the resolution.
CARRIED
2. From the Electrical Trades Union of Australia, NSW Branch:- requesting the support of Unions NSW for its members working at the James Hardie site within the Maintenance Department located at 10 Colquhoun Street, Rosehill, for the renewal of a joint Union Collective Agreement. The union said they were seeking support during the taking of Protected Industrial Action on Monday, 5th March 2007, with a 24 hour stoppage commencing at 6.30a.m on site, to preserve their current conditions, entitlements and to keep their remuneration in line with the cost of living. They said that this was another perfect example of a Company utilising the WorkChoices Legislation to lower wages and conditions of hardworking Australians. The Union advised that negotiations commenced in May 2006 and that a final offer had been advanced to the Company just prior to Christmas 2006 and was as follows:
• Duration - 2 years
• Wages and allowances increase - 4.0% p.a.
• Roll over current agreement (excluding and prohibited content)
• Preservation of Award.
The Union said that the Company had rejected this offer in January 2007 and the offer they advanced was as follows:
• Duration - 2 years
• Wages and allowances increase - 4.0% p.a.
• The removal of shift penalty as a percentage and paid as a flat dollar amount. This equates to approximately a 5.0% loss in take home pay.
• The removal of the Uniform Laundry Service. Employees now have to take their dirty and contaminated uniforms home into their own households.
• The removal of their Rostered Day Off for the payout of 2.0% for 1 year. This gives a pay increase of 6.0% for the first year and 4.0% for the second - 10% over 2 years. With a 5% loss each year for the removal of the Shift penalty - this equates to an approximate wage increase of 0.0%.
• The loss of other Award Provisions.
The Union advised that to further add insult to injury, the Company was resorting to intimidation tactics by threatening the maintenance employees just prior to their Protected Action Secret Ballot as follows:
• Strike for 4 hours - docked for the whole day
• Strike for 1 day - docked for a week
• Strike for a week - docked for a month.
They said that this tactic had worked for one employee who signed up to an AWA.
Com. J. Robertson moved the Executive Recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and Unions NSW support the ETU in its campaign to receive a fair and just outcome in its negotiations for a new agreement with James Hardie."
Com. D. Smith seconded.
CARRIED
3. From the Construction Forestry Mining & Energy Union, Construction & General Division, NSW Branch: - updating affiliates of Unions NSW on the Barry Hemsworth Campaign. The Union said that affiliates would be aware of the sacking of Barry by his employer, Botany Cranes, after he had raised serious safety concerns relating to the company's requirement that individual crane drivers and dogmen sign off on OHS Risk Assessments. They said that Barry had continued his vigil protesting his sacking at the Company's premises in Port Botany for 177 days and said that this was a tremendous effort considering the pressure placed on him by his employer. The union advised that they have commenced proceedings in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission under the victimisation provisions of the Industrial Relations Act 1996 which protect workers from victimisation for raising safety concerns. They said they were seeking Barry's reinstatement. The union also advised that the company have challenged the jurisdiction of the NSW IRC arguing that WorkChoices invalidates these worker protections and that the company have also commenced proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia for injunctions against the Commission to prevent it from hearing Barry's claim. The union thanked Unions NSW for intervening in the proceedings. They said that to its credit, the NSW Government had also intervened in the Commission proceedings to defend NSW laws which protect workers. The union said they would keep affiliates informed of the progress of the legal battle. The Union also advised that a Trivia Night to raise funds for the ongoing campaign would be held on Friday, 1st June 2007 at the CFMEU, Level 2, 12 Railway Street, Lidcombe.
Com. J. Robertson moved the Executive Recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and Unions NSW congratulate Barry Hemsworth and the CFMEU on their campaign to date and continue to offer its support.
Further, details of the fundraising night be circulated to affiliates for their information and support.
In addition, Unions NSW circulate its petition calling for the restoration of unfair dismissal rights."
Com. A. Ferguson seconded the resolution.
Com. B. Hemsworth addressed the meeting.
CARRIED
4. From the New South Wales Local Government, Clerical, Administrative, Energy, Airlines & Utilities Union:- expressing the view that when it comes to the impact of AWA's the Federal Government can run but it can't hide. The Union said that in May last year, the Employment Advocate released details on AWA's which came into effect with the enactment of the Howard Government's extreme IR legislation. They said that the report card was very damaging for the Government and consequently they have resolved not to release information on these obnoxious instruments and that this was most unsatisfactory. The Union also said that data released yesterday showed that workers on AWA's in non-managerial positions earn 3.3% less than those on collective agreements. They said that this information was from a survey taken in May last year just after the start of WorkChoices and that one can only imagine the increase in the gap now after almost twelve months of the new legislation. The Union also said that not only were AWA workers earning less but were also working longer hours and that the data showed AWA workers average 41.5 hours per week compared with 39.2 for workers on collective agreements. They said that this data also showed that women on AWA's were also earning $2.30 less an hour than those on collective agreements. The Workplace Relations Minister's answer to the survey was to continue to talk about increased flexibility for workers under AWA's without ever going into the details of the alleged benefits
Com. J. Robertson moved the Executive Recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and Unions NSW support the call that the government should release more details on the impact on working people of AWA's."
Com. M. Stuart seconded.
CARRIED
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. CFMEU Fundraising Trivia Night
The CFMEU are holding a fundraising Trivia Night for Neville Newell, MP member for Tweed whose seat is one of the most marginal seats in the upcoming state election.
Friday, 2nd March 2007 7.15pm for 7.30p.m sharp.
Level 2, CFMEU Building, 10-12 Railway Street, Lidcombe
For further information and bookings contact Maurice Campbell on 9682 3096 or email Maurice.campbell@aph.gov.au.
2. First Bus Tour for 2007
The first YR@@W bus tour for 2007 will depart Sydney next Monday March 5th with a tour visiting Shellharbour, Albion Park, Kiama, Nowra, Milton, Ulladulla, Mollymook, Braidwood, Queanbeyan, Cooma and Bombala.
The bus tour will focus on rural and regional NSW, talking to local communities about the importance of the upcoming state election, and of Peter Debnam's plans to hand over the NSW industrial relations powers to the Federal Government and cut 20,000 public sector jobs.
The "Yours Rights At Work - Worth Fighting and Voting For Tour" will feature candidate's forums, community meetings, workplace visits and media events. The first tour of the year will include the following events which are open to the public. All unions are encouraged, where possible, to promote the events to their members.
Monday 5th March
6.00pm SCLC Kiama Candidates Forum
Albion Park Community Hall, Russel Street, Albion Park
Nowra
Tuesday 6th March
12.30pm BBQ for Nowra Public Sector Wworkers: All Invited
Harry Sawkins Park (Town Park Nowra)
Cnr. McGrath and Graham Street, Nowra.
Mollymook
Tuesday 6th March
7.00pm Milton-Ulladulla Candidates Forum
Mollymook Beach Golf Club, Golf Avenue, Mollymook
Queanbeyan
Wednesday 7th March
12.30pm BBQ for Queanbeyan Public Sector Workers: All Invited
Queanbeyan Park (behind the Police Station)
Cnr. Farrer Place and Lowe Street, Queanbeyan
Cooma
Wednesday 7th March
6.00pm Cooma R@W Community Meeting
For further information about next week's bus tour, and future bus tours around the state, contact Daniel Kildea on 9881 5913; 0404 016 947 or
Email dkildea@unionsnsw.org.au.
3. Sutherland Shire Your Rights At Work Group
This Community Group is holding a Public Forum on Wednesday, 7th March 2007 commencing at 7.p.m. at the Sutherland District Trade Union Club "Tradies", 57 Manchester Road, Gymea.
For further information contact Paul McAleer by email yourrightsatwork.sutherlandshire@hotmail.com. Or phone 0417 468 424.
4. Labor Day Dinner 2007
Friday 9th March 2007
7p,m Parliament House, Macquarie Street
Parking is available.
For further information contact Johnno Johnson on 0419 243 285.
5. Harbour Bridge Walk.
Sunday 18th March 2007
Unions NSW is organising a group to walk across the Bridge on 18th March as part of the 75th Anniversary celebrations. We are seeking to have 4,500 unionists marching in Rights@Work T-Shirts. For further information contact Alison Peters on 9881 5999 or a.peters@unionsnsw.org.au
COUNCIL ADJOURNED AT 6: 42PM
Acting President:____________________________________
About Unions NSW
