Meeting held : 05 July 2007
Chair of Meeting: The Acting President, Comrade Barry Johnson
Location of the meeting : Trades Hall Auditorium, 4 Goulburn St Sydney
UNIONS NSW MEETING MINUTES
MEETING HELD THURSDAY 5TH JULY, 2007
IN THE TRADES HALL AUDITORIUM
AT 4 GOULBURN STREET, SYDNEY, AT 6:04 PM
The Acting President Com. B. Johnson occupied the Chair.
PRESENT: - J. Robertson [Secretary] M. Lennon [Assistant Secretary],
M. Thistlethwaite, A. Peters (Deputy Assistant Secretaries).
OPENING
OF THE
MEETING: The Acting President, Com. B. Johnson opened the meeting by recognising the traditional owners of the land on which the meeting was being held the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation.
MINUTES: -
The Secretary, Com. J. Robertson moved: -
"That the minutes as circulated be received".
Com. F. Barnes seconded.
CARRIED
The Secretary, Com. J. Robertson moved: -
"That the minutes as circulated be adopted".
Com. A. Ferguson seconded.
CARRIED
APOLOGIES:-
Apologies were received and accepted for: - S. Moait, C. Christodoulou, M. Stuart, G. Dwyer, B. Fitzpatrick, M. O'Halloran, C. Game, C. O'Sheades, J. Diamond, L. Hankinson.
The Secretary, Com. J. Robertson moved: -
"That the apologies be received and accepted".
Com. M. Want seconded.
CARRIED
EXECUTIVE BUSINESS
CORRESPONDENCE:-
1. From the Health Servises Union, New South Wales Branch:- seeking the assistance of Unions NSW in gaining the support of the State Government with their campaign to allow HSU members and other public sector workers to wear Your Rights At Work t-shirts/badges in their workplace.
Com. J. Robertson moved the Executive Recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and Unions NSW seek the support of the State Government to allow HSU members and other public sector workers to support the Rights At Work Campaign in their workplaces in the manner outlined in the correspondence."
Com. D. Lipscombe seconded the resolution.
CARRIED
2. From the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union, New South Wales Branch:- regarding the NSW Government's current review of the NSW compensation system (The Stein Review). They said that the AMWU, along with other unions had requested some input into this review and that to date they had not been advised whether or not submissions were going to be called for in relation to the above review. They also believe that there needs to be a number of changes made to the current system to provide a more fair and just system to workers who suffer an injury whilst at work. The Union requested that Unions NSW convene a meeting of interested affiliates to discuss the implications of the Review and to formalise a common position with regard to changes sought by the NSW trade union movement.
Com. J. Robertson moved the Executive Recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and a meeting of affiliates regarding the Workers' Compensation Review be convened as requested."
Com. G. Derrick seconded the resolution.
CARRIED
3. From the National Union of Workers, New South Wales Branch:- advising Unions NSW of a dispute between their union and Esselte located in Pembroke Road, Minto. The Union said that sixteen of their members have been on strike for three weeks because the company has refused to negotiate a collective agreement with the Union. They said that the fight to achieve a collective agreement had been going on for more than twelve months, with Esselte continually trying to force their members onto Australian Workplace Agreements (AWA's). If these workers sign the AWA's, their wages and conditions would be significantly cut and members would be approximately $60 per week worse off.
Com. J. Robertson moved the Executive Recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and Unions NSW condemns the actions of Esselte in refusing to negotiate a collective agreement with the NUW despite the wishes of the members on site.
Further, Unions NSW support the NUW's campaign for a collective agreement on one site by:
• supporting the picket line;
• advising affiliates of the strike; and
• seeking their support for NUW members in their struggle against Esselte."
Com. W. Meaney seconded and spoke to the resolution.
NUW members Warren Small and Norman Ham also spoke.
CARRIED
4. From the Construction, Forestry, Mining & Energy Union, Construction & General Division, New South Wales Branch: - expressing their disappointment at the announcement by the Leader of the Opposition, Kevin Rudd, to delay abolition of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC). The union said that the ABCC has the power to jail and fine workers for standing up for their rights and that the CFMEU did not support Labor's decision to delay the abolition of the ABCC. They said that they did not believe that the ABCC had a place in Australia's construction industry, one of the most productive building industries in the world. The Union advised that they would continue to campaign against the extreme powers of the ABCC, which pursues prosecutions against workers such as Charlie Corbett, a grandfather facing a $22,000 fine for taking up the case of an apprentice who was sacked or Brodene Wardley, a single mum working in the industry who was threatened with six months gaol for standing up for safety at the workplace. They said that the CFMEU does not oppose a regulator in the industry, however supports one that is balanced and fair, one that respects workers rights, and one where those builders who are unsafe or who rip off workers entitlements are also brought to task. The Union requested that Unions NSW protest this decision and advise the Leader of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party, Kevin Rudd and Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, Julia Gillard.
Com. J. Robertson moved the Executive Recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and Unions NSW add its voice to those in the union movement expressing their disappointment at the decision by Federal Labor to delay the abolition of the ABCC to 2010.
Unions NSW calls on the Opposition to stand by its original position to abolish the ABCC and replace it with a regulator that is fair, balanced and has respect for workers industrial and human rights.
Further, Unions NSW advise both the leader and deputy leader of its opposition to the decision as requested."
Com. A. Ferguson seconded and spoke to the resolution.
CARRIED
5. From the New South Wales Nurses' Association- congratulating the Bennelong Your Rights At Work group on organising such an excellent Community Forum on 28th June which was attended by over 165 voters from the Bennelong electorate. They said that the event was a great opportunity to highlight to those who attended on a wet and windy evening the impact of the unjust WorkChoices laws on ordinary working families within their own community.
Com. J. Robertson moved the Executive Recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and the Bennelong YR@W Group be congratulated for the success of their community forum on June 28th.
In particular, as the forum gave the opportunity to a number of working people in the Bennelong electorate to tell their stories about the adverse impact of WorkChoices on their lives."
Com. B. Holmes seconded the resolution.
B. Chambers, M. Palmer and S. Napthali, members of the Bennelong Your Rights At Work Group spoke.
CARRIED
6. From the South Coast Labour Council:- advising Unions NSW of the exploitation of young workers in the Illawarra and South Coast region by the Chilli's Restaurant in Wollongong. The Council requested that Unions NSW call on the State Government to establish an inquiry into the exploitation of all young workers across the state.
Com. J. Robertson moved the Executive Recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and Unions NSW condemn the blatant exploitation of young workers by Chilli's restaurant in Wollongong.
Further, Unions NSW support the call by the SCLC for the State Government to conduct an inquiry into the exploitation of young workers across the state."
Com. A. Rorris seconded and spoke to the resolution.
Com. F. Barnes also spoke.
CARRIED
7. From the New South Wales Local Government, Clerical, Administrative, Energy, Airlines & Utilities Union:- expressing its grave concern for low paid workers following the decision of the Australian Fair Pay Commission released today. They said that despite one of the AFPC's objectives being to promote the economic prosperity of the people of Australia, low paid workers had been granted a lousy 27c per hour or $10.26 per week for those who receive up to $700.00 per week which would be effective from 1 October 2007. They said that this equated to an approximate increase of 2% which would hardly improve their economic prosperity. Workers on more than $700 per week would receive 14c per hour or $5.30 per week which equates to an increase of 0.8%. The Union said that this decision clearly focuses on the requirement of the Howard Government to ensure wages are kept at a minimum, particularly for low paid workers. This is despite Mr Howard and his fellow travellers receiving a 6.7% increase on considerably larger amounts than the increase granted to low paid workers. The USU said that it was vital that the community based campaign to protect the rights of working people and the ousting of the Howard Government was achieved.
Com. J. Robertson moved the Executive recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and Unions NSW notes this week's examples of the attack on workers' rights and conditions as a result of WorkChoices. In particular, today's poor decision by the AFPC as further reason to continue to vigorously campaign for the rights of workers and to remind all political parties of the importance of fair and just industrial relations laws for Australian families."
Com. M. Want seconded the resolution.
CARRIED
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Central Coast YR@W Group
Saturday 7th July 2007
Petition Signing before the 5.30p.m game between Melbourne Storm and South Sydney Rabbitohs at Blue Tongue Stadium, Gosford. Gates open at 4.15p.m. We would like to meet everyone at 4p.m. in the Park opposite the Stadium. For further information contact Mary Yaager on (02) 9881 5999 or 0408 931 899
2. The Sydney Peace & Justice Coalition
Invites you to a Special Forum for the 2007 Federal Elections
"Iraq & the Middle East After Howard?
Saturday, 7th July 2007 1.30p.m. for 2p.m start
Guthrie Lecture Theatre, UTS, Harris Street, Ultimo
(Design Building 6 - next to the ABC)
Speakers: Richard Brionowski (former diplomat & writer)
Ms Randa Kattan (Arab Council Australia)
John Valder (`Not Happy John' anti-war critic)
Chairperson: Rev. Dr. Ann Wansbrough
Entry is by donation.
3. The North Sydney & Lower North Shore
Your Rights at Work Group Presents
MIKE BAILEY - Labor Candidate for North Sydney
Former ABC TV Weatherman Mike Bailey is challenging the IR Minister himself, Joe Hockey for the North Sydney Seat. Mike has
indicated that IR and the environment are top issues for voters in this election. COME ALONG, MEET MIKE, HEAR THE ISSUES!
Tuesday 10th July, Neutral Bay Community Centre, 6PM
190 Military Rd, Neutral Bay. 5.45 for 6pm (Upstairs Hall)
To RSVP or Get Involved contact Julia Armitt on 9281 9151 or email yourrightsatwork@gmail.com
Group Website http://groups.google.com/group/northsiderights
4. The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Oral History Program
The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust is conducting an oral history program on Cockatoo Island. The Trust said that people's stories are as important as the gritty buildings, dry docks, slipways and wharves found around the island and are calling on all former Cockatoo Island workers to participate in the program. Further information regarding the program is available from Ms Eunice Sarif, Resources Manager of the Trust on (02) 8969 2138 or email Eunice.sarif@harbourtrust.gov.au.
COUNCIL ADJOURNED AT 6: 58PM
Acting President:____________________________________
About Unions NSW
