 |
|
|
2003 Archive
December 2003 |
First Round Victory at United Airlines
United Airlines management has now conceded that employee representatives must be allowed to attend the negotiations for the current enterprise agreement. This outcome is a victory for all staff who signed the ASU petition and who in meetings sent a clear message to the Company that excluding employees was not acceptable.
24 December 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU Utility Bulletin - November 2003
Inside this issue: Quality Public Services Resource; World Bank Energy and related items; Korean Electricity Reform Continues; Global shortage of Energy Workers; The ILO has created a powerful new resource for students; European Union Electricity update; Plus lots more
22 December 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett Employee Update Number 23
The latest Employee Update from the Ansett Administrators (Update 23) is now available on this website. It updates staff on Frequently Asked Questions in relation to payment of redundancy.
22 December 2003 [ full story ]
|
ALP Shadow Minster Lays Out Industrial Relations Policy
Craig Emerson, ALP Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations addressed ASU Delegates at their conference organised by the Victorian Authorities and Services Branch last week and spelt out the industrial relations policy he will be seeking to have endorsed at the ALP National Conference. The national conference will be held in Sydney at the end of January 2004 and the policies presented and debated will form the platform that the ALP will put to the people at the next general election.
16 December 2003 [ full story ]
|
SA Electricity should be fair for all
The ASU National Energy Taskforce has visited South Australia to see first hand the mess caused by the privatisation of electricity inflicted on that state by the previous Liberal Government.
15 December 2003 [ full story ]
|
Canon seeks to introduce Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs)
In the latest round of negotiations, Canon has requested that a clause on AWA’s be inserted into the agreement. An AWA is an individual contract which excludes your Award and agreement, and is only allowed if it is named in your agreement. Your Union is opposed to the introduction of AWA’s as our experience with AWA’s is very negative.
15 December 2003 [ full story ]
|
Bah Humbug – Malaysia Airlines Make Cargo Staff Redundant
After two years of considering what to do with its Australian Cargo Operation, Malaysia Airlines has chosen Christmas 2003 to make its loyal and long serving staff in Cargo in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane redundant and shift the business to a new Company.
15 December 2003 [ full story ]
|
EBA claim served on United Airlines
After extensive consultation with staff over the past couple of weeks a claim that has been voted on by staff has been served on United Airlines.
15 December 2003 [ full story ]
|
Qantas ETA Classification Dispute Continues
The dispute over the correct classification of the ETA continues. As most would be aware, the ASU contends that the role of ETA has changed significantly since its inception, with the recent inclusion of handling complaint calls and misquote – both functions were previously handled by level 7 Supervisors.
09 December 2003 [ full story ]
|
Survey results in at Emirates
The ASU has received a fantastic response to the survey. In each category the top resuts were as follows:
09 December 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU wins ACTU Awards
The ASU has won the prestigious 2003 Jennie George Award for the Advancement of Women in Unions and received an Honourable Mention in the Delegate of the Year Award.
05 December 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU asked to comment on OECD Guidelines
As Australia's largest union in the Utility Industry, the ASU spends a great deal of time dealing with corporatised organisations in the Electricity, Water Industries, and other areas of the Public Sector. These organisations operate under legislation governing the operation of Government Business Authorities, State-owned Corporations or Government Business Agencies, which all come under the banner of Corporatised Authorities or Government owned Companies.
04 December 2003 [ full story ]
|
Jetstar – Low Cost Concern?
Qantas’ announcement this week about its proposed Low Cost Carrier Jetstar gives us a taste of things to come as we try to second guess what the new airlines creation will mean for existing staff in Qantas and Impulse.
04 December 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett Employee Update Number 22
The latest Employee Update from the Ansett Administrators (Update 22) is now available on this website. It updates staff on a number of procedural issues that are of great importance.
04 December 2003 [ full story ]
|
November 2003 |
Treat us like mushrooms – feed us….
Today ASU officers Linda White and Raph Kennedy and QFIT Datacentre delegate John Sullivan met with Bill Short and Mathew Kempton, Human Resource Managers at IBM to get the IBM version of the outsourcing tale.
28 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett – Some important information for ASU members
Following the settlement in the Federal Court earlier this week a number of questions have been frequently asked and the following are some of those questions and answers:
28 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU Utility Bulletin - October 2003
Inside this issue: Focus on New Zealand - Electricity industry shortages and the NZ PSA view on the future of work; Reports from PSI representatives in Jakarta and Brussels; Liberalisation and Privatisation - a new report by Environmentalists on Europe energy reform, what’s the view? What are news items in the World Bank and other bulletins; Plus more...
27 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU GATS Campaign
A recent announcement by the Prime Minister, John Howard on Saturday 22 November 2003 signaled changes to the media, culture content and pharmaceutical rules in Australia which will benefit American Multi National Companies if implemented.
26 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
Settlement of Ansett Litigation – Facts for Union Members
The litigation conducted by the Ansett Ground Staff Superannuation Plan against the Ansett administrators has been settled, allowing for $150 million to be paid out to former Ansett employees.
26 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett Employee Update Number 21
The latest Employee Update from the Ansett Administrators (Update 21) is now available on this website. It updates staff on the settlement reached with the Ansett Ground Staff superannuation fund in the Federal Court on 25 November 2003.
26 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
Local Government – Libraries, Art Galleries and Museums
As Australia's largest local government union, and the principle union for local government workers throughout Australia the ASU represents members not only at a local level through its branches, but also represents members in the critical areas of their futures, through Industry training advisory boards , called ITAB's , for local government there are two major ITAB’s. One of these ITAB’s is CREATE, which covers ASU members in Libraries, Art Galleries, and Museums.
25 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
Korean Unions Look to ASU for Advice
The ASU was recently approached by the Korean Labour Institute, and the Korean Government Electricity taskforce, that are investigating reform of the Korean Electricity system, after the election of a now more “worker focused” Government , than its predecessor. The newly elected President of Korea has sought a review of the proposed privatisation of the entire Korean energy (electricity and gas generation transmission and distribution systems).
25 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
The Proposed Ansett Super Settlement
The Federal Court today began hearing the application by the Ansett Administrators and the Trustees of the Ansett Ground Staff Superannuation Fund to approve a settlement of the long running legal action between them.
25 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU members approve AaE EBAs
Australian Air Express (AaE) staff across the country have resoundingly voted to approve the recent On and Off Airport EBAs negotiatied by the ASU with the Company.
24 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett Employee Update Number 20
The latest Employee Update from the Ansett Administrators (Update 20) is now available on this website. It updates staff on the the major legal challenge brought by the Ansett Ground Staff Superannuation Fund which commenced in the Federal Court in Melbourne on 12 November 2003.
24 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
ACTU Minimum Wage Case factsheet
The ACTU will seek a $26.60 a week increase in minimum award pay rates in its 2004 Minimum Wage Case in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission.
24 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
Urgent update on Ansett Super case
After months of delay we are pleased to report that there has been a positive sign in the long running Ansett ground superannuation case which has been running in the Federal Court in Melbourne since 12 November 2003.
21 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
New Zealand experiences of pay equity and work-life balance inform ASU strategy
The ASU was part of a small group of union representatives and academics which today took part in discussions with New Zealand’s Attorney General and Minister for Labour, the Honorable Margaret Wilson. The discussions focussed on the issues of pay equity and measures to promote work-life balance.
21 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett Superannuation Mediation Continues
The mediation ordered by the Federal Court in the Ansett Superannuation case is continuing again today (Thursday 20 November 2003) after commencing on Tuesday 18 November 2003.
20 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
ACT Government inquires into GATS implications
The ASU has met with the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts which is inquiring into GATS (General Agreement on Trade in Services) and its effects upon the Australian Capital Territory.
19 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
New ASU brochure on Paid Maternity Leave
The ASU National Office has produced a new brochure on the topic of paid maternity leave. It is intended provide information about the issue as well as equip members with the tools to negotiate for it in their workplaces.
19 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
Local government training information available
Australian Local Government Training (ALGT), the organisation responsible for developing the training requirements (packages) for all local government workers throughout Australia, has released its latest bulletins to update us on the recent developments affecting the industry .
19 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
Does United Airlines get the message?
On 18 November 2003, ASU Assistant National Secretary Linda White and ASU Organiser Lynette Kirk met with United Airlines HR managers Linda Clinch and Tara Sargis for the first of the programmed meetings to negotiate the new United Airlines Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA).
19 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
Update on the Ansett Ground Staff Superannuation Case
As previously reported the Application by the Ansett Ground Staff Superannuation Fund commenced in the Federal Court on 12 November 2003.
18 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
It’s EBA Survey Time at Emirates Airline
The ASU Emirates Airline Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) is about to expire, so it is time to reach a new EBA.
14 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
Dispute brews at Qantas Holidays
As most staff would now be aware, a dispute is brewing about the changed role of ETA staff. Meetings have been held in both Melbourne and Brisbane explaining the issue.
14 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett Employee Update Number 19
The latest Employee Update from the Ansett Administrators (Update 19) is now available on this website. It updates staff on the the major legal challenge brought by the Ansett Ground Staff Superannuation Fund which commenced in the Federal Court in Melbourne on 12 November 2003.
13 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU negotiates for members employed by AMWU
The ASU represents members employed by a wide variety of employers, including other unions. This week negotiations took place with Australian Manufacturing Workers Union National Secretary Doug Cameron on the terms of a new agreement for the 100 plus clerical and admin employees who work for the AMWU across Australia.
13 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
Qantas’ goose cooked at catering
ASU members at QFCL Sydney are celebrating a recent decision of the Full Bench of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) which confirmed that the AIRC has powers under our EBA to make decisions about issues that are in dispute between ASU members and Qantas.
13 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU member Shadow Minister for Child Care
The Federal Government is responsible for funding of children’s services throughout Australia so the ASU needs to lobby at the national level in support of our child care members’ interests. We can report that the ASU has been welcomed into the office of Senator Jacinta Collins, the ALP’s Shadow Minister for Children’s Services, no less because she is an ASU member herself!
11 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU condemns Federal Government’s “Better Bargaining Bill”
Last week the Federal Government launched its “Better Bargaining Bill” which is, in fact, a transparent and aggressive attempt to undermine the bargaining capacity of workers involved in care based professions. One of the targets is child carers – a group of workers who seem destined to constantly suffer blows at the hands of the Howard Government.
11 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
OHS at Qantas - Unions force changes as Random Testing Fight Continues
Qantas management was clearly taken aback by the thousands of Qantas workers who signed the petition opposing the introduction of random drug and alcohol testing and attended meetings at airports.
11 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
Child care services and Private Public Partnerships
Australia’s largest local government child care union, the ASU, is campaigning for better community consultation on child care centre locations.
07 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU and TAFE sign agreement on local government training
A Memorandum of Understanding between TAFE NSW and the ASU has been signed. The agreement covers a range of issues, all relating to the use of the National Local Government Industry Training Package and the encouragement of employer organisations using the package in NSW.
06 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
It's time for bargaining to begin at United Airlines
As you know the Company sent a letter to staff late last week outlining their proposed timetable and agenda for negotiations of your next Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA).
05 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett Employee Update Number 18
The latest Employee Update from the Ansett Administrators (Update 18) is now available on this website. It covers key aspects of the Ansett Administration including debt recovery, recent asset sales, proof of debt process, continuing efforts to realise remaining major assets (aircraft and land) and the major legal challenge brought by the Ansett Ground Staff Superannuation Fund.
05 November 2003 [ full story ]
|
October 2003 |
Student competition: ideas for a fairer Australia
The ACTU Worksite for Schools website, of which the ASU is a sponsor, is currently running a competition for school, TAFE and RTO students. It’s called “Student ideas for a fairer Australia”. There is a $100 prize for the student winner and another $100 for the school with the highest standard of entries.
31 October 2003 [ full story ]
|
Singapore Airlines Staff vote YES on EBA
After a protracted EBA campaign Singapore Airlines staff have now resoundingly voted to accept the deal negotiated and recommended by the Employee Negotiating Team.
31 October 2003 [ full story ]
|
NT Trades & Labor Council elects ASU official as Secretary
The annual general meeting of the Northern Territory Trades and Labor Council (NT-TLC), which represents around 20,000 union members from 15 affiliated unions, on October 27, 2003, elected the Darwin based official of the ASU, Lucio Matarazzo, to the position of Secretary.
31 October 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU defends workers’ rights before parliamentary committee
Previously the ASU advised of its submission to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Local Government Council Boundaries and Council Mergers. As a result of the submission, ASU Assistant National Secretary, Greg McLean, was called to appear before the Committee.
30 October 2003 [ full story ]
|
Australian culture for sale?
The ASU works closely with the cultural sector, developing training packages for our members working in local government libraries, museums, and art galleries, including members working as community arts officers.
30 October 2003 [ full story ]
|
UnionTeach - NSW leads on union education
A new program introducing unions to the school curriculum has been introduced in NSW. The program aims to educate school age students about the workplace and the important role that unions play in them. This recognises that there is an important gap in the education system, with young workers often being disadvantaged because they do not have access to important workplace information.
24 October 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ex-Fijian Prime Minister addresses ASU National Executive
Mahendhra Chaudhry, the Ex-Fijian Prime Minister, who was held hostage for 56 days and forced to resign in an attempted coup, addressed the October meeting of the ASU National Executive.
23 October 2003 [ full story ]
|
NSW ALP supports ASU position on surveillance at work
For over two years now the ASU Branches have been pushing for the removal of surveillance and tracking devices from workplaces and vehicles where the aim has been for management to be able to track worker’s activities. Now the NSW Government has agreed with the ASU that there is a serious problem. They have promised to introduce legislation to regulate the practice.
22 October 2003 [ full story ]
|
AaE EBA for Vote
The Australian Air Express Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) has now been finalised and will be distributed by the Company ready for a vote after 14 days.
22 October 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU Utility Bulletin - September 2003
Inside this issue: Private Public Partnerships - are they costing Governments too much? PSI calls for moratorium on privatisation of energy systems; The Australian & New Zealand & United Kingdom benchmarking of electricity workers; Validation workshops transmission and distribution; The National Utility Industries, Australian Congress 2003, Canberra October 29-30; Plus much more…
22 October 2003 [ full story ]
|
A culture of abuse at our airports
Today the ASU will present the preliminary findings from our airport air rage survey to the Review of Aviation Security being conducted by the Federal Parliament.
21 October 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU to Give Evidence at Aviation Inquiry
The ASU has been invited to give evidence at the public hearing of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit – Review of Aviation Security in Australia in Melbourne on Tuesday 21 October 2003.
20 October 2003 [ full story ]
|
New Virgin call centre award created
The Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) has handed down a decision to create a Virgin Mobile enterprise award with the ASU as the union party. The award will cover 150 to 200 customer contact call centre and administrative workers.
15 October 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU seeks to protect local government workers in NSW
The ASU National Office, working in conjunction with the NSW LGCAEAU Branch (NSW USU), has provided an additional Submission to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Local Government Council Boundaries and Council Mergers. The ASU is concerned to ensure that local government reform does not adversely affect workers in the industry.
15 October 2003 [ full story ]
|
ENT Recommend Singapore EBA Offer
On Thursday 9 October 2003 your ENT members met with Singapore Airlines and believe that we have an EBA offer which we can recommend to staff.
14 October 2003 [ full story ]
|
Why is it taking so long to finalise the AaE EBA?
Despite your National Negotiating Team finalising an in principle agreement at AAE some time ago we are still negotiating with the Company about some of the key clauses.
08 October 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU lodges submission to ACT inquiry into GATS
The ASU, working with NSW USU (ASU-LGCAEAU Branch) has lodged a submission with the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government inquiry into the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) which will examine its effects on the ACT Government and citizens.
03 October 2003 [ full story ]
|
OCÉ negotiations – be represented!
OCÉ has attempted to commence negotiations on a new Technical Services EBA. Despite the ASU’s requests to be involved in negotiations, the company has attempted to sideline us from the negotiations. We are however committed to effectively representing the interests of OCE members. Without proper Union representation, employees from across the country cannot have a say in their employment conditions.
03 October 2003 [ full story ]
|
We are united – it is time to take action
After extensive meetings and briefings of staff by the ENT across Australia, Singapore Airlines staff have overwhelmingly endorsed the recommendation to take industrial action before the next meeting of the JCC which is scheduled for Thursday 9 October 2003.
01 October 2003 [ full story ]
|
September 2003 |
Independent study shows Medicare in danger
An independent study has confirmed that it will be more expensive to see a doctor for millions of Australians if the Federal Government’s proposed changes to Medicare go ahead.
30 September 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU member now NSW Minister for Local Government
NSW Minister for Local Government, Tony Kelly, is a rank and file member of the Australian Services Union (through the USU – LGCAEAU Branch). During the recent Branch Conference the Minister took time out from his schedule to meet with ASU Assistant National Secretary, Greg McLean, and acknowledged ASU’s great role in local government not only in NSW but throughout Australia.
26 September 2003 [ full story ]
|
Largest ASU Branch launches history
The history of one of the ASU’s Branches, the MEU NSW, was launched recently in Sydney in an event attended by prominent guests including the NSW Premier, Bob Carr. The book, entitled “United: A History of the MEU in NSW”, is an account of the union’s first 100 years.
26 September 2003 [ full story ]
|
Your input needed to win family friendly workplaces!
The ASU is participating in the Work and Family Test Case which is currently running in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC). We need your stories so we can argue effectively for the changes the unions are seeking.
24 September 2003 [ full story ]
|
Making airports safer – Zero Air Rage Campaign Begins
With the focus firmly on security at airports worldwide, Australia’s largest customer service union, The Australian Services Union is conducting a nationwide survey of customer service staff at airports. This survey has been designed by customer service staff and the results will be an important resource in our campaign to make airports safe places to work.
23 September 2003 [ full story ]
|
It’s time to ask the Qantas Board some questions
Last week all Qantas staff who are shareholders should have received a notice advising that this year’s Annual General Meeting is to be held on Thursday 16 October 2003 at 2.00pm at Hall G of the Adelaide Convention Centre.
22 September 2003 [ full story ]
|
Disappointing Management Offer
Singapore Airlines management tabled an offer at the JCC meeting on 17 September 2003 that included a 12 month wage freeze, a 0.9% fall in real wages and an erosion of conditions. The offer included:
18 September 2003 [ full story ]
|
Employers acknowledge need for work–family balance
Conciliation in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) has commenced on the Work and Family Test Case, with employers and unions exploring the key provisions that should be inserted into awards to assist workers to better balance their work and family/caring responsibilities.
18 September 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU Utility Bulletin - August 2003
Inside this issue: Generation training packages under review hearing dates in your state; PSI Exposes United Nations Report on WTO & Investment, what about human rights? UK unions’ congress website; Energy Shortages – UK/USA/Sydney; Plus more…
17 September 2003 [ full story ]
|
WTO talks in Cancun collapse – implications for workers
The ASU has been supplied (by the ICFTU) with a number of news items from well known global news outlets that add to the reports in the Australian media on the breakdown of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations in Cancun, Mexico (including GATS, government procurement, foreign investment and more).
16 September 2003 [ full story ]
|
Public Services International acknowledges ASU campaign
The combined effort of the ASU National Office and Branches in the extensive campaign around the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) has been recognised by the Public Services International (PSI). Our actions and the outcomes we have achieved have been congratulated by PSI.
15 September 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU submissions to Senate on GATS and FTA now online
The ASU submissions to the Australian Senate Committee of Inquiry into the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and the USA Free Trade Agreement (FTA), delivered at hearings in Sydney and Melbourne, are now available on the Internet.
10 September 2003 [ full story ]
|
Qantas – Drug & Alcohol Policy Update
A report back before Senior Deputy President Watson was held today (Tuesday 9 September 2003) in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. Both Qantas and the ACTU on behalf of Qantas Unions reported that no agreement had been reached regarding the introduction of random drug and alcohol testing.
09 September 2003 [ full story ]
|
Singapore Airlines - United We Stand
Singapore Airlines management at the last JCC claimed that wages in Singapore are less than they are here in an attempt to explain why Singapore based staff received a larger bonus.
05 September 2003 [ full story ]
|
Qantas tones down the rhetoric
Last Tuesday (26 August 2003) all Qantas Unions attended a briefing from Geoff Dixon following the company’s end of year profit results. Like every year before it, Qantas’ need for further cost savings was a significant theme. Geoff Dixon announced the “sustainable futures” program, including:
04 September 2003 [ full story ]
|
August 2003 |
Ansett Employee Update Number 17
The latest Employee Update from the Ansett Administrators (Update 17) is now available on this website and provides a further update on the Ground Staff Superannuation Fund proceedings in the Court of Appeal.
28 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett Employee Update Number 16
The latest Employee Update from the Ansett Administrators (Update 16) is now available on this website and provides a further update on the Ground Staff Superannuation Fund proceedings in the Court of Appeal.
27 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
What sort of Qantas do you want our children to inherit?
This week Qantas have made a number of announcements that will have a dramatic impact on the employment security of Qantas staff.
22 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU Utility Bulletin - July 2003
Inside this issue: We are Australia’s largest utilities union; New South Wales Energy Network; Western Australia Energy Shortages; ASU steps up to Senate Committee for ASU members; ACTU Congress (August 18-21); European Update on Energy; New Occupational Health & Safety News and New Publication; Electricity & Water Training Package Reviews; Plus lots more…
21 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
Qantas Workers Unions Fighting Together
In an unprecedented and provocative move Qantas has indicated that it no longer intends to directly employ staff in many areas and its preference is to replace its existing permanent staff with employees from labour hire firms.
20 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett Employee Update Number 15
The latest Employee Update from the Ansett Administrators (Update 15) is now available on this website and provides the latest details in regards to the Court of Appeal.
20 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
Qantas Attacks its own Workforce
Qantas has today introduced a casual labour hire workforce at Melbourne Airport. In moves reminiscent of the waterfront dispute Qantas has introduced an overseas trained labour force on the ramp. Qantas has informed the ACTU that it no longer intends to directly employ employees performing TWU functions at Melbourne. Qantas management has also confirmed plans to introduce labour hire and overseas based employees in most work areas across the country.
20 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU promotes agenda for workers with disability
National Secretary, Paul Slape, moved the “Workers with Disability” resolution at ACTU Congress on its third day of proceedings. The resolution was seconded by ASU member Rob MacFarlane. Rob is employed in the social and community services (SACS) industry where he has worked directly with many people with disabilities and is therefore well acquainted with the issues.
20 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
Call centre award breakthrough
The ASU, through an ACTU coordinated campaign along with the CPSU and NUW, has won an award for contract call centre workers. The Award was approved by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) on Friday, August 15, 2003.
20 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
OHS at Qantas - Thousands sign petitions
On Friday 15 August 2003 the Qantas unions handed to Qantas petitions signed by over 8,000 Qantas employees opposing Qantas’ proposed random drug and alcohol policy. The level of opposition to Qantas’ plans is unprecedented and is found in all sections of the Qantas workforce.
19 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
Being union makes the difference
Last Friday 15 August 2003, Singapore Airlines Management called an urgent teleconference with your ENT representatives to discuss a change in their proposals for cuts to the company special payment and staff cuts that had been unveiled to staff and the ENT on 6 August 2003.
19 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU delegates consider direction of union movement at ACTU Congress
The triennial ACTU Congress began in Melbourne today. As one of Australia’s largest unions, the ASU is represented by 47 delegates from all parts of the country who will each play a part in helping shape the union movement’s agenda for the next three years.
18 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
Management move on members key issues in Operations Resources
The following is an update on the ASU negotiations with Qantas over the restructuring in Operations Resources.
Throughout the restructure process the ASU has held a number of meetings with Operations Resources members and so we have been able to identify the issues that are paramount to you. Agreement on the issues outlined below only occurred after we were able to show the company through strong support at meetings that the majority of staff felt strongly about the issues.
12 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU joins Victorians telling Bracks to get a heart and stop the cuts to social welfare agencies
Today ASU members joined with other unions, community activists and service recipients in a "Day of Action" to protest against the Victorian Government’s savage cuts to community, social and welfare agencies. The rally was a huge success with over 5000 attendees.
12 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
AaE Negotiating Team recommend agreement
The ASU National Negotiating Team met with AaE on Friday 8 August 2003 to try and finalise our Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.
After lengthy negotiations and taking into account the state of the company and the impending joint venture with Menzies we believe we have gone as far as we can with negotiations and think that we have an EBA to recommend to members.
12 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU meets with Queensland & Tasmanian water industry ministers
The ASU has met with the Queensland Minister for Water Services and the Tasmanian Minister for Local Government, whose portfolios cover a range including local government, water authorities and state-owned corporations.
11 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
Qantas told to back off on drug testing trial
Yesterday the ASU and other unions attended the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) in Melbourne as part of proceedings brought to stop the new policy of random drug and alcohol testing at Qantas.
08 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
Singapore Airlines has harsh plans for staff
Singapore Airlines management announced plans for staff cost reduction to the ENT yesterday (Wednesday 6 August 2003) which included:
07 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
Medicare Rally Melbourne
"Defend and Extend Medicare" by attending the upcoming mass rally in Melbourne. It will be held at 5.30pm, Friday September 5, 2003, at the State Library, corner Swanston and LaTrobe Streets.
06 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
We are Australia’s largest utilities union – it’s confirmed
As a result of recent surveys involving Branch representatives and officials of the ASU, it is now confirmed that we are Australia’s largest utility industry union (electricity and water).
06 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU holds water industry workers meeting in Tasmania
The Australian Services Union, Australia’s largest water industry union, recently held a half day seminar at the ASU Branch Office in Hobart seeking the views of key water industry members and ASU officials.
05 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett Employee Update Number 14
The latest Employee Update from the Ansett Administrators (Update 14) is now available on this website and covers the recent sale of Ansett Aircraft Spares and Services (“AASS”), the spare parts marketing company operating in the USA and UK and the impact this has on the spare parts owned by Ansett. There is also a detailed update on the aircraft marketing status. The Employee Update also provides an outline of various legal claims by employees.
04 August 2003 [ full story ]
|
July 2003 |
Work and Family Test Case: one step to gain recognition for ASU members with families
The ASU in conjunction with the ACTU has asked the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) to set test case standards which will help our members better balance their work and family commitments. ASU National Industrial Officer Lisa Heap explains the importance of this current Work and Family Test Case.
31 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
Harvester Man is dead – what is the future of work?
“I cannot think of any other standard appropriate than the normal needs of the average employee, regarded as a human being living in a civilized community.” These were the words of Justice Higgins in his famous 1907 judgement which established for the first time in Australia the concept of the basic wage.
31 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
Build more power stations now!
That’s the word from Australia’s largest electricity union, the Australian Services Union (ASU). The ASU has called on state governments to ensure that more electricity power stations are built now.
31 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
Hydro Tasmania Enterprise Partnership Agreement - ASU signs Agreement
The Hydro Tasmania Enterprise Partnership Agreement [EPA] was signed by the parties to the Agreement on July 28, 2003 after some months of negotiations.
29 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU gets update on water from the project team
The ASU has been updated on the water industry competency project review. The project team leader at Australian Local Government Training (ALGT) has advised that ASU members in the water Industry are encouraged to send their responses direct to ALGT.
25 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU steps up to Senate Committee for ASU members
The Australian Services Union appeared before the Federal Senate Committee Inquiry into GATS and the USA-Australia Free Trade Agreement hearing in Sydney on July 23. The ASU submissions to the Committee were based upon the written submission made to the Federal Government earlier this year.
25 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
Work and Family Test Case begins
The Work and Family Test Case commenced yesterday in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC). The ASU has applied to vary its Clerical and Administrative Employees (Victoria) Award 1999 to include a number of new entitlements designed to help members better balance work and family commitments.
24 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
OHS at Qantas - Qantas Caught Out!
Just one day after writing to unions and undertaking to continue discussions on their alcohol and other drug policy, Qantas has admitted a random drug and alcohol testing pilot will commence in Sydney in mid August, to be implemented across Australia soon after.
23 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
Return from Delhi: Coles Myer work back in Australia
The outsourcing of the Coles Myer accounts work to Delhi, India, has been reversed. The call centre work has now been returned to the GE Capital Finance Centre in Melbourne after it was outsourced there over two years ago. ASU members work at GE Capital Finance.
21 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
Minimum Wage Increase in Road Transport Industry Award
As of the 14 June 2003 the ASU has increased wage rates in the Clerks (Road Transport Industry) Award 2002 to take account of the Living Wage Case.
16 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
World First Aviation Training Package Launched
Transport and Distribution Training Australian (TDT) launched its Aviation Training Package in Melbourne yesterday (Tuesday 15 July 2003) in what is a world first for the aviation industry.
16 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU Utility Bulletin - June 2003
Inside this issue: Western Australia Electricity Reform; Water Industry Training Package review; Greens European energy market liberalisation; Hydro One In Canada - Tom Parkinson, former CEO of Australian distribution and retail company Northpower, now CEO of Hydro One; World Bank war on corruption; Plus more…
15 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
Minimum wage increase in Overseas Airlines Award
As of the 28 June 2003 the Overseas Airlines (Interim) Award 1999 has been varied by the ASU to take account of the 2003 Living Wage case.
15 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
Water Industry Training Package Review update
The Review steering group and consultant have published the second electronic bulletin updating where they are at and where to from here.
14 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
Prosecution of UK railway bosses and contactors
The ASU notes the impending prosecution in the United Kingdom of railway bosses and contactors involved in the Hatfield train crash in 2000. There are lessons to be learned for all that contract out work.
14 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
OHS at Qantas - My Health Is My Business!
The unions at Qantas are taking a stand on the proposed random drug and alcohol testing scheme that the airline wants to introduce. A joint bulletin has been released by the ACTU and 10 Qantas unions including the ASU all of whom say it is time for Qantas employees to take a stand together against this policy.
10 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU National leadership returned to office unopposed
Australian Services Union National Secretary, Paul Slape, National Executive President, Michael O'Sullivan and Assistant National Secretaries Linda White and Greg McLean have been re-elected unopposed following the close of nominations yesterday. Also elected unopposed were Henrietta Moran and Anne McEwen to the honorary positions of National President and National Vice-President (respectively). Henrietta works for Brisbane City Council and Anne is Secretary of the SA/NT Branch.
10 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
Singapore Airlines EBA Update
Despite the stalling of EBA talks by Singapore Airlines the ASU and ENT are now pressing for a resumption of talks.
08 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
AaE members endorse resolution
Australian Air Express members across the country have now considered the latest EBA offer from the Company and decided to reject it.
07 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU tells Federal Inquiry that local government must have more funds
The Australian Services Union was one of only two unions (the other being the Australian Police Officers Association) called before the Australian Parliament House of Representatives hearing on Cost Shifting in Local Government as a result of it’s support for local government.
02 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
Vale Neil Smith
JD or Neil, as he was better known, joined the Federated Clerks Union (FCU) West Australian Branch in the early 1950s while working for Comfort Wear Shoe Company. He began employment with the Union in 1958 as an organiser/industrial officer. Neil was elected Branch Secretary in 1966 and held the position unopposed until his retirement in 1988.
01 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
Tax Time Tips for Airline Employees
The new financial year is now here and it is time for airline employees to start thinking about getting your tax return for the 2002/2003 year completed and lodged.
01 July 2003 [ full story ]
|
June 2003 |
Qantas Crewing Confusion Continues
On Thursday 27 June 2003 ASU representatives from central crewing and ports crewing met Qantas management about the ongoing restructure in the operations resources area.
30 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
Update on Ansett Proof of Debt Forms
The Ansett Administrators have now forwarded the proof of debt forms. ASU members are reminded that in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 a creditor who fills out the proof of debt form will be bound by the amount claimed. The rationale behind this is to ensure finality regarding the amounts claimed.
30 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
Union seeks $150 a week rise for 10,000 private sector office workers
Around 10,000 NT private sector office workers, who are predominately women, are set to gain safety net rises up to $150 a week if an application by the Australian Services Union in the Industrial Relations Commission is successful.
30 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett Employee Update Number 13
The latest Employee Update from the Ansett Administrators (Update 13) is now available on this website and provides answers to Frequently Asked Questions currently being received by the Ansett Employee Hotline.
30 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
Shipping award rates increased by $17 per week
The ASU has been successful in its application to increase the rates of pay in the Clerical Industry Shipping Officers Award by $17. This increase was ordered by the commission on 19 June 2003, and the rates in the Award will officially increase on 16 July 2003.
25 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
Big win for child carers in local government
For years the role of child carers has been recognised as one of the most important in the community. However, concrete recognition through wage rates rather than pats on the back have been hard to win. Until now.
25 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
Air New Zealand - Carolyn Dean: A settlement in her favour!
Last Friday we ended the week on a positive note with a settlement of the Carolyn Dean case at Air New Zealand.
The settlement reached with Air New Zealand will allow Carolyn to work part time up until her son’s second birthday.
23 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
AaE cut to the chase with EBA
The AaE National Negotiating Team met with the Company representatives on Friday 20 June 2003 for our second meeting about the next EBA.
Both sides were keen to get a deal if possible but your Negotiating Team have not yet achieved a deal which we can recommend to ASU members.
23 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
You, ought to be congratulated!
What an incredible year we have had so far at Qantas. Many people have said many things about the airline industry, about the changing international market, about the terrible events happening in the world, and a lot of negative things have been said about the workers at Qantas much of it by Qantas management.
19 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
Family friendly dispute on boil at Air New Zealand
In recent days the ASU has been in dispute with Air New Zealand about their failure to provide a family friendly workplace for parents returning to work.
Carolyn Dean is a long-term employee with Air New Zealand who has been trying to access the Air New Zealand Enterprise Agreement (EBA) clause that allows a mother to return from maternity leave on a part time basis up until the child’s second birthday.
18 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU calls for more funding for local government
Australia’s largest local government union, the ASU, believes that local government should receive more funds to undertake its valuable work for the community.
18 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
Next round of GATS negotiations in Mexico
The ASU is still concerned with GATS with waste management and water (fresh and waste) still on the list as issues for the Australian Government to discuss with other WTO countries.
18 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
Electricity now a national industry
ASU Assistant National Secretary, Greg McLean, has met with ALP Shadow Minister for Resources, Joel Fitzgibbon, to put forward the ASU position with regard to the electricity industry. The discussions covered the ASU’s areas of coverage and interest in the electricity industry including transmission, generation and distribution/retail.
17 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
Regional and country travel agents win parity
Travel Agents in regional country areas will for the first time gain parity with their city counterparts in their Award entitlements. This follows lengthy proceedings by the ASU in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, seeking to achieve this result.
11 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett Employee Update Number 12
The latest Employee Update from the Ansett Administrators (Update 12) is now available on this website and provides a progress report in relation to the Ground Staff Superannuation proceedings, and explains the importance of the Proof of Debt process currently being distributed to all former Ansett mainline business employees.
11 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
EBA negotiations kick off
On Thursday 10 June 2003 the ASU National Negotiating Team at AaE attended the first meeting for the negotiations of the ASU’s 2003 EBA with the Company.
11 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
Singapore Airlines EBA Update
You may be aware the Company has reduced some 358 flights per week system wide. ln the history of Singapore Airlines this is surely the most difficult time that we have seen.
11 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
Water industry training packages review
The Australian water industry training packages are under review with workshops now being held across the country. The training material is relevant to all water industry workers, including members working in local government water.
06 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU Energy Bulletin - May 2003
Inside this issue: Electricity industry training review - Australia & New Zealand; United Nations International Labor Organisation asks ASU to assist; What’s happening in India, Europe, USA, and Asia for unions dealing with Utility Reform? Plus more…
05 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett Proof of Debt Update
A number of members have indicated that they have not received the Ansett Proof of Debt Form in the mail as expected.
05 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
A Saharawi woman speaks out
Fatima Mahfoud is visiting Australia to help spread the message about the suffering of the people of Western Sahara. For the last few years the ASU at both a national and Branch level has supported the Western Sahara freedom movement. We encourage everyone to consider attending one of the many events around Fatima’s visit to Sydney and Melbourne.
05 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
Serious about members’ careers
The ASU is serious about members having a say in their careers through development of industry training packages. As indicated in previous news items, the training package for those working in libraries, information services & museums is now under review.
03 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU to attend child care forum
The ACTU in conjunction with the ASU National Office and the NSW Labor Council, will be convening a forum on child care at the NSW Labor Council Building on Monday, June 30. A range of issues will be covered and guest speakers will include Pru Goward, Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Sharan Burrow, ACTU President, and Nicola Roxon, Shadow Minister for Children and Youth.
03 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU fights for wage justice for childcare workers
Today the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) began hearing evidence in the work value/pay equity case for childcare workers. This case was initiated by the ASU Victorian Authorities & Services Branch in attempt to redress the historical undervaluation of the vital work carried out by childcare workers.
03 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU witnesses assist redundancy test case
ASU witnesses Christine Tutty and Lorraine Johnstone have provided witness evidence to the redundancy test case which is currently before a Full Bench of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC). Their testimony will support the unions’ position in seeking improved minimum redundancy provisions as well as extending the right to redundancy pay to more employees.
02 June 2003 [ full story ]
|
May 2003 |
ASU gets it on at Foxtel and Austar
After two long years of organising members at the Foxtel call centre in Melbourne and Austar call centre on the Gold Coast and putting our case in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC), the ASU has now become a party to both the Foxtel and Austar awards.
30 May 2003 [ full story ]
|
2003 Minimum Wage increases begin to flow
The first two ASU awards to be changed as a result the Australian Industrial Relations Commission’s 2003 “Minimum Wage” decision of May 6 were varied today. Each year, the ACTU, supported by all unions, campaigns for an increase in award wages to protect the level of the income ‘safety net’ which applies to workers who rely solely on awards for their pay and conditions.
22 May 2003 [ full story ]
|
Company fails to show up
Air Niugini has not co-operated with the ASU’s attempts to seek a reasonable EBA outcome through meetings that were organised at the Australian Industrial Relations Commission on 16 April and 9 May 2003. In fact, the company did not even see the second meeting as important enough to send a representative, leaving it up to their agent Livingstones to deliver the bad news.
21 May 2003 [ full story ]
|
Federal Budget ignores local government
"The Australian Services Union is disappointed with the Federal Budget and the missed opportunity to increase funding for local government in a range of areas,” said Greg McLean, ASU National Local Government Division Convener.
16 May 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU Elections 2003 – leadership clean sweep
In Union elections held in the NSW & ACT (Services) Branch and Victorian Authorities & Services Branch the candidates supported by the Secretary and Executive President of both Branches have won all positions that were contested.
16 May 2003 [ full story ]
|
Update on the First Wave of redundancies at Qantas
We expect that in the next two weeks plans for redundancies will be announced in most ASU areas in Qantas arising from the first wave of 1000 redundancies announced by Geoff Dixon on 9 April 2003.
16 May 2003 [ full story ]
|
GATS success thanks to members, delegates and officials across Australia
The ASU’s GATS (General Agreement on Trade in Services) campaign has been a substantial success for the Union due to the commitment and participation of rank and file members, delegates and officials across the country. Without your support, the message the ASU was trying to deliver to protect our workers and their communities would not have been received by so many.
16 May 2003 [ full story ]
|
The lowdown on redundancies at airports
Today, ASU officials and delegates met with the Company to discuss the proposed redundancies in airports which are part of the April redundancy announcement by Geoff Dixon.
14 May 2003 [ full story ]
|
Proof of Debt Forms on the way at Ansett
The following information has been received from the ACTU and it is important that all Ex-Ansett employees understand the effect of their Proof of Debt forms.
13 May 2003 [ full story ]
|
Low paid to gain modest wage increase
Today the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) decided that the lowest paid workers on Federal awards should have access to a $17 per week increase in wages, with a further tier of workers gaining $15 per week. This decision was in response to union applications seeking $24.60 per week and employer counter arguments generally against any increase at all.
06 May 2003 [ full story ]
|
Workers are the meat in the sandwich of Howard’s attack on Medicare
"ASU members will be some of the hardest hit by the Howard Government's proposed changes to Medicare," said ASU National Secretary Paul Slape. "The majority will fall through the gaping holes in the proposals and will be required to pay more and more to achieve necessary health care - an outcome the Union will fight against."
02 May 2003 [ full story ]
|
May Day: no time for complacency
May Day has special significance for workers, not least because it is a day celebrated across the world. Originating in the struggle for an eight hour day in the US and Canada, it has come to represent workers’ struggles in general in the face of opposition from employers, governments and other groups who from time to time deny an equal share of prosperity to ordinary people.
01 May 2003 [ full story ]
|
May Day - push for permanency!
Members of the ASU employed by various labour hire agencies will today launch a push for permanency. About 120 people who are employed on a casual basis by several labour hire agencies are sub-contracted to a major government department in Adelaide. ASU members in this group are arguing the ongoing nature of their employment and their high levels of skill are such that they should be entitled to greater job security.
01 May 2003 [ full story ]
|
April 2003 |
Singapore Airlines tries to suspend EBA negotiations
There has been almost 5 months of negotiations and all parties made a commitment to try to finalise the EBA negotiations this week with a meeting scheduled for today.
30 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
Museums, Art Galleries and Libraries Industry Training Package – it’s time for a review
The ASU is working with CREATE, the national industry training body for the cultural industries, to undertake a review of the Industry Training Package for ASU members working within libraries, art galleries and museums.
30 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
EBA survey results – now what to claim
The ASU AaE EBA survey results are now in and after receiving 130 completed surveys it is now time to decide what to claim in this round of enterprise bargaining.
24 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
Local government training package review now underway
Through the efforts of the ASU and concerned local authorities, the local government training packages are now being reviewed. Union Branches, local authorities and those using the packages have a chance to look at them and review them to get the best results.
24 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
Call for thawing of child care funding for children with special needs
The ASU has echoed ALP Shadow Minister for Child Care, Nicola Roxon’s call for additional child care funding for children with special needs. We are urging local government and the child care industry in general to support this move.
23 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU Energy Bulletin - March 2003
Inside this issue: EE-OZ Training - new packages; World Bank acknowledges unions are winners; Democracy and Regulation - British residents pay 44% more for electricity than do American consumers; Well, we always said so; Workers Online - Trade Warriors; plus more …
23 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
Air New Zealand goes to the ballot
Finally the 14 days are over and the voting can begin on the proposed EBA. Air New Zealand employees have had the required 14 days to consider the proposed EBA and are now being asked to vote on whether to accept the proposal as endorsed by the employee representatives and the ASU.
22 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
Mission Employment says “No” to decent redundancy standards
ASU officers are surprised at the callous way that Mission Employment has responded to the ASU’s legitimate claims on behalf of member’s about to be made redundant by Mission. The redundancies are as a result of Mission’s loss of contracts in the latest funding round.
17 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU briefed on the new face of privatisation
The Australian Services Union recently held a seminar at its National Office in Sydney, for officials of all ASU Branches in NSW to hear of the difficulties associated with Private Public Partnerships (PPPs) and Private Funding Initiatives (PFIs) in the United Kingdom.
16 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
GATS campaign win!
Mark Vaile, Federal Minister for Trade, has announced that the Government has made public its GATS offers at the same time as the offer was lodged with the World Trade Organisation in Geneva. The Minister has acknowledged that in making the offer public, the Government was acting in response to “strong public interest in these negotiations”.
15 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU seeks Commission’s intervention
Following several unsuccessful attempts by the ASU to revive negotiations for a new EBA at Air Niugini, the ASU referred the matter to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) on Thursday to seek intervention and assistance in convening further meetings. The matter was heard by Commissioner Richards, who recommended that meetings be convened in Brisbane at 10.00am on 16 April and 9 May 2003 between Union representatives and the Company. However, he also made it clear that the AIRC would be very reluctant to intervene in the substance of the negotiations.
15 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
Singapore Airlines EBA Update
The ENT met with Singapore Airlines on Thursday 2 April 2003 after we had provided the Company with our written response to their EBA document the week before. Our response was based on the meetings we held we staff across the Company.
14 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
More on the Qantas redundancies
Last Friday 11 April 2003 the ASU received a further briefing from Qantas on the likely impact on ASU areas of the 1000 redundancies announced by Qantas CEO Geoff Dixon on 9 April 2003.
14 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
Qantas announces redundancies
Yesterday Qantas made a move which it has been signalling to the media for some weeks, finally declaring an intention to make 1000 Qantas staff redundant. There are also plans for 300 staff to go from full time to part time and 400 more staff to go on leave.
10 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU official enters NSW Parliament
ASU Senior Vice President Kayee Griffin was elected to the NSW Legislative Council on the ALP ticket at the recent State election. In addition to her many years of service to the Union, beginning as an organiser for the NSW MEU Branch, she is currently in her eighth year as Mayor of Canterbury City Council.
09 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
Howard lets down working families - again
After commencing the year with the proclamation that issues of work and family balance were the current "barbeque stopper" and proclaiming that these matters would be a priority for his Federal Government, the Prime Minister has now back flipped on his commitment by indicating that the promised work and family package will not form part of this year's budget.
09 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
Korean trade union visits the ASU
A Korean trade union delegation on a study tour to Australia has met with the ASU at its National Office in Sydney to learn first hand how the ASU works with its members in the water, electricity, local government, social & community services and other sectors.
08 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
Overseas Airlines Classification Survey 2003
The ASU has been notified by the major employer group representing Overseas Airlines in Australia, the Australian Industry Group (AIG) that the employers propose to make major changes to the Overseas Airlines Award. This is the ASU Award that prescribes the wages and conditions in over 25 Overseas Airlines operating in Australia and includes your airline.
08 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
Information for Airline Members on SARS
The emergence of Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a serious health concern for aircraft passengers, crews, and aviation ground staff. The disease is reported to have been transmitted on board an aircraft, but advice about appropriate safeguards is still emerging.
03 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
Trustees appeal Super Case
Ansett members have been dealt another cruel blow with confirmation that the Trustees of the Ansett Ground Staff Superannuation Fund have appealed the decision of Justice Warren of the Supreme Court, which was handed down in February 2003.
03 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU Elections 2003
Last week we reported that the leadership of all ASU Branches bar one – NSW & ACT (Services) - had been returned unopposed. This is now no longer the case, with all leaders returned unopposed.
03 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
Creating opportunities for workers in local government
As Australia’s largest local government union, the ASU and its Branches not only work with members at a local level in individual councils but also pursue many broader issues on behalf of local government workers regarding their future employment opportunities.
02 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
Well, we always said so
The ASU has always believed that casual workers and their families are worse off than full time workers. Now with the latest report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), highlighted by the ALP’s Robert McClelland in Federal Parliament, we have been proven right.
01 April 2003 [ full story ]
|
March 2003 |
STOP THE WAR: bring our troops home says ACTU
While voting to oppose the war on Iraq, the ACTU Executive meeting in Melbourne this week has also condemned the regime of Saddam Hussein for its violations of human and trade union rights.
28 March 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU Financial Statements for 2001-2002
The Workplace Relations Act requires that the financial affairs of unions are checked and audited every 12 months to make sure union funds are administered properly and to detect any shortcomings. The National Executive and the Branches of the ASU each conduct their own audit.
28 March 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU Elections 2003
At the close of nominations for ASU Branch elections the leaders of all ASU Branches bar one were returned unopposed.
28 March 2003 [ full story ]
|
GATS campaign opens doors in the halls of power
After months of ASU campaigning in local government, water and electricity industries the Federal Government has opened talks with the Union about the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).
27 March 2003 [ full story ]
|
Air New Zealand – parties go into the bunker to find solution
In our last bulletin we advised that a new EBA offer from Air New Zealand required further consideration before we could put a response.
Since that bulletin we have had further discussions with the Company and are confident that we are soon to reach an agreement.
27 March 2003 [ full story ]
|
Employers Propose Cuts To Award
The ASU has been notified by the major employer group representing the Overseas Airlines in Australia, the Australian Industry Group (AIG) that the employers propose to make major changes to the Overseas Airlines Award, the ASU Award that prescribes the wages and conditions in over 25 Overseas Airlines operating in Australia.
27 March 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett Employee Update Number 11
The latest Employee Update from the Ansett Administrators (Update 11) is now available on this website and provides an update on the Supreme Court Superannuation Case. This bulletin confirms that the Trustees of the Ground Staff superannuation fund lodged an appeal against the decision and orders of the Supreme Court made in February 2003.
25 March 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU encourages members to support aid agencies
Despite local demonstrations and international diplomacy, the war we dreaded has happened. Yesterday the first weapons were employed in Iraq by the US Coalition, meting out their intended death and destruction. Regardless of individual standpoints on the legality of this War, what we all agree on is that the death of innocent people and the destruction of homes is a tragic consequence.
21 March 2003 [ full story ]
|
Singapore Airlines - Your EBA has now expired!
As of the 4th March 2003 Singapore Airlines staff are covered by an expired Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA). We must look to signing a new EBA as soon as possible.
Negotiations for a new EBA have been ongoing for 3 months now and we have held 4 meetings with the Company so far.
20 March 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU acknowledged for work in the electricity and water industries
As part of the campaign being undertaken by the ASU in the electricity and water industries, and in recognition of the respect we have developed in our region, the Public Services International (PSI) has selected ASU Assistant National Secretary, Greg McLean, to be part of their team to represent workers throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific region at a meeting of the International Labour Organisation (ILO - a United Nations agency). Negotiations with multinational companies and governments involved in electricity and water industry reform will take place at this meeting.
18 March 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU GATS campaign hots up
In the next few weeks the ASU GATS campaign will be hotting up in anticipation of the Australian Government’s final decisions in respect of which services it will open to international competition. The Government will be making submissions to the World Trade Organisation so it is critical we make our voices heard to protect Australian jobs and communities.
18 March 2003 [ full story ]
|
UK representative briefs ASU on PPPs and PFIs
The Australian Services Union is pleased to advise that a representative of the United Kingdom’s largest public sector union, UNISON, will be in Australia in early April and will meet with representatives of the ASU, at our Sydney office on Monday April 7. UNISON’s representative, Margie Jaffie, will report on difficulties workers face in the United Kingdom as a result of the implementation of Private Funding Initiatives (PFIs) or Private Public Partnerships (PPPs).
18 March 2003 [ full story ]
|
The New Qantas Classification Structure
On 11 March 2003 the Australian Industrial Relations Commission approved the ASU's application to put a classification structure in our Airline Officers (Qantas Airways Limited) Award. This is the main ASU Award and covers around 9500 employees at Qantas.
17 March 2003 [ full story ]
|
It’s not over yet at Air New Zealand
It would have been a great day if we could have delivered an EBA offer from Air New Zealand to our members. It would have been ‘victory’ if as hoped the revised offer was likely to meet ASU member’s expectations and we could end this round of EBA negotiations and move on.
17 March 2003 [ full story ]
|
Singapore Airlines - Talking Frankly
Following the EBA negotiations yesterday we interviewed the Employee Negotiating Team (ENT) at Singapore Airlines to find out what they thought they needed to achieve a good outcome for all Singapore Airlines Staff through this round of EBA. Here are their thoughts:
17 March 2003 [ full story ]
|
Overseas research and ACTU support ASU’s agenda for working families
On 8 March 2003 (International Women’s Day) the ASU launched its strategy to embark on a 21st Century Agenda of achieving work life balance for our members. The ASU’s strategy involves the ASU bargaining for a ‘Life-Line of Entitlements’ for ASU members which involves recognition of their family and community commitments across their working lives. This Life-Line of Entitlements ensures that workers with small children, older children or dependent older parents can balance their caring responsibilities with their responsibilities within the workplace. It also recognises workers who may not have direct caring responsibilities but who contribute to the community.
13 March 2003 [ full story ]
|
It’s time to celebrate!
After many years of negotiations the Australian Industrial Relations Commission today (11 March 2003) approved the ASU’s application to put a classification structure in our Airline Officers (Qantas Airways Limited) Award. This is the main ASU Award and covers around 9500 employees at Qantas.
12 March 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU celebrates International Women’s Day with a 21st Century Agenda
The Australian Services Union will celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, 2003, by commencing its work to achieve a “21st Century Agenda for ASU members”. This 21st Century Agenda aims to shift the debate about work and family balance from a discussion about the impact of family on work to the impact of work on family and the community.
08 March 2003 [ full story ]
|
Qantas looks for Strike-breakers
ASU members know what it is like to struggle to battle for wage justice.
Our co-workers and fellow unionists who are members of the Flight Attendants Association (FAAA) International Division are currently engaged in such a struggle with Qantas.
06 March 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU lodges submission to Federal Dept of Trade on GATS
The Australian Services Union has lodged a formal Submission with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, covering ASU concerns on the current GATS negotiations. Issues raised in the ASU Submission include the implications of GATS for regional Australia, local government in both city and country areas, transparency, openness and democratic decision making by local government and State government authorities.
06 March 2003 [ full story ]
|
Australian Air Express - It’s EBA Survey Time Again!
The Australian Air Express (AaE) Enterprise Bargaining Agreement expires on 30 June 2003 so it’s now time to commence our pre-negotiation survey of staff to help us decide what issues or claims ASU members want the Union to pursue in our next round of enterprise bargaining.
06 March 2003 [ full story ]
|
February 2003 |
Are Air NZ Finally Listening?
After overwhelming support for our industrial action across Australia on 25 & 26 February 2003 Air New Zealand have now approached us to hold a meeting with the JCC on Tuesday 4 March 2003 in Sydney.
26 February 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett Employee Update Number 10
The latest Employee Update from the Ansett Administrators (Update 10) is now available on this website and provides an update on the Supreme Court Superannuation Case. The ASU will continue to post information for members as it becomes available.
25 February 2003 [ full story ]
|
Urgent Air New Zealand staff to strike today for job security, pay and better conditions
90 Air New Zealand ground staff and members of the Australian Services Union will today take industrial action across Australia. It’s the first time Air New Zealand staff have ever taken industrial action in Australia.
25 February 2003 [ full story ]
|
Industrial Action Notice tomorrow and Wednesday
In a leaked memo signed by Ralph Norris we have heard today that Air NZ middle management and senior management will give themselves a pay rise and performance bonuses effective and backdated to 1 February 2003. They claim this is part of a 12-month pay freeze.
24 February 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU Meets the World
The Australian Services Union proudly participated in the opening of the 8th International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) World Women’s Congress where is being held in Melbourne 18-21February 2003.
19 February 2003 [ full story ]
|
You can’t teach an old dog a new trick
Today in the Sydney Morning Herald, one day before the half yearly profit announcement tomorrow, Qantas has chosen to announce that they are planning 2500 redundancies.
19 February 2003 [ full story ]
|
Make Peace Not War – Air NZ
Despite repeated requests for a resolution to the ongoing and drawn out EBA negotiations Air New Zealand have failed to put a formal response and have missed the extended deadline put to the Company which passed on Friday 14th February.
19 February 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU sets pace on paid Maternity leave at P&O Nedlloyd – 14 weeks
ASU members have set a new benchmark for paid maternity leave in the shipping industry, in an agreement which provides for up to 14 weeks paid maternity leave. This is in addition to provisions for 6 weeks paid adoption leave, and 1 weeks paid paternity leave.
18 February 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett Employee Update Number 8
The latest Employee Update from the Ansett Administrators (Update 8) is now available on this website and provides an update on the Supreme Court Superannuation Case. The ASU will continue to post information for members as it becomes available.
18 February 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett Employee Update Number 9
The latest Employee Update from the Ansett Administrators (Update 9) is now available on this website and provides an update on the Supreme Court Superannuation Case. The ASU will continue to post information for members as it becomes available.
14 February 2003 [ full story ]
|
January 2003 |
Time to Value Community Service Workers
The Australian Services Union (ASU), the largest union representing community workers in Australia, supports the findings of the fifth ACOSS Australians Living on the Edge survey which was released today which has revealed that there has been a substantial rise in the numbers of people seeking assistance from community service agencies which has either meant that agencies are forced to turn people away or rely on the unfunded effort of staff and volunteers to deal with the additional demand.
30 January 2003 [ full story ]
|
Qantas Award Allowances Increase
The Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) has today approved increases to a range of allowances in the Airline Officers (Qantas Airways Ltd) Award 2000 to take into account the rises in CPI since the last increase occurred 12 months ago.
29 January 2003 [ full story ]
|
Eastern Airlines EBA Approved
The votes in the ASU’s Eastern Australia Airlines EBA were counted today and 84% of those who cast a valid vote voted YES to approving the EBA for Eastern Airlines staff in Group 1 in NSW and Victoria.
28 January 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU GATS Update for Friday 20th January
In the last week the GATS issue has received more attention, with the Australian Federal Government releasing a paper calling for community responses.
25 January 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU Congratulates United Nations Committee on Economic Culture and Social Rights
The Australian Services Union has congratulated the United Nations Committee on Economic Culture and Social Rights which has taken the unprecedented step of agreeing on a general comment to water as a human right. The Organisation has stated “Water is fundamental for life and health. The human right to water is indispensable for living a healthy life in human dignity. It is a pre-requisite to the realisation of all other human rights".
24 January 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett Payments Update
The Supreme Court of Victoria was due to formally issue Orders in the Ground Staff Superannuation Case on 20 January 2003 (see ASU Bulletin 30 for background). The hearing date for the issue of Orders has now been adjourned until 4 February 2003, which means the appeal deadline for the Trustees of the Superannuation Fund will be 21 days from 4 February 2003 which is 25 February 2003 if the orders are issued on 4 February 2003.
22 January 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett Employee Update Number 7
The latest Employee Update from the Ansett Administrators (Update 7) is now available on this website and provides an update on the Supreme Court Superannuation Case. The ASU will continue to post information for members as it becomes available.
22 January 2003 [ full story ]
|
Lunch Action makes a Meal of Air NZ
On Monday 20 January 2002 Air NZ staff across Australia took part in our Big Lunch action to send a clear message to Air NZ that it is time to come back to the Enterprise Bargaining negotiating table and put a fair offer on the table.
22 January 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU Releases GATS Campaign Stickers
The ASU has now released its GATS Campaign stickers to Branches and National Delegates.
16 January 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU taking industrial action at Air NZ for a better deal
Most of you would have now attended meetings around the country with your JCC employee representatives and organisers from the ASU.
15 January 2003 [ full story ]
|
ASU Energy Bulletin - December 2002
Inside this issue: ASU Campaign on GATS; Review of electricity industry training package; More child care places and greater subsidies for working families needed; World Water Industry Update – privatisation being wound back; plus more ...
13 January 2003 [ full story ]
|
General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) – Campaign Grows
The ASU Campaign on GATS continues to lead the way in the Australian Union movement. In Local Government, we are now seeing developments in other countries and have received the following advice.
08 January 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett Employee Update Number 5
The latest Employee Update from the Ansett Administrators (Update 5) is now available on this website and explains how there may be an appeal with regards to the Supreme Court Superannuation Case. The ASU will continue to post information for members as it becomes available.
06 January 2003 [ full story ]
|
United Airlines EBA: Finally approved in time for the New year
Yesterday the EBA ballot papers were counted in the presence of representatives from the company’s lawyers (Gadens), one representative from the Company, one from the ASU and one representative of the staff.
06 January 2003 [ full story ]
|
Ansett Employee Update Number 6
The latest Employee Update from the Ansett Administrators (Update 6) is now available on this website and provides an update on the Supreme Court Superannuation Case. The ASU will continue to post information for members as it becomes available.
06 January 2003 [ full story ]
|
|
|
