Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA Sydney Dinner on 29 Sept
This year's annual Sydney dinner will be held on 29 September 2010. Funds raised by the dinner enable Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA to continue vocational training, health training and HIV/AIDS prevention, and workers rights training around the world.
03 August 2010 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from July 2010
Industrial relations legislation, regulations and policies have a very significant impact on the lives of workers. Their shape is determined by the political party that forms government. That's why the ASU takes a serious interest in election campaigns and that's why we have prepared a web page of resources for our members and supporters so that you can get informed.
02 August 2010 [full story]
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ASU donates heart defibrillator to Cairns Airport
From this week Cairns Airport will be a safer place for people with heart trouble, thanks to the presence of an on-site defibrillator donated by the Australian Services Union (ASU).
30 July 2010 [full story]
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ASUshop election gear
Three years ago the ASU in conjunction with the ACTU harnessed broad community support to get rid of WorkChoices - and succeeded. The result was the Labor Government’s Fair Work laws, which have restored many workers’ rights. These changes are a good first step but more needs to be done in a range of areas – especially for construction workers and people on awards.
26 July 2010 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from June 2010 onwards
1. Enrol or update your enrolment: URGENT if you are not enrolled, you have until 8pm today (Monday 19 July) to get your form in to the AEC. If you need to make a change to your enrolment, you have until 8pm on Thursday 22 July. Click here for everything you need to enrol or update on the AEC website. 2. Vote to protect your rights at work: With the Liberal-Nationals flip-flopping all over the place, we’re advising ASU members and friends that the risk of a return to unfair workplace laws is just too great with an Abbott Government.
19 July 2010 [full story]
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Congratulations to Sharan Burrow on her election to head the global union movement
Australian unions warmly congratulate ACTU President Sharan Burrow on her election as the General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). Ms Burrow was elected to head the global union body at its Congress in Vancouver overnight.
26 June 2010 [full story]
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Unions pledge to work closely with Julia Gillard, acknowledge Labor’s achievements under Rudd
Australian unions have pledged to work closely with Julia Gillard as Prime Minister and are united in preventing a return to the Coalition and its disastrous WorkChoices policy.
24 June 2010 [full story]
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Here’s the truth on mining: profits have grown by more than eight times wages
Big mining companies have not been telling the Australian public the truth and should admit that they are making astronomical profits and can afford to pay more tax.
24 June 2010 [full story]
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Agreement over broadband network roll-out is good for jobs and national infrastructure
The Heads of Agreement signed yesterday between Telstra and the National Broadband Network Company is good news for jobs in Australia’s communications industry and good news for our national infrastructure says the ACTU and the CEPU.
21 June 2010 [full story]
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Australia needs a robust tax system with fair and efficient taxation of mining super profits
National organisations representing social and community sector, unions, environmental and consumer groups have called for the voices of ordinary Australians to be heard in a tax debate that has been dominated by powerful vested mining interests. [Joint statement by ACTU, ACOSS, ACF, CFA]
15 June 2010 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from April-May 2010
It’s been an interesting few weeks in politics with some extraordinary statements being made and a lot of mud slinging going on. At the ASU, because our job is advocating for workers, we’re listening intently in the lead up to the federal election so we can advise you of what’s on offer to best protect your rights at work. Stay tuned…
02 June 2010 [full story]
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Vale Jeff Shaw - unions pay tribute
The ASU and other unions have expressed sadness at the passing of Jeff Shaw, a leading light of the Labor movement in New South Wales.
12 May 2010 [full story]
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Workers turn to unions for better pay: new ABS data shows lift in union membership
A lift in union membership in the past year shows working Australians are turning to unions to improve their pay and conditions. New ABS data released today shows there has been a lift in union membership of more than 82,000 workers and the proportion of the workforce in unions has increased from 19% to 20%.
12 May 2010 [full story]
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Budget is good news for working Australians with 450,000 new jobs as economy rebounds
The remarkable recovery of Australia’s jobs market with more than 450,000 new jobs to be created over the next two years is a testament to the Rudd Government’s economic management.
12 May 2010 [full story]
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ASUshop new gear
The ASU 'union' t-shirts were originally launched at the ASU National Conference 2008 and sold out in weeks. Now, due to popular demand, we have more blue t-shirts back in stock in all sizes, including children's sizes (6-10).
11 May 2010 [full story]
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Fairer tax and more super for working Australians must be at centre of Henry Review
The Henry Tax Review and next month’s Federal Budget must deliver a fairer tax system for working Australians and reform the superannuation system to ensure dignity in retirement for all Australians, not just the well-off, say unions.
29 April 2010 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from March 2010
One of the major changes confronting workers over the last year or so is the “harmonisation” of OHS laws across the country. And workers’ compensation laws are about to be added to the mix.
21 April 2010 [full story]
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Ged Kearney elected unopposed as the next President of the ACTU
Ged Kearney has been elected as the next President of the ACTU following the closure of nominations today for an upcoming casual vacancy.
20 April 2010 [full story]
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Join the Women's Rights At Work team in the 2010 Mothers Day Classic
On Sunday 9 May 2010, for the first time, the Mothers Day Classic fun run or walk will feature a national union team promoting women’s rights in every capital city event. The team is called the "Women’s Rights At Work".
20 April 2010 [full story]
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Order your Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA 2010 raffle tickets now
The annual Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA raffle is on right now so don't forget to order your tickets. UAA-APHEDA is the overseas aid agency of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and it needs your help to 'Make Life Fair Everywhere'.
30 March 2010 [full story]
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ASUshop new gear
Easter School break is coming up soon. Why not treat the family and see Tim Burton's take on Alice in Wonderland? We have children's tickets for Hoyts and Village cinemas available from the low price of $8.50 and adult tickets available from $10.50 - saving you up to 30% off the regular price.
29 March 2010 [full story]
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Earth Hour is on Saturday – are you ready?
As we did in 2009, the ASU is participating in Earth Hour this year. We will ensure our lights are off in our Carlton building this Saturday night, but more importantly, we are actively raising awareness of the issues Earth Hour is drawing the world's attention to: specifically the need for all of us to look after the finite resources of this, our only home, the Earth.
26 March 2010 [full story]
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Unions, community groups want safeguards for health, environment and labour rights in US-Trans Pacific trade pact
Thirty Australian unions and community groups yesterday asked the Trade Minister to safeguard the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, Australian local content in media, regulation of GE food, regulation of foreign investment and industry policies that support local employment in the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) negotiations which start today, Monday March 15.
15 March 2010 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from January - February 2010
This year will see a concerted effort by the union movement to bring equal pay to Australian women workers.
03 March 2010 [full story]
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ASUshop new gear
Looking for a cool oasis to entertain the whole family this summer? Going to the movies may be the perfect solution. The ASUshop sells discounted movie tickets to make your outing that much more affordable.
11 February 2010 [full story]
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Abbott misses big economic picture on climate change
The federal opposition’s response to climate change fails to grasp the enormous challenge of moving Australia onto a cleaner energy footing, and ignores the economic and environmental risk of doing too little too late.
02 February 2010 [full story]
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Intergenerational Report is a wake-up call - time to increase super to 15%
Unions will push for the superannuation guarantee to be raised to 15% following the release of a new government report on the economic impact of Australia’s rapidly ageing population. Unions welcome today’s Intergenerational Report, which outlines the challenges posed for retirement incomes as the proportion of the population aged 65 and over doubles over the next 40 years.
01 February 2010 [full story]
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Investment in skills and infrastructure crucial to boost Australian productivity
Major investment in skills, training and infrastructure will be needed if Australia is to respond to the challenge of lifting productivity growth, say unions.
19 January 2010 [full story]
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Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA Appeal for Haiti
On Tuesday 12th January, the small Caribbean nation of Haiti was hit by a magnitude 7 earthquake. The capital of Port-au-Prince, a city of 3 million people, lies in ruins.
19 January 2010 [full story]
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Welcome news on jobs, but underlying problems mean stimulus must continue
A drop in Australia’s unemployment rate for the third month in a row is encouraging and may indicate that the peak has passed, but December’s over-reliance on part-time jobs growth may also be masking underlying problems, say unions.
15 January 2010 [full story]
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Tougher action is still needed to rein in executive salaries and bonuses
Australia enters a new decade at risk of repeating the mistakes of the past few years unless tighter restrictions are imposed on executive pay packets, say unions.
04 January 2010 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from November-December 2009
The ASU National Office sends its best wishes to everyone, especially our members, at this festive time of the year. It's a time to enjoy our families and friends and to spare a thought for those less fortunate, especially in the current economic climate. May we all return safely to work after the holidays.
18 December 2009 [full story]
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Dec 10 is Human Rights Day: working for an end to discrimination
“Discrimination lies at the root of many of the world's most pressing human rights problems. No country is immune from this scourge. Eliminating discrimination is a duty of the highest order.” So said Navi Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Human Rights Day 2009 on 10 December focuses on ending the scourge of discrimination.
09 December 2009 [full story]
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ASUshop new gear
With a blockbuster movie season around the corner for Christmas that's sure to entertain the whole family, we have the perfect solution to take advantage of the holidays. With movies like Avatar, New Moon, Where the Wild Things Are, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs and many more playing - why not snap up some movie tickets and treat the whole family? We have children's tickets for Hoyts and Village cinemas available from the low price of $8.50 and adult tickets available from $10.50 - saving you up to 30% off the regular price. Movie vouchers also make a great Christmas present.
09 December 2009 [full story]
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ASU National Office audited accounts, financial statements and operating report
The Workplace Relations Act (now known as the Fair Work 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. Unions are also required to prepare an operating report. The National Executive and the Branches of the ASU each conduct their own audit and prepare their own reports.
01 December 2009 [full story]
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ASU's Linda White re-elected as ACTU VP
This week the ACTU Executive re-elected the ASU's Assistant National Secretary Linda White as a Vice President.
25 November 2009 [full story]
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Time to swear and wear a white ribbon to achieve social change
The ASU is a long time supporter of the White Ribbon Day campaign, which aims to eliminate violence against women by promoting culture change. On November 25 we encourage our members and friends to be part of this day by wearing a white ribbon or participating in events or simply talking with each other about how important the issue is in our society.
24 November 2009 [full story]
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ASUshop new gear
Need to find a way to beat the heat this month? Then why not beat the heat at the cinemas with discount movie tickets for the family. We have children's tickets for Hoyts and Village cinemas available from the low price of $8.50 and adult tickets available from $10.50 - saving you up to 30% off the regular price.
13 November 2009 [full story]
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Queensland - Not For Sale
The Bligh Government plans to privatise railways, ports, roads and forestry reserves in Queensland. The privatisation of State Government assets will be strongly opposed by Australian Services Union (ASU) members. Privatisation could affect up to 12,000 workers in Queensland Rail, and workers in ports, motorways and forestry.
13 November 2009 [full story]
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Action is needed to prevent underemployment becoming more entrenched in the workforce
A chronic problem of underemployment in the Australian economy is putting greater pressure on household incomes and pushing more families towards the poverty line, say unions.
15 October 2009 [full story]
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Stand up and take action to MAKE POVERTY HISTORY on 16-18 October
As a member of the MAKE-POVERTY-HISTORY (MPH) coalition, the ASU is encouraging members and friends to either host a Stand Up event sometime during 16-18 October, or attend one of the public events being put on by MPH. These are not just symbolic actions - they tell our politicians that their constituents want them to deal with poverty seriously. The more people get involved, the more the politicians listen, so don't think your action in standing up won't matter. It will!
12 October 2009 [full story]
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Working Australians demand tough action on executive salaries and bonuses
Today’s report by the Productivity Commission from its inquiry into executive remuneration must send a strong message to corporate Australia that excessive salaries that encourage risk-taking will no longer be tolerated, say unions.
30 September 2009 [full story]
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ASUshop new gear
We have a WINNER of a free family pass for the movies this month. The winner of the family movie pass this quarter is Kathleen B from the Victoria. Congratulations Kathleen, you'll be going the movies with another adult and 2 children on us. Don’t forget: All Hoyts and Village children's movie tickets purchased between September 1st, 2009 and November 30th, 2009 will go into the draw to win a family movie pass. The winner will be announced in our December newsletter.
18 September 2009 [full story]
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Australians want workplace safety rights protected under new OHS laws - new poll
A new national poll has revealed nearly eight out of ten Australians (78%) believe employers should do more to protect the health and safety of their workers, even if it means more costs or red tape for their business. Workers turned out in force at OHS rallies across the country this week in support of better OHS laws.
02 September 2009 [full story]
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Workers call for stronger health & safety laws with national meetings and rallies
Thousands of workers and families of people who have died or been injured at work will call on state, federal and territory governments today to bring in stronger workplace health and safety protections at a series of nation wide events on Tuesday 1 September.
31 August 2009 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from June-July 2009
On 1 July 2009, the long awaited Fair Work Act was delivered. Amidst the trumpeting heralds, the ticker tape and all manner of other fanfare, the ASU remains cautiously optimistic of what this new era will bring for our members and workers in general.
26 August 2009 [full story]
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Penalties for ex-Hardie directors are not enough
The penalties and bans handed down to former James Hardie executives and directors today are not enough considering the extent of their immoral and illegal behavior and the harm the company’s deadly asbestos products have caused, say unions.
20 August 2009 [full story]
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ASUshop new gear
The ASUshop is delighted to announce a special competition for all ASU members wishing to help brand their workplace and show their support for union solidarity. For the remainder of August, all orders for any ASU merchandise or clothing listed below will go into a draw to WIN A MOVIE PASS FOR 2 ADULTS. That's right, simply order any of the items from our latest bulletin and you will have a chance to go to the movies on us.
20 August 2009 [full story]
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Poor safety record adds to case for stronger protections of workers
Australia is falling well short of national targets to reduce workplace deaths and injuries and proposed new national Occupational Health and Safety laws could put Australian workers further at risk, say unions. With an estimated 7000 Australians dying each year as a result of injuries or diseases from work, it is essential the proposed new OHS laws do not undermine standards and put more Australian workers and their families at risk.
19 August 2009 [full story]
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ASU rule change
The National Executive of the Union at its meeting held on 28-29 July 2009 approved alterations to the rules of the Central & Southern Queensland Clerical and Administrative Branch of the Union.
18 August 2009 [full story]
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“Dinosaurs” urged to evolve and support clean energy jobs
Welfare, union, environment, and research organisations today launched a national multi-media campaign calling on “dinosaurs” in politics and business to stop blocking urgent climate action in Australia, saying this is holding up the creation of hundreds of thousands of new clean energy jobs.
09 August 2009 [full story]
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ASU launches human rights petition to outlaw the death penalty
The ASU has today launched a petition calling for the national outlawing of capital punishment to protect Australians both here and abroad from the death penalty.
07 August 2009 [full story]
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Linda White, Julie Bignell and Jenny Thomas elected to ALP National Executive
ASU Assistant National Secretary Linda White has been re-elected for a third term to the ALP National Executive, having been first elected in 2004.
03 August 2009 [full story]
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ASUshop new gear
We have been informed of a small price increase by both Village and Hoyts movie tickets effective as of 1st July 2009.
02 July 2009 [full story]
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Service Skills Australia wants to hear from all workers in the service industries
How do workers benefit from training? Service Skills Australia is calling for workers in the service industries to participate in a survey and contribute to the future direction of accredited training in Australia.
24 June 2009 [full story]
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ASUshop new gear
School Holidays are just around the corner once again and what better way to economise this winter than with discount movie tickets. As usual, we will be giving away a family movie pass every 3 months for all children's tickets purchased via the ASUshop.
22 June 2009 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from May-June 2009
Award modernisation sounded like a good idea at the time. But, and it is a big but, we know all those awards out there were created for good reason and reflect different circumstances across the country. We were immediately sceptical that the process could be completed without disadvantaging employees. Award modernisation now seems to be a Trojan horse that we let in, in good faith, but now it is pillaging the wages and conditions that we had enshrined in awards over generations. We need to act to stop this happening.
18 June 2009 [full story]
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Unions welcome changes to employee share ownership
In a submission to Treasury today, four unions welcomed the Government's proposed changes to employee share ownership schemes (ESOPs).
12 June 2009 [full story]
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A fair go for Australian industry by government purchasing will support local jobs
Workers will today rally outside a soon-to-be-closed uniform and clothing factory to call for state and federal governments to use their purchasing power to protect local jobs and safeguard Australian industry.
04 June 2009 [full story]
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Unions to outline agenda for job security, workers’ rights and a fairer Australia at ACTU Congress
Job security, rights at work, and a vision for a more prosperous and equal Australia will be at the top of the agenda when hundreds of delegates meet for the ACTU’s national Congress this week.
02 June 2009 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from April-May 2009
Paid parental leave is not just about mothers and fathers. And it’s not just about working families in all their diversity. It is about every single new Australian baby having access to the kind of care that can make the difference in physical, mental and social health.
15 May 2009 [full story]
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Workers’ lives at risk: new union push for tougher national health and safety laws
Tougher national health and safety laws are urgently needed to tackle the terrible toll of death, disease and injury for Australian workers, say unions. We are asking all OHS supporters to sign the petition calling on all levels of Australian governments to create the strongest OHS laws.
11 May 2009 [full story]
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Carbon reduction plan will be good for jobs and good for the environment
A revised Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme announced by the Government today is a positive settlement that will protect jobs in exposed industries and set Australia on the path towards a potential 1 million climate friendly, green jobs in coming years.
05 May 2009 [full story]
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ACTU responds to Govt plan to increase Comcare death benefits
The ACTU has commented on the Federal Government's announcement on Comcare death benefits.
05 May 2009 [full story]
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May Day 2009
The first day of May is an international day for celebrating workers and their struggles over the years to achieve fairness in our societies. In some states of Australia, Labour Day holidays closely coincide with May Day so look out for events under both banners.
29 April 2009 [full story]
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Australian workers grieve for lives lost in workplaces: April 28 is International Workers' Memorial Day
Families of victims of workplace deaths will join with unions at rallies and memorial services tomorrow (Tuesday 28 April) to mark lives lost in workplace accidents.
27 April 2009 [full story]
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New solutions needed to boost Australia’s skills and raise productivity for economic growth
Fresh approaches to national skills training are urgently needed in order to meet the challenges of the economic downturn and to position Australia for a return to growth and prosperity, according to a consortium of peak industry, trade union and youth advocacy bodies.
23 April 2009 [full story]
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Vale John Maynes
John Maynes, who died on April 15, was a key figure in the Federated Clerks Union of Australia (FCU), of which he was Federal/National President and Victorian Branch President for many years. The FCU was one of the three Unions which amalgamated in 1993 to form the Australian Services Union.
17 April 2009 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from March 2009
Nanotechnology could revolutionise our world, but it can also take us back in time to repeat the mistakes of asbestos. Unions are speaking out to demand that we proceed with caution.
16 April 2009 [full story]
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Nanotech poses possible health and safety risk to workers and needs regulation
Nanotech poses possible health and safety risk to workers and needs regulation. The rapidly growing nanotechnology market in Australia requires urgent regulation to protect the health and safety of workers and consumers, say unions.
14 April 2009 [full story]
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ASUshop new gear
School holidays are coming up once again... need a cheap day out with the kids? That's right everyone, due to the success of this offer, we will be giving away a family movie pass every three months for all children's tickets purchased via the ASUshop.
27 March 2009 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from February 2009
The ASU is a long time supporter of Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA and as such we encourage ASU members and friends to support their work. The annual UAA-APHEDA raffle is on right now and is a great way to contribute – click on the link to the left to buy tickets.
18 March 2009 [full story]
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ASU delegate wins national ACTU Delegate of the Year award
ASU delegate Maria Scafi was named a joint winner of the ACTU Delegate of the Year Award during a ceremony in Melbourne recently.
15 March 2009 [full story]
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Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA Raffle on now
It's that time of year again - time for the annual UAA-APHEDA Raffle! Help to Make Life Fair Everywhere and go in the draw to win a trip around the world for two! Read on for more prizes and details
12 March 2009 [full story]
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Taxpayer support for business must come with obligation to cut executive pay and protect jobs
The vast majority of Australians believe that businesses that receive Government support during the economic downturn should be required to cut executive bonuses and retain local jobs, according to a new survey.
03 March 2009 [full story]
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Tax reform must make the system fairer while strengthening and protecting the economy
Australia’s recovery from the economic slowdown may take longer because of biases and inefficiencies in the tax system, a major conference will hear today.
25 February 2009 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from January 2009
When the ASU published its condolence message early last week we did not expect the horrific fires to still be burning now. The sheer magnitude of the disaster has urged a corresponding response to provide support to all those affected. The ASU along with many other organisations will continue to provide that support whilst grieving the losses in the ASU family.
17 February 2009 [full story]
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Ongoing support for ASU members affected by the Victorian bush fires
When the ASU published its condolence message earlier this week we did not expect the horrific fires to still be burning by the end of the week. The sheer magnitude of the disaster has urged a corresponding response to provide support to all those affected. The ASU along with many other organisations will continue to provide that support whilst grieving the losses in the ASU family.
13 February 2009 [full story]
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Unions express sadness at bushfire losses and pledge $250,000 to Red Cross appeal
The ASU and the Australian Council of Trade Unions have today expressed their sadness and condolences at the tragic loss of more than 100 lives in the bushfires that swept Victoria over the weekend.
09 February 2009 [full story]
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Unions call for summit to prepare for economic stimulus to preserve jobs and incomes
A national summit of unions, business and governments should be held to plan an urgent stimulus package to grow and protect jobs and incomes during the economic slowdown, says the ACTU.
22 January 2009 [full story]
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Time for the Federal Government to get serious about asbestos and enforce a full ban
Unions are calling on the Rudd Government to end asbestos exemptions for the Australian Defence Organisation and to hold a national inquiry into asbestos and asbestos-related disease.
21 January 2009 [full story]
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Premier praises ASU for donation of life saving heart defibrillator
The Australian Services Union (ASU) has donated a heart defibrillator to Southern Cross Station in Melbourne to be used when visitors suffer heart attacks. Victorian Premier John Brumby launched the defibrillator this week.
08 January 2009 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from November & December 2008
The ASU is the union for child care workers in local government and the not-for-profit sector but even though the collapse of ABC Learning (a private sector, for profit child care provider) does not directly affect our members, we have become involved in the public debate that has followed the collapse. This is because we believe the massive corporate failure that led to frightening uncertainty for parents and resulted in centre closures and job losses for carers could have been avoided.
[Below is the digest of news from November and December 2008]
01 January 2009 [full story]
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Time for business to create new green jobs and help solve global warming
The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme announced today comes down on the side of caution by recognising the importance of existing industries, with the ACTU calling for the Government to keep open the possibility of higher greenhouse reduction target by 2020.
15 December 2008 [full story]
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ASUshop new gear
The ASUshop has some great new gear including: ASU UNION t-shirts; ASU UNION satchels; Proud to be Union stickers; ASU post-it-notes; delegate ID cards; a range of new books and lots of our usual ASU badged gear in stock.
11 December 2008 [full story]
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Safe Work Bill changes are needed to strengthen workplace health and safety laws
All politicians should accept the Senate amendments to the Safe Work Bill and allow a swift passage for the legislation, says the ACTU. The Safe Work Bill 2008 will create a new national workplace health and safety body to oversee major reform of the nation’s health and safety laws.
04 December 2008 [full story]
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Towards a Green New Deal: economic stimulus that will be good for the planet
The Federal Government can drive a massive increase in green jobs by combining focused economic stimulus with climate policies like a strong 2020 carbon pollution reduction target, a broad coalition of social, union, environment and economic groups said today.
02 December 2008 [full story]
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Market volatility and your super
Super and share markets: what can you do? How’s your super doing? This question means a lot in times of economic uncertainty. Your super’s an investment, and investors everywhere are feeling the effects of market volatility.
24 November 2008 [full story]
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Asbestos time bomb still haunts homes and workplaces
Asbestos-related disease remains a ticking time bomb for Australians because there is no nationally consistent approach to asbestos removal and management in buildings and infrastructure and poor data collection across states and territories.
24 November 2008 [full story]
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ASU National Office audited accounts, financial statements and operating report
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. Unions are also required to prepare an operating report. The National Executive and the Branches of the ASU each conduct their own audit and prepare their own reports.
21 November 2008 [full story]
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ASU says climate change is an economy saver
The Australian Services Union (ASU) says this week’s announcement of $300 million dollars in funding for Local Government should be used to further develop and maintain ‘green’ public services which could help boost the economy by creating thousands of new jobs.
20 November 2008 [full story]
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Climate change is an opportunity to create one million ‘green jobs’
A new report finds that climate change is both a challenge and an opportunity for workers in industries like electricity, water services, and local government which the Australian Services Union represents.
19 November 2008 [full story]
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ASU 2020
The ASU National Conference 2008 commenced today in Melbourne. Deliberations will be based on the key theme of looking to the year 2020 and the challenges the Union will face.
18 November 2008 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from October 2008
The ASU National Office has been preparing for the Union’s biennial National Conference in earnest, to be held next week in Melbourne. To follow suit with the new Government, we have decided to make future targets the focus of our deliberations.
11 November 2008 [full story]
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Public education for our future
Australia’s public schools are among the best in the world. They deliver high quality education to millions of students every day.
10 November 2008 [full story]
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New OHS laws must make employers provide safe workplaces
Unions back new proposals to increase the maximum fines for companies and directors who cause death or injury to workers, but believe the fines need to be even higher if they are to act as an effective deterrent and are concerned that bad employers will still find it easy to escape prosecution.
06 November 2008 [full story]
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Green Gold Rush report: almost a million green jobs for Australia by 2030
Australia could become a world leader in creating green industries generating up to a million green collar jobs by 2030 and multi-billion dollar export opportunities in green technology, according to a new report released today by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF).
30 October 2008 [full story]
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Safe Work Week a timely reminder of human cost of workplace tragedies and need for strong OHS laws
The unacceptably high human cost of workplace death and injury highlights the need for stronger national workplace health and safety laws.
24 October 2008 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from September 2008
Australian unions including the ASU support and participate in activities during Anti-Poverty Week (APW) not only because we support social justice, but because we know that poverty both in Australia and around the world is closely related to workers' rights.
16 October 2008 [full story]
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Government correct to rein in executive pay and tighten corporate governance
Unions have welcomed moves towards increased regulation of executive remuneration in the banking sector as part of better protection for Australian households.
15 October 2008 [full story]
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Working families & retirees will benefit from Labor Govt economic stimulus package
Low and middle income families, first home buyers and retired workers will be the main beneficiaries of a decisive move by the Rudd Labor Government to head off the impact of an economic downturn through a package to stimulate the economy the Australian Council of Trade Unions said today.
14 October 2008 [full story]
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We can end poverty by telling the politicians it’s what we want!
Australian unions including the ASU support and participate in activities during Anti-Poverty Week (APW) not only because we support social justice, but because we know that poverty both in Australia and around the world is closely related to workers’ rights. APW was established in Australia as an expansion of the United Nation’s annual International Anti-Poverty Day on October 17. We encourage all our members and friends to do a little to end poverty by getting involved!
10 October 2008 [full story]
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Banks must pass on interest rate cut to avoid economic downturn and help struggling families
An interest rate cut is needed to avoid an economic downturn and to help families struggling with high levels of debt, say unions.
07 October 2008 [full story]
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18 weeks Paid Maternity Leave a huge step forward, but employers should contribute more
The Productivity Commission’s proposal for an 18 week, government-funded paid maternity leave scheme would bring relief and financial security to tens of thousands of working mothers and their families, says ACTU President Sharan Burrow.
30 September 2008 [full story]
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Discounted kids movie tickets and family pass giveaway
With school holidays upon us, we thought we'd remind you about our discounted movie tickets as a cheap way to entertain the kids these holidays.
12 September 2008 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from August 2008
One of Australia’s biggest employers, Telstra, is showing workers everywhere why it is so important that unions are involved in negotiating workplace agreements. And they’ve done this by denying their workforce the right to be represented by their unions!
10 September 2008 [full story]
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Australian leadership remains crucial to global climate change solution
The latest recommendation by Professor Ross Garnaut for a softer start to a carbon trading scheme needs to be carefully considered by the federal government on two critical fronts says ACTU President Sharan Burrow.
05 September 2008 [full story]
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Banks must pass on more than RBA’s interest rate cut to help working families
The major commercial banks must pass on all of any Reserve Bank interest rate cut and then some more to ease some of the financial pressure being felt by working families, unions said today.
02 September 2008 [full story]
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Who On Earth Cares? The ASU does!
Who on earth cares? Well actually, when it comes to climate change, there are a lot of us. Who On Earth Cares (WOEC) is an exciting campaign encouraging Australians to express their concerns about climate change and actively do something about the issue. Leading actor Cate Blanchett is the face of WOEC, encouraging the Australian public to put themselves ‘on the map’ and show they care while asking our leaders to also act responsibly on climate change.
19 August 2008 [full story]
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Banks are putting profits ahead of customers under financial pressure
Australia’s banks are selfishly putting their profits ahead of their customers who are under financial pressure from high interest rates.
13 August 2008 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from July 2008
Of all the issues on the industrial landscape, the one that strikes a deep chord everywhere is occupational health and safety – everyone wants to make it home in one piece after a shift at work.
12 August 2008 [full story]
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Henry Review must not be an excuse for more big tax cuts for the wealthy and big business
The chief priorities of the Rudd Government’s review of Australia’s Future Tax System must be to ensure our tax system is fair and progressive and provides sufficient revenue to fund the services and benefits Australian working families rely on.
07 August 2008 [full story]
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Sign up to Your OHS Rights at Work
The Federal Government and all state and territory governments have agreed to move towards a simpler approach to occupational health and safety (OHS) laws in Australia. This is to be achieved through harmonisation, i.e. through the creation of a uniform set of laws. Please sign the petition to ensure your OHS rights are protected in the new laws.
06 August 2008 [full story]
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Unions and business in joint pact on skills
Australia’s unions and the nation’s two largest employer bodies will hold an historic meeting today (Tuesday) to forge a shared approach to the skills and training needs of the national economy.
22 July 2008 [full story]
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Deaths of workers underline need for stronger health and safety laws
Australia’s poor record on workplace death and injury, including the death of two construction workers on the Gold Coast last month underlines the need for the highest possible national workplace health and safety standards, ACTU Assistant Secretary Geoff Fary said today.
17 July 2008 [full story]
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Unions welcome Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme as urgent and necessary
Unions strongly welcome the Rudd Government’s plan for a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. “The alarm bells have been ringing for years, and we finally now have a government prepared to listen and to act to safeguard future generations,” says ACTU President Sharan Burrow.
16 July 2008 [full story]
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New powerful climate alliance to drive tough and fair solutions
For the first time peak social, union, research and environmental organisations have formed an historic and powerful alliance to tackle climate change. The Southern Cross Climate Coalition, launched yesterday, is pushing for climate policy to be fairly implemented and maximise the opportunities for investment and jobs growth whilst emphasising that all sections of society have an urgent responsibility to act.
07 July 2008 [full story]
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Climate change will cut the wages of working Australians - urgent action needed
Working Australians will be hit hard by inaction on climate change and urgent action is needed says the ACTU and the ASU. Professor Garnaut’s report released today estimates working Australians will face job losses in key industries, including agriculture and tourism, as well as wage cuts of between 7.8% and 14.8% depending on the severity of climate change-induced drought.
04 July 2008 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from June 2008
Plenty of comedians get mileage out of the fact that many Australian call centres are now being run from places like India and the Philippines, but the serious side of this issue is not getting the attention it deserves.
03 July 2008 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from May 2008
Not all workers become parents but at some stage, we were all babies in need of 24/7 care from our parents. More and more research is showing that the availability and the quality of that care can have far reaching consequences for the nature of our society.
17 June 2008 [full story]
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ASUshop new gear and gear on sale!
The latest catalogue for the ASUshop has been released. Read about new and sale items below or downloaded the catalogue.
10 June 2008 [full story]
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Linda White appointed to Australian Social Inclusion Board
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced the members of the inaugural Australian Social Inclusion Board at the Board’s first meeting in Melbourne yesterday (21 May 2008).
22 May 2008 [full story]
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ASU intervenes as National Hearing Care fails to listen to workers
The ASU has stepped in to assist call centre and administration workers at National Hearing Care as the company attempts to move staff off AWAs and onto a collective agreement that does not guarantee annual pay increases and takes away Award conditions.
19 May 2008 [full story]
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Education and training targeted by ACTU as 2008 Federal Budget priority
ACTU President Sharan Burrow today will call for greater investment in vocational education and training, the restoration of workers’ rights lost under Work Choices and for the Federal Government to begin undoing the social and economic damage caused by the former Liberal Government in next week’s Budget.
08 May 2008 [full story]
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Give 30 seconds of your time to help mums around the world
Last week 2500 people signed the Maternal and Child Health Pledge. Help us reach 10,000 by Mother's Day this coming Sunday. Mothers in developing countries around the world are suffering due to lack of health facilities and trained health professionals. This is your chance to do something for mum's everywhere!
07 May 2008 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from April 2008
The ASU National Office will be embarking on a redevelopment of the national website, ASU National Net, over the next many months. We need your help with ideas about how to make the new website better, stronger and faster than the current one!
06 May 2008 [full story]
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May Day 2008
The first day of May is an international day for celebrating workers and their struggles over the years to achieve fairness in our societies. In some states of Australia, Labour Day holidays closely coincide with May Day so look out for events under both banners, some of which are listed below. And in this year of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, remember that workers’ rights are human rights.
30 April 2008 [full story]
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Employer push to downgrade health and safety rights could put workers at risk
The push by big businesses to overhaul the federal workers’ compensation scheme could put the health and safety rights of workers at risk says the ACTU.
30 April 2008 [full story]
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Unions call for urgent asbestos probe on International Workers' Memorial Day
Unions will use today’s International Workers' Memorial Day to call on the Federal Government to launch a national Asbestos Inquiry.
28 April 2008 [full story]
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Join the Mothers' Day Classic and run/walk/hop/skip/jump with the Your Rights at Work Team
On May 11 2008, for the second time, the Mothers Day Classic fun run or walk will feature dedicated Your Rights At Work teams in every regional and capital city event around the country. Join the Your Rights at Work team and support two important community campaigns!
24 April 2008 [full story]
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On April 28 mourn for the dead and fight for the living
Every year, workers around the world gather to commemorate those who were killed or injured at work, or who became sick from exposure to workplace hazardous substances. Workers' Memorial Day is the day when we 'mourn for the dead and fight for the living', drawing attention to the plight of over 2 million people worldwide who die each year as a result of their work.
24 April 2008 [full story]
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ASU seen and heard at 2020 Summit
As previously reported, ASU Assistant National Secretary Linda White and SA/NT Branch Assistant Secretary Katrine Hildyard were invited to attend the Australia 2020 Summit last weekend. As delegates to the “Strengthening Communities, Supporting Families and Social Inclusion” stream, both Linda and Katrine were keen to have the concerns of our community sector heard.
22 April 2008 [full story]
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ASUshop new gear - orders for bomber and pea jackets close April 22
It’s getting close to that time of the year again where we need to bring out the extra layers of clothes to help shield us from the slight to steep drop in temperatures outside. For those of you who prefer to buy something new and seasonal, we have a new range of ASU jackets and raincoats to do just the thing.
18 April 2008 [full story]
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Facing up to Australia's skills challenge: industry sets key priorities to address the skills crisis
The National Skills Policy Collaboration has today released a ten-point plan to meet Australia's skills challenges head on.
17 April 2008 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from March 2008
In March, unions announced they would pursue a $26 a week increase for the federal minimum wage. Workers set to benefit from this modest increase are amongst the lowest paid in our society. We at the ASU take this annual assignment very seriously.
16 April 2008 [full story]
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Climate change: workers want a say in creating greener workplaces
Working Australians want to do their bit to tackle the problem of climate change and unions believe it is important they are given a say in their workplace, including to create greener workplaces.
15 April 2008 [full story]
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ASUshop new gear - launch of movie tickets
The ASU is proud to announce a special offer for its members and families in conjunction with various cinemas Australia wide. Various cinemas including Hoyts, Village, Greater Union, IMAX, Dendy and many more are proud to offer union members and their families’ savings of up to 30% off the regular price of movie tickets. Ticket prices include postage.
11 April 2008 [full story]
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ASU members elected to Northern Territory municipal councils
The recent local government council elections held throughout the Northern Territory (NT) on Saturday March 29, 2008, resulted in two NT ASU members being elected to the Palmerston City Council and the Alice Springs Town Council.
11 April 2008 [full story]
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ASU has 2020 vision
One of the new Rudd Government’s first initiatives has been to organise the 2020 Summit to be held in Canberra from 19-20 April. It aims to bring together 1,000 delegates from all over Australia to discuss how best to deliver Australia’s future. Two ASU officials have been selected to attend. Assistant National Secretary Linda White and SA/NT Branch Assistant Secretary Katrine Hildyard will be participating in the “Strengthening Communities, Families and Social Inclusion” stream of the Summit.
10 April 2008 [full story]
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Australian workers need stronger health and safety protections: review welcome
With an estimated 6,700 Australian workplace deaths each year and some indications that the number has been rising, the review is an important first step in improving workplace health and safety standards and is sorely needed say unions.
04 April 2008 [full story]
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ASU honours Union legend Harry Krantz
The South Australian / Northern Territory Branch of the ASU opened a library in honour of former Branch Secretary Harry Krantz on Sunday 30 March 2008.
31 March 2008 [full story]
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Union strategies for creating future prosperity
Unions are workers coming together to defend and advance their rights today, but they are also looking towards the future. And with the specialist knowledge of how workplaces function, unions have a lot to say about how to shape the workplaces of tomorrow, with fairness and prosperity entered into the equation. ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence spoke at today's "2008 Economic and Social Outlook Conference" held at Melbourne University, with ideas about boosting labour supply, a very current issue in the midst of widely publicised skills shortages in Australia.
28 March 2008 [full story]
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Rudd Government using carrots rather than sticks
Part of the March ASU National Executive meeting was held at Parliament House in Canberra to allow various federal politicians to address our delegates. The impression given by these guest speakers was that the new Rudd Government is of an entirely different complexion to its predecessor.
17 March 2008 [full story]
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Building a fairer Australia: the role of unions and workers’ rights
On 12 March 2007 Jeff Lawrence, ACTU Secretary made the following speech to the National Press Club.
12 March 2008 [full story]
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ASU National Executive meets in Canberra
The first 2008 meeting of the ASU National Executive begins today in Canberra. The venue was chosen to take advantage of the Parliamentary sitting week which provides ASU officials with the opportunity to meet with various Rudd Government representatives. In addition to the normal business of the Executive, the Union will be ensuring that new Federal Ministers are well versed in the concerns of ASU members as they relate to the Ministers’ portfolios.
11 March 2008 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from February 2008
On February 13 a momentous event occurred in our Federal Parliament – the past policies of our national governments which led to unjust suffering by our indigenous people were recognised and, importantly, our Parliament said, “Sorry”.
07 March 2008 [full story]
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Two footy codes, two footy comps & $2000 up for grabs!
In 2008, ACTU Member Connect and Members Equity Bank are pleased to present union members with TWO footy tipping competitions for both NRL and AFL supporters!
05 March 2008 [full story]
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Too soon to inflict another interest rate rise on working families
It is too soon for working families to be slugged with another interest rate rise and the Reserve Bank should wait and see before inflicting another increase on home buyers this week says the ACTU and unions.
03 March 2008 [full story]
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Who on earth cares?
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing Australians today. It’s up to all of us – individuals, businesses, organisations and government – to act quickly to ensure we protect this wonderful country for our kids and their kids, too. The ASU is an active backer of green programs and now we have become a formal supporter of the “Who On Earth Cares” initiative.
27 February 2008 [full story]
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Banks must exhaust all options before closing the door on working families
Unions are calling on banks and home lenders to change the way they deal with families struggling to pay their mortgages, after reports of homeowners returning from work to find their locks had been changed.
22 February 2008 [full story]
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Banks should help struggling families hold onto their homes
Banks have a moral responsibility to help struggling families hold onto their homes say unions. With the profits of the major banks at record levels they also have the financial capacity to negotiate with customers hit hard by the latest interest rate rise and be flexible with individual mortgage and loan repayments.
07 February 2008 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from January 2008
Over 200 union leaders, along with a delegation of 12 senior ASU officers, have been in Canberra this week deliberating over our future steps in the work of protecting and enhancing your rights at work.
04 February 2008 [full story]
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Reserve Bank should wait & see before working families are hit by interest rate rise say unions
Unions today warned that low and middle income working families cannot afford another rise in interest rates and are calling on the Reserve Bank to hold rates at current levels until the full impact of the global financial situation is clearer.
04 February 2008 [full story]
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Workplace fatalities make national focus on OH&S a priority
Urgent action is needed to prevent workplace deaths, the ACTU said today. A report from the Australian Safety Compensation Council reported today shows 162 people died in workplaces in the year July 2006 to June 2007, and increase from 157 the previous year.
31 January 2008 [full story]
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ASUnet news … all the news from December 2007
The most hectic part of the festive season is now over with many returning to work. At the ASU, we are preparing for a new year with different challenges from last year, but challenges that are nonetheless crucially important for the future of Australian workers.
15 January 2008 [full story]
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Peaceful and festive holidays to all
The ASU National Office sends its best wishes to everyone, especially our members, at this festive time of the year. It's a time to enjoy our families and friends and this year, for a change, enjoy the relief of knowing that WorkChoices will soon be no more!
24 December 2007 [full story]
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ASUshop new gear
Before we get into this month’s newsletter and festive cheer, we’d like to extend a large THANK YOU to everyone who helped MAKE THE DIFFERENCE at the recent Federal Election, your support helped to show Parliament that our rights, our voice and our vote counts. We could not have done this without you and your support. To celebrate this achievement we have some commemorative limited edition pewter pins to mark the occasion.
21 December 2007 [full story]
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ASU National Net News - November 2007 Digest
Another federal election has come and gone, but this one meant a great deal more to Australians than any in a generation. Getting rid of the Coalition Government has been a victory for values over voracity: our rights are more important to us than unfettered greed.
10 December 2007 [full story]
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ASU National Office audited accounts, financial statements and operating report
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. Unions are also required to prepare an operating report. The National Executive and the Branches of the ASU each conduct their own audit and prepare their own reports.
28 November 2007 [full story]
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ACTU and unions pay tribute to Bernie Banton
The whole of the Australian union movement will be deeply saddened by the news that asbestos campaigner Bernie Banton has passed away said ACTU President Sharan Burrow and ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence.
27 November 2007 [full story]
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Help for more heart attack victims at hand
Millions of people are closer to emergency medical help from today thanks to a trade union.
22 November 2007 [full story]
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ASU National Net News - October 2007 Digest
Two million members. Plus their families. Plus all the retired members. Plus all the others who understand and support what we are about (there are more in this latter group than you might at first think, from all backgrounds). We are the workers who keep this country ticking along, regardless of how “minor” our jobs might seem.
06 November 2007 [full story]
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ASU stands up and speaks out with a record 43.7 million others worldwide
A new Guinness World Record has been set for the most people gathering in the name of a single cause. Worldwide over 43.7 million people participated in “Stand Up and Speak Out against poverty” on 17 October 2007 and the ASU was part of that record.
31 October 2007 [full story]
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ASUshop election gear
Make sure you know Your Rights at Work this coming election! The ASUshop contains a range of resources and merchandise to help you get informed and look the part.
19 October 2007 [full story]
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STAND UP and SPEAK OUT against poverty with the ASU on October 17
This year the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is October 17, 2007, and the ASU will be participating by hosting a Stand Up and Speak Out Against Poverty event at the ASU Office in Melbourne. These events will be going on all over the globe in an attempt to break last year’s Guinness World Record for the most people to stand up for a cause. Come join us or get involved in an activity near you.
05 October 2007 [full story]
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Could it happen here?
Imagine. Thirty million dollars a year to spend on union training. Eighteen thousand Union Learning Representatives on the ground, helping their co-workers to get into learning. One hundred thousand members a year learning new skills through their unions. Yes, you it read right. One. Hundred. Thousand. That’s 100,000 members each year.
03 October 2007 [full story]
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ASUshop new gear
Every day we see more and more Government ads on TV, at bus shelters, on trains and trams, newspapers and magazines. WorkChoices isn't unfair, they claim, “It's the law.” Millions of dollars spent on covering up the truth about IR laws which get rid of our rights at work. We have to counter this whitewash. The ASUshop is now carrying the perfect items to help you get the message across!
18 September 2007 [full story]
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Alarming growth in risk to workers' health & safety rights under Howard-Costello Govt
New figures released today show there has been an alarming growth in the number of workers whose health and safety rights are at risk under the Howard Government's poorly resourced workers' compensation scheme, 'Comcare'.
14 September 2007 [full story]
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Don't let John Howard get away with it, enrol to vote now!
We all know that when the Howard Government got control of the Senate, they arrogantly ignored community opinion and rammed through WorkChoices. They also sneakily took the opportunity to do something equally undemocratic and unfair - changing the Electoral Act to try to stop people who don't like their policies from voting.
11 September 2007 [full story]
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Rudd visits Darwin and reasserts workers’ rights under a Labor Govt
The Federal Labor Leader Kevin Rudd was in Darwin on Saturday, September 1, and caught up with various community, business and union representatives including Darwin based Australian Services Union official Lucio Matarazzo.
03 September 2007 [full story]
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Don't just sit there, enrol!
Have you heard that there is a federal election around the corner? Do you know that there are many issues affecting you directly that will be determined by who wins government at the next election? But frighteningly, did you know that the current Federal Government changed the laws on enrolling to vote to make it much harder for you to ensure you can vote after an election is called? If you are not yet enrolled or have moved house since you last enrolled, NOW is the time to do something about it!
29 August 2007 [full story]
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Jeff Lawrence takes over as ACTU Secretary & vows to intensify campaign against WorkChoices IR laws
The new Secretary of the ACTU, Jeff Lawrence, took office today vowing to stand up for working Australians and to intensify the campaign against the Howard Government's WorkChoices IR laws.
21 August 2007 [full story]
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Foster's denies union collective agreement to Yatala workers in Australia
Foster's is refusing to negotiate a union collective agreement with more than 280 workers at its Yatala brewery, south of Brisbane. Despite overwhelming worker support in favour of union representation in the negotiation of a new collective agreement, Foster's insistence on a non-union agreement has halted negotiations since last month.
20 August 2007 [full story]
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Commerce Queensland seeks support from ASU
Commerce Queensland has written to the Australian Services Union Central & Southern Qld Branch (ASU) requesting support and a financial donation to the Queensland Business Action Fund which has been set up by a range of national employer organisations to keep WorkChoices.
20 August 2007 [full story]
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Cochlear dispute heats up
Cochlear, the manufacturer of bionic ear implants that help hearing-impaired people around the world, is simply not listening. Twice its workers have voted to reject management offers, and now management is saying it will impose individual contracts in a bid to smash the union.
16 August 2007 [full story]
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ASU national leadership returned to office unopposed
Australian Services Union National Secretary Paul Slape and Assistant National Secretaries Linda White and Greg McLean have been re-elected unopposed following the close of nominations recently. Also elected unopposed were Henrietta Moran and Julie Bignell to the honorary positions of National President and National Vice-President (respectively). Henrietta works for Brisbane City Council and Julie is Secretary of the ASU Central & Southern Queensland Clerical and Administrative Branch.
07 August 2007 [full story]
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ASUshop new gear
A series of new products have recently been added to the ASUshop. There's lots of new clothing branded ASU or as part of the Your Rights at Work campaign. Stylish new ASU jackets are also part of the range. And don't forget to peruse the ASUshop Bargain Basement where some incredible deals are on offer.
31 July 2007 [full story]
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Darrell Cochrane retires after more than 40 years in the ASU
Darrell Cochrane, former Secretary of the ASU Victorian Authorities & Services Branch, recently retired after a long and successful career looking after the interests of workers. Widely lauded as one of the most honest unionists in the land who always played with a straight bat, the ASU National Executive farewelled Darrell this week, recognising his years of service and the strength of his beliefs in the rights of workers.
27 July 2007 [full story]
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Australian dream of home ownership is slipping out of reach under Howard Govt
The great Australian dream of owning your own home is slipping out of reach under the Howard Government says the ACTU.
26 July 2007 [full story]
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National Party seeks support from ASU
John and Janette Howard may have never invited Peter Costello and his wife to dinner but the National Party is inviting the unions to eat with them!
19 July 2007 [full story]
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Describe your dream job and win an iPod
The current ACTU Worksite for Schools "Dream Job" competition closes soon (Friday June 29), so students need to get their entries in quickly!
19 June 2007 [full story]
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Jeff Lawrence, ACTU Secretary-Elect: Address to ACTU Conference
Australians want to live in a nation that they can proudly say is fair, inclusive and where working people have a say – I want to work with Australian working families to ensure we return to these values, Jeff Lawrence, the ACTU Secretary-Elect said today.
14 June 2007 [full story]
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Budget fails working families
This Budget fails working families in the three key areas it set out to achieve - the tax cuts are inadequate, the education measures give no special boost for public schools and nothing for TAFE, and with a lack of significant new investment in infrastructure & innovation there is no economic vision.
09 May 2007 [full story]
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Linda White re-elected to ALP National Executive
ASU Assistant National Secretary Linda White has been re-elected to the ALP National Executive after completing her first term which began in 2004. Linda is one of 20 people voted on to this important body by the 400 delegates at the ALP National Conference held in Sydney last week.
03 May 2007 [full story]
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May Day 2007 - one year of WorkChoices is one year too long
May Day is an international day to commemorate workers' struggles over the years to achieve fairness in our societies. For Australians, our celebrations cluster around April and May with rallies and picnics and music spectaculars, but the constant theme in 2007 is that after one year of WorkChoices, we are seeing the inequities develop that we expected. We need to get rid of this legislation to ensure that our rights are restored and protected.
30 April 2007 [full story]
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Tomorrow remember workers who died or were injured at work
Each year, the Australian union movement observes Workers' Memorial Day on 28 April with commemorative events organised by the state and territory trades and labor councils. Tragically, 2007 has seen a dramatic increase in workplace fatalities in Australia compared to the same time last year across a number of states. There have been 11 fatalities to date in Victoria and 12 in Western Australia. Well over 2000 workers die each year at work in Australia.
27 April 2007 [full story]
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Vale David Taylor
David Taylor, a Life Member of the ASU-WA Branch and a National Executive delegate for thirty years, passed away in Perth on April 18, 2007.
24 April 2007 [full story]
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We need more super, but how do we get it?
The ASU has produced “We need more superannuation”, a resource designed to assist members and their union representatives to include increased superannuation contributions as part of their claims on employers in agreement negotiations. It is widely understood that the legislated minimum super contribution of 9% is not sufficient to maintain workers’ living standards in retirement, so the ASU recognises the need to pursue better super for our members in other forums.
13 April 2007 [full story]
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ASUshop new gear
A series of new products have recently been added to the ASUshop. New books and new attire, along with the latest ASU bag are part of the range. Also, the varied Your Rights at Work slogan on stickers: "worth fighting and VOTING for".
30 March 2007 [full story]
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Show of confidence in ASU leadership
As previously reported, 2007 is an election year for the ASU leadership. Nominations for positions closed this week (on Wednesday, March 28) and all Branch Secretaries have been returned unopposed. This indicates an unequivocal show of confidence by our members in the Union's leadership.
30 March 2007 [full story]
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Harmony Day is about saying no to discrimination based on race
Racial discrimination is one the many areas that trade unions must tackle on behalf of their members. Any form of negative discrimination in the workplace or elsewhere is opposite to the the Australian value of a fair go. The ASU supports Harmony Day today as one part of the giant jigsaw that makes sure we live in a civil society.
21 March 2007 [full story]
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ASU election year 2007
All elected positions in the ASU are up for re-election this year.
06 March 2007 [full story]
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ASU-ACTU energy and the environment seminar
The ASU participated late last week in an energy futures seminar with the ACTU and unions interested in the issue of global warming, the environment, the future of the Australian electricity/energy industry and employment and job security. The seminar was addressed by a range of speakers from the CSIRO, the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), the United Nations, electricity industry providers, industry investors, state owned energy/electricity corporations and unions including the ASU.
19 February 2007 [full story]
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Unions to pursue climate change solutions including carbon trading scheme, renewable energy sources and green building codes
Unions, including the ASU, are holding a national meeting today in Sydney to develop solutions to the growing problem of climate change and global warming that will protect jobs, including those of coal miners, and at the same time put Australian industries on a more environmentally sustainable footing.
16 February 2007 [full story]
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ASIC launches civil penalty proceedings against James Hardie directors
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) announced today that it has commenced civil penalty proceedings against James Hardie Industries and others, including Ms Meredith Hellicar, Mr Peter Macdonald, Mr Peter Shafron.
15 February 2007 [full story]
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Get poverty on the agenda for the Federal Budget
The ASU is a supporter of the Make Poverty History campaign and as such we ask our subscribers and members to consider supporting the campaigns latest action to have poverty on the agenda in the lead up to the next Federal Budget.
15 February 2007 [full story]
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ACTU urges James Hardie shareholders to support asbestos compensation deal
Australian-based shareholders of James Hardie are to be briefed on the proposed compensation deal for asbestos victims at an Extraordinary Information Meeting being held by the company in Sydney today.
01 February 2007 [full story]
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Vote for ASU National Net as Labour Website of the Year
It’s your last chance to vote for ASU National Net in the Labour Website of the Year competition to show support for your source of workplace news.
30 January 2007 [full story]
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‘Rock Enrol’ and Help Shape Your Future
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) and triple j are helping to ‘Rock Enrol’, a campaign encouraging young people to have their voice heard by enrolling to vote.
19 January 2007 [full story]
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Peaceful and festive holidays to all
The ASU National Office sends its best wishes to everyone, especially our members, at this festive time of the year.
21 December 2006 [full story]
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Nuclear energy policy endorsed by ASU
The ASU has been calling for multilateral debate on the important issue of energy and the environment. As part of the Union debate and in response to media reports, the recent ASU National Conference considered an urgent item covering nuclear fuel use in Australia.
19 December 2006 [full story]
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New IR dream team
National Secretary Paul Slape has applauded the ALP’s appointment of former ASU official Brendan O'Connor to work with Julia Gillard in the all important Industrial Relations (IR) portfolio. Julia and Brendan were appointed Shadow IR Minister and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for IR respectively by Kevin Rudd, the new Leader of the Federal Opposition, over the weekend.
12 December 2006 [full story]
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ASUshop new gear
Just in time for the Christmas season! The ASUshop is a great place to order last minute gifts. Orders can be sent to a different delivery address so you don't even need to worry about sending them yourself! The ASUshop can also include a personal message with your order. Enter your message in the "Additional Information" field when finalising your order at the check out.
11 December 2006 [full story]
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ASU's Linda White elected as ACTU VP
This week the ACTU Executive elected the ASU's Assistant National Secretary Linda White as a Vice President.
07 December 2006 [full story]
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ASU's Linda White new ACTU Vice President
This week the ACTU Executive elected the ASU's Assistant National Secretary Linda White as a Vice President.
07 December 2006 [full story]
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ASU National Delegate of the Year 2006 announced
The ASU National Delegate of the Year 2006 was announced by National Secretary Paul Slape last night at the ASU National Conference dinner. Awarded to Linda Bullen of the WA Branch for her work as a delegate at Cat Haven, the stories of all our nominees were inspiring. Leader of the Federal Opposition, Kim Beazley was in attendance to present all nominees and the winner with certificates and prizes.
23 November 2006 [full story]
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International connections help us fight the good fight
A number of international guests have added an important dimension to the deliberations of ASU National Conference 2006. The ASU has always recognised our role as part of a network of solidarity spanning all parts of the world, but each year this network becomes more and more crucial to our work. The contribution of guests from the United Kingdom and Japan has helped delegates to see how the ASU can be “building power” in our international community.
23 November 2006 [full story]
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What kind of society do you want to live in?
ACTU Secretary Greg Combet addressed the second day of ASU National Conference today. He reminded delegates that the current union-wide campaign is a fight for a particular vision of Australia, an Australia where everyone has a fair go, at work and elsewhere.
22 November 2006 [full story]
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2006 ASU National Conference: building power in our workplaces and communities
The ASU National Conference 2006 commenced today in Sydney. Deliberations will be based on the key theme of building power in our workplaces and communities. In the current WorkChoices environment, unions have increasingly learned the importance of organising in the community as well as the more traditional organising in the workplace.
21 November 2006 [full story]
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ASU National Office audited accounts, financial statements and operating report
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. Unions are also required to prepare an operating report. The National Executive and the Branches of the ASU each conduct their own audit and prepare their own reports.
15 November 2006 [full story]
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Decent work and sustainable jobs are part of making poverty history
Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA and the Australian union movement support the Make Poverty History campaign and believe that the following complementary propositions need to be addressed if global poverty is to be halved by 2015: increase real aid; cancel debts; fight for trade justice; good governance; extend human rights and democracy; food sovereignty; human security and peace; decent work.
24 October 2006 [full story]
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Join workers who will STAND UP against poverty on October 16
This Monday, October 16, the ASU National Office is hosting a local STAND UP event, much like thousands of other such events going on all over Australia and the rest of the world. Show everyone that trade unionists are active against poverty – come to our STAND UP event on the corner of Cardigan & Queensberry Streets, Carlton South at 10am.
13 October 2006 [full story]
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ASU STANDS UP against poverty on October 16
During Anti-Poverty Week that runs from October 15-21 this year, the ASU will be showing support by hosting a local STAND UP against poverty event in front of our National Office on Monday, October 16. These events will be going on all over the globe in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most people to stand up for a cause. Come join us or get involved in an activity near you.
04 October 2006 [full story]
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Your right to asbestos claims in the UK
The Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia (ADFA) is holding a free information seminar in Granville (NSW) on October 17 with Anthony Coombs, a leading UK asbestos lawyer.
26 September 2006 [full story]
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Tell Westpac: keep bank jobs and data in Australia
Nearly 500 jobs and the personal details of thousands of Australian bank customers could be sent offshore if Westpac outsources work to India this week. 485 staff at a Westpac service centre in Western Sydney are nervously awaiting the outcome of a review of their positions. Westpac started a closed-door review of the Transactions and Unsecured Lending staff almost 6 weeks ago, and are expected to announce their decision this week.
20 September 2006 [full story]
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Howard helps big business avoid OHS laws
The Federal Government has this week passed a new law that will allow a range of employers to avoid superior State/Territory occupational health and safety (OHS) laws in favour of the Commonwealth’s weaker OHS Act. Employers who become self-insurers under the Commonwealth Comcare scheme will now be able to opt out of State/Territory laws that provide more protection for workers.
07 September 2006 [full story]
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Students investigate the job scene and win
What do students need to know before starting their first job or a new job? How ready are students to deal with the new workplace laws? How will students know if they are getting the right pay or even fair pay under the new laws? Answering these and other questions about work is the aim of the latest ACTU Worksite for Schools competition for students.
29 August 2006 [full story]
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Medibank sale... a bitter pill?
The Federal Government wants to sell Medibank – Australia’s largest, not-for-profit, national private health insurer. Selling Medibank will reduce competition between funds, putting pressure on premiums and the quality of health care - yet Medibank's three million members have not even been consulted about the proposed sell-off.
28 August 2006 [full story]
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Tasmanian ASU identities help shape ALP future
Sean Kelly, Secretary of the ASU Tasmanian Branch, was elected to the position of ALP Tasmanian President recently. Former Industrial Officer of the Tassie ASU Branch, Catryna Bilyk, has also won preselection to the number three spot on the ALP Senate ticket. These positions recognise Sean and Catryna's efforts in relation to Tasmanian working people.
24 August 2006 [full story]
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Federal Labor Leader Kim Beazley visits Northern Territory
The Federal Labor Leader Kim Beazley was in Alice Springs and Darwin this week and caught up with various community, business and union representatives including Darwin based Australian Services Union official Lucio Matarazzo.
03 August 2006 [full story]
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Vale Joan Riordan
Joan Riordan, the first woman to be elected as a Branch Secretary of the former Federated Clerks Union of Australia, passed away in Brisbane on the 26th June.
28 June 2006 [full story]
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ASUshop new gear
The ASUshop has new gear! Check out the bulletin for details including an autographed DVD of last November's rally and a raft of fascinating books on workplace issues.
30 May 2006 [full story]
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We need to train our own workers
The ASU has been campaigning for increased employment in many of its industries including local government as well as the energy and water industry divisions. There are serious skills shortages in these industries that need to be addressed through investment in training and apprenticeships.
19 May 2006 [full story]
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Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA raffle closes soon
There are just two weeks to go before the 2006 annual Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA raffle closes on June 1! Have you got your tickets? Have you returned your sold books?
17 May 2006 [full story]
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ASU challenges top safety bureaucrat
The ASU has challenged newly appointed Chair of the Australian Safety & Compensation Council (“ASCC”), Bill Scales, about his views on the future of workers compensation.
15 May 2006 [full story]
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Calling young writers and visual artists...
Do you know any young aspiring artists and writers? If yes, forward this news to them. The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) is calling for young Australians between the ages of 11 and 18 to enter the 'Human Writes' personal essay and 'Rights in Perspective' art competitions. The two competitions were first held last year, as part of the Young People and Human Rights Dialogue project. The resulting report, ‘Rights of Passage’, provided a unique insight into what young Australian’s think and feel about human rights.
11 May 2006 [full story]
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NSW Government takes steps to protect workers’ health and safety
The NSW Government has introduced changes to occupational health and safety (OHS) laws to protect workers. After a 10 month review and a focus on safety results, the changes require employers and employees to consult on OHS matters.
08 May 2006 [full story]
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Eight Hour Day: celebrate 150 years of work, rest and play
Although the official 150th anniversary of the Eight Hour Day was April 21, 2006, commemorative events have been running since late last year and some will still be on until late this year. There are plenty of ways to remember this historic victory, not least through being part of the struggle against the new Federal IR legislation introduced just over a month ago!
07 May 2006 [full story]
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Competition for students: rhyme your rights at work
Do you know any school students? If so, let them know about the latest Worksite for Schools competition. It's about students' work stories. What do students do at work? Who do they meet? Is it fun? What is a union's role? Worksite wants to know students' thoughts and views on work and workers' rights.
07 May 2006 [full story]
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When you are working to live, the last thing you want is to die at work
April 28 is a day the international labour movement has recognised for many years as the day to commemorate those workers who die or are injured while at work. This year, the message is “union workplaces – safe workplaces”. A central activity of trade unions is to advocate for safe workplaces and practices and to ensure that each workplace has trained Occupational Health and Safety representatives who have the power to act decisively when problems are discovered. Having a unionised workplace means you will be safer at work.
27 April 2006 [full story]
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May Day 2006: a time to think about the fight ahead to save the gains made by generations past
May Day is a time to celebrate and reflect for all workers. In 2006 in particular, the introduction of Howard’s new industrial relations legislation has made us all ponder the hard fought for gains of generations past being reversed. It is only with redoubled collective action that can we hope to protect our rights at work – they are worth fighting for! Details of some of the May Day events being held around the country are listed below, along with some history of how the day originated.
27 April 2006 [full story]
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Have you bought a Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA raffle ticket yet?
The 2006 Annual Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA Raffle is well under way. Remember to do your bit for workers in developing countries and buy your tickets for the raffle. All proceeds assist Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA, the ACTU’s overseas aid agency, to provide education, training and skills to workers in developing countries, so that they may obtain full, productive and decent work.
20 April 2006 [full story]
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Community Sector Solidarity
Community Sector Solidarity is a recently formed activist group drawing together passionate individuals from across the social & community services and union movement. To date a couple of meetings have been held, with plans beginning for broad education & action across the community sector being discussed. If you feel that the recent Federal Government Industrial Relations changes are wrong: for you; for your friends and family; for the people you work with or represent on a daily basis in your working life, come along to the next meeting on April 12 and get involved.
31 March 2006 [full story]
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Not with a whimper, but with a bang!
The ASU’s officers and staff have been working flat out to protect members from the impact of the Howard Government’s extreme industrial laws that take effect on Monday 27th March 2006.
24 March 2006 [full story]
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Cyclone Larry: LGAQ calls for engineers, health officers
Local government in Queensland has been at the forefront of the response to the devastation caused to communities in the far north of the state by Cyclone Larry. The Local Government Association of Queensland deployed specialised staff the region before the cyclone hit the coast on Monday morning.
22 March 2006 [full story]
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Workers in the public services say there is an alternative
Workers in local government, energy-electricity, water, railways & public transport and state and federal government services, are forming alliances and campaigning globally against the privatisation of public services. We have seen in recent years how the World Trade Organisation (WTO) through trade agreements like the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) has tried to encourage the contracting out of services. The new campaign to get a General Agreement on Public Services (GAPS) is all about ensuring that quality public services are the goal.
02 March 2006 [full story]
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AIRC says Tax Officers can have support
The ASU has won another important victory for tax officers in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC). It confirms their right to have a support person with them when meeting with management to discuss fitness for duty or rehabilitation from injury. Furthermore, when that support person is a member of staff, they are entitled to be released from duty with pay for the duration of the interview, to prepare for the interview and to debrief afterwards.
27 February 2006 [full story]
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“Politics in the Pub” invites ASU to talk about PPPs
The ASU’s campaign on the issue of Private Public Partnerships (PPPs) found a new audience on Friday, February 17, with the ASU addressing around 200 concerned community members at the regular Sydney forum “Politics in the Pub”.
27 February 2006 [full story]
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ASU supports the 2006 Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA Raffle
If you believe that every human being has a right to dignity, then here’s your chance to do something about it. The proceeds from the Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA 2006 raffle will be used to provide education, training and skills to workers in developing countries. Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA believes every human being has a right to decent work. By supporting them you are supporting social justice and solidarity in a very practical way.
13 February 2006 [full story]
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ASU represented on ALP Infrastructure & Public Private Partnerships Committee
The ASU will be represented on the ALP’s Infrastructure and Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) Committee, one of only three unions with a spot. As the only public sector union on the Committee, the ASU will be especially concerned with representing the needs of our members in these areas. The ALP has constituted the Committee to conduct “an inquiry into Australia's infrastructure needs, and how best to finance the infrastructure that will deliver sustained economic growth”.
06 February 2006 [full story]
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Pay Equity NOW! - November 2005 edition
The latest PSI Pay Equity Now! bulletin is now available. It is an electronic newsletter produced by Public Services International as part of its pay equity campaign. It provides information on pay equity concerns and achievements, including reports of union activities, information on collective bargaining and equality issues, job evaluation schemes, training and capacity-building initiatives, and details of new research and publications. It also monitors legislative developments and government and employer initiatives.
02 December 2005 [full story]
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Today is World Aids Day - December 1
Around the world people are wearing red ribbons to acknowledge that December 1 is World Aids Day. A global unions program has been launched to make the fight against HIV and AIDS a central issue for trade unions. Check out the latest on the fight against HIV and AIDS in the attached ASU bulletin which can be found in the Related Documents section at the bottom of this news item.
01 December 2005 [full story]
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ASU National Office audited accounts and financial statements
ASU Financial Statements for 2004-2005. 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.
17 November 2005 [full story]
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PSI - Quality Public Services Update, November 2005
The Quality Public Services Campaign is a global priority. Public Services International (PSI) is working with unions and communities to ensure that public services are well resourced with skilled staff delivering services that are effective, participatory, accessible and meet community needs. Quality public services are essential if the world is to meet important social objectives such as the eradication of poverty and hunger.
15 November 2005 [full story]
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WTO Action Guide for Trade Unionists
A new guide for Trade Unionist interested in World Trade Debate has been published.
27 October 2005 [full story]
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Sweet relief sent to Western Sahara refugees
Community minded businesses, unions, including the ASU, artists and schools have come together to generously contribute toward a sea container filled with goods for Western Sahara refugees in camps in Algeria. Coordinated by the Australian Western Sahara Association (AWSA), the project is intended to deliver more than foodstuffs but act as an ongoing resource for the camps.
03 October 2005 [full story]
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Student competition: how they found their first job
The ACTU Worksite for Schools website, of which the ASU is a sponsor, is currently running a competition for students - Explaining how they found their first job.
23 September 2005 [full story]
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Quality Public Services - Campaign steps up
The Public Services International (PSI) has called for 10th September 2005 to be Quality Public Services Day!
22 August 2005 [full story]
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Anne McEwen's first speech to the Senate
Anne McEwen was elected to the Senate representing South Australia and the Australian Labor Party at the last federal election. Prior to her election she was the Vice President of the ASU and Secretary of our South Australian & Northern Territory Branch.
11 August 2005 [full story]
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Unions win up to 2 years parental leave
Unions have won new rights for workers that include up to 2 years of unpaid parental leave after the birth of a child and the right to request part time work.
08 August 2005 [full story]
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Condolences from the ASU
The ASU extends its deepest sympathies to those hurt or affected by the tragic incidents in London, including union members who have family and friends living or holidaying in London.
11 July 2005 [full story]
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2005 Minimum Wage increases begin to flow
The first ASU award to be changed as a result of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission's 2005 "Minimum Wage" decision of June 7 was 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.
16 June 2005 [full story]
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On June 15 a bus full of women...
On June 15 a bus full of women will leave from the Victorian Trades Hall for Dandenong to join in solidarity with Kemalex workers. These workers are mainly women and have been on strike for five weeks, fighting to keep an EBA rather than be forced onto an independent contractor arrangement.
10 June 2005 [full story]
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Visit the ASUshop, it’s no sweat!
The ASUshop retail website has a range of new products for ASU members. The ASUshop website was set up to enable members to access ASU merchandise, for example, shirts, caps, cups and badges, regardless of their physical location in Australia. In addition to these items, the ASUshop carries a range of social justice and union related books. “The ASUshop has been receiving great feedback and support from members,” said Craig Burgess, the manager of the website. “I encourage everyone to have a surf and check out our great products!”
09 June 2005 [full story]
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$17 national wage increase - The last for Australian workers?
Early today the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) handed down what is likely to be its last national wage case decision granting Australia's award workers $17 per week.
07 June 2005 [full story]
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New Leadership Team in SA/NT Branch
The Branch Council has appointed Andy Dennard as Branch Secretary of the ASU, replacing Anne McEwen who has resigned to take up a position as an ALP Senator in the Federal Parliament. Branch Council also appointed Katrine Hildyard as Assistant Secretary. Andy and Katrine have been appointed to their positions until the next Union elections are held in 2007 and both will seek re-election at those elections.
01 June 2005 [full story]
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Farewell to Anne McEwen
ASU National Vice President and SA/NT Branch Secretary Anne McEwen has been elected to represent South Australia as an ALP Senator in the Federal Parliament. Anne takes up her job as Senator on 1 July 2005 and has resigned as Branch Secretary.
31 May 2005 [full story]
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ASU condemns Howard attack on workers
The Australian Services Union has condemned the changes to Australia’s industrial relations laws announced by the Prime Minister today. ASU National Secretary Paul Slape says that the proposed laws mean that the Government will gut the Australian Industrial Relations Commission which has served workers and the wider Australian community well for 100 years.
26 May 2005 [full story]
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ASU meets Miss Australia
Lucio Matarazzo, Organiser for the SA/NT Branch had the opportunity to explain the benefits of belonging to the union to Miss Australia Michelle Guy at a function in Darwin on 29 April 2005.
24 May 2005 [full story]
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Independent contracts – no thanks!
The ASU would like to know about your experience of working either as an independent contractor or as a labor hire worker. Why is this?
24 March 2005 [full story]
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“My restaurant rules!” breaks the rules on wages
The effect of the Howard Government’s promotion of individual contracts rather than award wages and conditions has been starkly shown on the popular Channel 7 program “My restaurant rules” this week.
24 March 2005 [full story]
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ASU National Operational Report 2004
The National Operating Report 2004 is a summary of the national activities of the ASU for the last 2 years. It is a requirement of the Australian Workplace Relations Act that unions are now required, in addition to their audited financial report, to produce for members a report that sets out the what the union has been doing on their behalf (broadly similar in concept to a Director's Report under the corporations legislation).
22 November 2004 [full story]
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ASU National finances given a clean bill of health
ASU Financial Statements for 2003-2004. 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.
22 November 2004 [full story]
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2005 Minimum Wage Claim
The ACTU announced today it would seek a $26.60 a week wage rise for around 1.6 million award workers in the annual Minimum Wages Case. Applications have been lodged with the Australian Industrial Relations Commission which will hear the case in February next year with a decision likely in May 2005.
08 November 2004 [full story]
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The state of Public Services
The future of ASU members is closely linked to the heart of our public services. A large number of ASU members are employed in public services, health, water, local government, social & community services, electricity and transport.
20 October 2004 [full story]
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2004 National Conference opened by Aboriginal Leaders
The ASU National Conference 2004 commenced today in Sydney. Shane Williams and the Gamay Clan dancers from the Gadigal Clan of the Eora Nation opened conference with traditional welcome to land.
19 October 2004 [full story]
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Our chance to get things right
The federal election is your chance to elect a government that will look after the interests of you and your family –our members have been surveyed and phone polled across Australia and overwhelmingly believe this should be a Labor Government led by Mark Latham.
27 September 2004 [full story]
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For as little as $10 per month you can help to change the headlines
The ASU is a proud supporter of APHEDA, the overseas humanitarian aid agency of the ACTU. We encourage members to consider becoming members of APHEDA and/or contributing to their Global Justice campaign. Read more about it here.
17 August 2004 [full story]
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ASU condemns attacks by Howard Government on state IR systems
This week the Howard Government has shown its colours on industrial relations (IR) once again. It has revealed its intentions to reduce employees’ rights to negotiate directly with their employers under state industrial relations systems (state awards). To the ASU this attack is targeted clearly at members in local government, the electricity and water industries and private sector clerical and administrative employees in Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia and West Australia.
17 August 2004 [full story]
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ALP industrial relations policy a step in the right direction
The ALP’s industrial relations policy was launched in Sydney on Friday 6 August with ALP Shadow Minister for Workplace Relations, Craig Emerson, outlining Labor’s push for a national industrial relations (IR) system that would be built along the lines of the state systems in New South Wales and Queensland. The IR systems in those states were argued to provide a better return for both employees and employers.
16 August 2004 [full story]
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ASU not surrendering on USA/FTA
In the last week, the ASU’s hard campaigning work has given a clear message to the ALP and the Federal Government: protect regional jobs, ensure local government has rights and that the services provided by councils, water corporations, transport services, health services and more, are considered by the political parties, for Australia’s future.
14 August 2004 [full story]
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Unions share concerns over FTA
The peak body of the Australian union movement, the ACTU, has endorsed many of the concerns held by the ASU over the FTA. ASU Assistant National Secretary Greg McLean was pleased to see the ACTU provide this type of support to the campaign.
30 July 2004 [full story]
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Peak community organisations in chorus against FTA
Although the ASU has been expressing its concerns for some time, in the closing stages of the campaign around the Australia-USA Free Trade Agreement (FTA), more community groups have been adding their voices to the chorus against it. On July 21, 2004, at a media conference in Sydney, these organisations called for the rejection of the FTA and signed a joint statement explaining the reasons for their position.
25 July 2004 [full story]
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AFTINET confirms ASU’s concerns about FTA
One of the leading voices in Australia on the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Australia and the United States, AFTINET, has once again confirmed the ASU campaign is right and local government regulation, electricity, water, libraries, public transport, health, regional employment and more are all under threat through the FTA.
18 July 2004 [full story]
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Student competition: Your dream job
The ACTU Worksite for Schools website, of which the ASU is a sponsor, is currently running a competition for students - Your Dream Job.
12 July 2004 [full story]
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"Quality Public Services" for all Australians
Australian society, like many other societies throughout the world, has seen its governments pursue agendas of reduced spending on public services and infrastructure. Governments have also encouraged the pursuit of private sector participation in public services which has not always been in the interests of the Australians who use these services.
02 July 2004 [full story]
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New redundancy standards now available
ASU National Secretary, Paul Slape, has welcomed a supplementary decision of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) in the Redundancy Test Case. The Union can now start processing award variations to protect our members with the new provisions.
09 June 2004 [full story]
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Research reveals the FTA will cost Australia $47billion and 200,000 jobs
The union publication Workers Online last week published an article on the losses Australia faces if the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States goes ahead. The costs of $47billion and 200,000 jobs are revealed by independent research commissioned by the AMWU. This further confirms the ASU’s campaign and shows that our concerns are widespread in the union movement.
08 June 2004 [full story]
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Time is running out to have your say on the FTA
In the next few weeks the Australian Senate and the Australian Labor Party will need to make clear their intentions on the USA–Australia Free Trade Agreement. At the same time that many Australian community organisations are campaigning against the FTA, the ASU has also been campaigning to protect public services and ASU members’ jobs in a range of industries affected by the draft agreement. We encourage all members to send protest letters to the Government, a sample of which is below.
03 June 2004 [full story]
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Federal budget misses the mark
This year’s Budget will see John Howard and Peter Costello go on a record $52 billion pre-election spending spree.
31 May 2004 [full story]
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Democracy up for grabs – enrol to vote!
The coming federal election will be critical in shaping the society we live in. It is when we all make our voices heard at the ballot box that we can have a real say in the way our country is governed. We encourage all members to ensure they are enrolled to vote. It’s easy to enrol – read on for details.
31 May 2004 [full story]
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ASU Financial Statements for 2002-2003
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.
26 May 2004 [full story]
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Saharawi trade union keeps working despite dispossession
The ASU is a keen and active supporter of the Western Sahara freedom movement. The Saharawi trade union UGTSARIO has managed to continue its good work despite the adversity it faces. This month they will hold their fifth National Congress in the Saharawi refugee camps.
14 May 2004 [full story]
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$19 increase to minimum wage announced today
Today the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) handed down a decision that granted a $19 per week increase in Federal award wages. This decision was in response to union applications seeking $26.60 and employers generally arguing against any increase above $10. The Federal Liberal Government supported the employers miserly $10 while State/Territory Labor Governments supported a $20 increase.
05 May 2004 [full story]
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ASU lodges Senate submission on USA-AU Free Trade Agreement
The ASU has finalised the Union’s Submission to the Senate Inquiry into the USA-Australia Free Trade Agreement (USA-AU-FTA). Due to the far reaching implications of the FTA, many ASU members in diverse industries could be adversely affected by its implementation in its current form. The ASU is committed to doing what we can to, at the very least, amend the FTA to protect our members. The Submission is part of this effort.
03 May 2004 [full story]
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May Day 2004
May Day is a time to celebrate and reflect for all workers. Details of some of the May Day events being held around the country are listed below, along with some history of how the day originated.
30 April 2004 [full story]
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International Workers’ Memorial Day - Wednesday 28 April 2004
The ASU supports this day which commemorates people who die at work. We encourage all our members to observe one minute’s silence at 11.00am and to raise issues of occupational health and safety at their workplace – particularly where problems are perceived.
27 April 2004 [full story]
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Latest responses by ASU on Free Trade Agreements
Despite the controversy surrounding the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement (US-AU-FTA), the Federal Government has begun work on a Free Trade Agreement between Australia and China. The ASU investigating the implications of such an agreement for our members as well as pursuing further information on the US agreement.
23 April 2004 [full story]
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ASU continues campaign to protect members from the GATS and FTA
As we have learned more about the implications of the GATS and FTA, it has been confirmed that many ASU workplaces (in particular in local government, the utility sector and airline industries, areas that could be subject to Build Own Operate (BOO), Private Funding Initiatives (PFIs), and government, including local government procurement policies for services and products) will be covered by the USA Australia Free Trade Agreement (US-AU-FTA). As part of our campaign to protect members, the ASU will be making a submission to the two (2) Australian Parliamentary Inquiries being conducted into the Agreements.
21 April 2004 [full story]
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Student competition: investigating wages and working conditions
The ACTU Worksite for Schools website, of which the ASU is a sponsor, is currently running a competition for students – Investigating Wages and Working Conditions.
07 April 2004 [full story]
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NSW workers’ rights to union e-mails protected
After years of lobbying from unions, the NSW Labor Government has introduced legislation protecting the rights of workers to access union e-mails at work. The issue of union e-mails has long been contentious at some workplaces, with certain employers filtering out union correspondence.
05 April 2004 [full story]
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ASU welcomes redundancy win
ASU National Secretary, Paul Slape, has applauded the recent decision of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) in the Redundancy test case run by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).
30 March 2004 [full story]
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Senator speaks on the arts, Aussie culture and the USA-AU FTA
The ASU recently heard Senator John Faulkner speak at the Whitlam Oration, addressing the role of culture, arts and the Aussie way of life.
29 March 2004 [full story]
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ASU supports ACTU National Wage Case
ASU National Secretary Paul Slape has urged all ASU members to get behind the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) in its claim for a $26.60 per week pay increase for 1.6 million low paid award workers. "The claim is reasonable and deserves the support of all ASU members as it seeks to lift the minimum award rate of pay from $448.40 to $475 per week or $12.50 per hour which is necessary and economically sustainable," he said.
23 March 2004 [full story]
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GATS and FTA February 2004 Update
In 2003/4 the ASU campaigned aggressively across the country on the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) bringing the matter to the attention of local government and electricity, water authorities and national and state governments of Australia. We have also been vocal on the issue of the US-FTA and its implications for ASU members and the community at large.
12 March 2004 [full story]
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Work strain causes real pain - no body should put up with it!
The ASU is participating in the year long campaign to try to reduce work strain in the workplace. ASU members across many industries including local government, office, call centre, transport, social and community workers are increasingly the victims of work strain injury.
04 March 2004 [full story]
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Superannuation - too little too late
The ASU believes that Federal Treasurer, Peter Costello’s “ageing strategy” does not go far enough. While the flexibility for people over 55 will be welcomed by some who may be in a position to work part-time, most workers will not be in a position to take up this option.
26 February 2004 [full story]
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Former delegate becomes Government Minister
Former Australian Services Union Delegate Margaret Keech was today sworn in as Queensland’s new Minister for Tourism, Fair Trading and Wine Industry Development. Since her election as the Labor member for Albert in 2001, Margaret has provided a strong voice in Parliament for working families – and especially ASU members.
13 February 2004 [full story]
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Dubious Free Trade Agreement needs examination
Most Australians would be aware that the governments of Australia and United States of America have released preliminary advice on the so called USA-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) finalisation of negotiations. The ASU has been active on this issue through the GATS campaign and we will continue to explore the ramifications as more of the FTA information arises.
11 February 2004 [full story]
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ALP-union relationship strong
The ALP National Conference meeting in Sydney last week confirmed the Labor Party-union partnership. The majority of ASU Branches are affiliated to the ALP and many ASU National Executive members attended the Conference and played an active role in moving amendments to the platform to improve it. ASU Assistant National Secretary Linda White was elected to the ALP National Executive which administers the Party in between meetings of National Conference (see separate story).
06 February 2004 [full story]
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Linda White elected to ALP National Executive
ASU Assistant National Secretary Linda White has been elected to the ALP National Executive. Linda was one of 20 people voted on to this important body by the 400 delegates at the ALP National Conference held in Sydney last week.
06 February 2004 [full story]
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ALP supports self-determination in Western Sahara
The National Conference of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) held in Sydney 29-31 January endorsed an important policy on the issue of Western Sahara. The motion adopted unanimously "supports the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination and deplores the long delays which have so far prevented them from exercising their inalienable right to self-determination through a UN conducted referendum" the Conference "urges the UN and the international community to press Morocco to accept and implement the latest UN peace plan for self-determination of the people of Western Sahara without further delay".
02 February 2004 [full story]
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ASU GATS Campaign: Protecting Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
The ASU has been approached by AFTINET, to assist in their current campaign to make sure Australians don’t lose our Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) which is now being targeted by the United States Government through new US legislation (their Medicare legislation).
07 January 2004 [full story]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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ASU Releases GATS Campaign Stickers
The ASU has now released its GATS Campaign stickers to Branches and National Delegates.
16 January 2003 [full story]
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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]
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Merry holidays!
Compliments of the season and merry holidays to everyone from Paul Slape and the ASU National Office. We hope the holidays bring you rest, joy and renewed vigour for the coming year!
25 December 2002 [full story]
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ASU Woman Named NSW Organiser of the Year
Jennifer Acklin, a senior organiser with the Airlines Branch in NSW has been named the NSW Labor Council’s Organiser of the Year at a ceremony held in Sydney on Friday 20 December 2002.
23 December 2002 [full story]
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Putting GATS transparency on the political agenda
In the last week, the ALP has been vocal on the issue of the international negotiations around the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), calling for Government transparency in negotiations and committing to a Senate Inquiry on the issue.
20 December 2002 [full story]
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All ASU members affected by WTO negotiations
The ASU National Conference heard from ASU officials, the ACTU and politicians that World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations affect all our members during its meeting in Canberra last week. The Conference heard that there are a range of agreements being pursued by the WTO, with the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) being the immediate concern.
10 December 2002 [full story]
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National Conference addressed by Simon Crean
When Federal Opposition Leader Simon Crean addressed the ASU’s peak body, National Conference, he recognised that the ASU is involved in the strongest growing sector of the workforce. Whilst the workplace is changing, he encouraged the Union to embrace the change while holding on to core labour values.
04 December 2002 [full story]
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Sharan Burrow opens ASU National Conference 2002
This morning, Tuesday, December 3, 2002, ACTU President Sharan Burrow opened the biennial ASU National Conference being held in Canberra. Beginning by explaining the significant “dream” coverage of the ASU, she discussed the need to organise for the future.
03 December 2002 [full story]
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Campaigning for a better workplace
This is the theme of the biennial ASU National Conference which will meet in Canberra from December 3 to 5, 2002. Approximately 100 delegates representing members from all over Australia will hear speakers, attend workshops, make presentations and generally deliberate to set the direction of the Union for the next two years.
01 December 2002 [full story]
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How much is a living wage?
On Monday 18 November 2002, the ASU lodged applications with the Australian Industrial Relations Commission for a $24.60 per week wage increase, which we hope to flow through to all our awards. Our applications are only the beginning of several months of work aimed at bringing a fair and decent “living wage” to low paid workers.
19 November 2002 [full story]
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Tasmanian Branch Conference
The Tasmanian Branch Conference was held on Saturday the November 9, 2002, in Hobart. The Conference was made up of over 30 rank & file delegates, with local Branch Organisers attending with the Branch Secretary, Sean Kelly. Conference delegates included representatives of the Local Government, Energy, Community Services, Airlines industries and more.
18 November 2002 [full story]
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NSW Premier reflects ASU view on PFIs and PPPs
Many ASU members would have heard discussions of Private Public Partnerships (PPPs) and Private Funding Initiatives (PFIs). These programs, used to fund public projects, have been pursued by the British Labour Government, with disastrous results for the trade union movement and have culminated in the British Labour Party rejecting the use of PPPs or PFIs. Similarly, NSW Premier Bob Carr has announced his Government's great concern and questioned the use of PPPs or PFIs.
07 November 2002 [full story]
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New South Wales Branch mergers
On October 21-22, 2002, the MEU NSW Branch State Conference was held in regional NSW. Called to debate policy and the rules of the Union, the Conference has resolved to move forward with its merger with another Branch of the ASU, the NSW C&A Branch.
01 November 2002 [full story]
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International Monetary Fund attacks Australian industrial relations system
The International Monetary Fund (IMF), the world's largest financial institution and the organisation that develops economic packages for governments, in conjunction with the World Bank and other organisations, has released a report attacking the Australian industrial relations system.
31 October 2002 [full story]
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What will a federal ALP government offer workers?
As part of our role representing the interests of our members to those with influence over workplace laws, the ASU lobbies politicians at both State and Federal level. Yesterday one of these meetings occurred between National Secretary, Paul Slape, Assistant National Secretary, Greg McLean and Robert McClelland MP, Shadow Attorney-General and Shadow Minister for Workplace Relations. This meeting was facilitated by former ASU official, Brendan O’Connor MP, who is the Federal Member for Burke.
18 October 2002 [full story]
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Union takes on Telstra Board
The Victorian Secretary of the Communications Union (CEPU) Len Cooper will once again be running against the Federal Government's candidates for the board of Telstra. He has the backing of Telstra employee shareholders, and in previous years his votes from the "mum and dad" shareholders and even institutions has been growing steadily. This year should be no exception.
16 October 2002 [full story]
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ASU takes lead on youth organising
The ASU took a leading role at the ACTU’s first National Youth Forum held on October 10-11, with participation from rank and file members, delegates and officials from across a range of Branches nationally and from the National Office.
15 October 2002 [full story]
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Unions condemn Bali terror
The Internation Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) has condemned and described as "barbaric" the terrorist attack in Bali that has killed and maimed hundreds of Australians, Indonesians and others from around the world. The ICFTU has also called for co-operation between nations to track down those responsible.
14 October 2002 [full story]
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National Office working with Branch officials
In a new stage of the ASU’s development, the National Office has developed a program for the training of Branch Officials to assist them in their duties before the Australian Industrial Relations Commission.
10 October 2002 [full story]
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Promoting the rights of public sector workers and quality public services
Public Services International (PSI) is the global union for unions in the public sector and represents 20 million public sector workers. PSI World Congress meets every five years and was held this year in Ottawa, Canada. National Secretary Paul Slape and Assistant National Secretary Greg McLean represented the ASU. Meeting for five days from September 2, 1250 participants debated policies and programs to improve the lives of Federal, State, municipal and utilities workers.
30 September 2002 [full story]
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Public sector unions to lead not follow
Over the last 20 years we have seen the attacks on the public sector by governments throughout the world, as they have implemented competitive tendering, contracting out and privatisation. The long-term quality of public services was ignored in favour of short term cost savings. The Public Services International (PSI) is about changing that with the launch of "Quality Public Services", a worldwide campaign. Earlier campaigns have included Utilities (Water and Electricity), Paid Maternity Leave and Pay Equity, to name a few.
26 September 2002 [full story]
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Executive pay-outs reward failure at the cost of ordinary workers
Former ASU Assistant National Secretary and now Federal Member of Parliament, Brendan O’Connor, raised during Question Time on September 16 the inequitable fate of former Ansett workers in comparison to their former bosses in the failed airline. Mr O’Connor revealed that $25 million had gone to executives since the Ansett collapse, adding, "Is the Prime Minister also aware that 16,000 Ansett employees are still waiting for some $400 million in entitlements, an average of $25,000 per employee?"
25 September 2002 [full story]
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We must defend the rights of Australian citizens
Greg McLean, ASU Assistant National Secretary and a member of the ALP Legal and Constitutional Committee (NSW), has asked ASU members to look closely at the reforms being pursued to Australian government security.
17 September 2002 [full story]
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ASU speaks with Greek community radio
Assistant National Secretary, Greg McLean, was the guest of Dimitri Symeonidis at SYMBAN FM radio to discuss the role of the Australian Services Union in today's society and how unions can respond to the global economy, preserving jobs for Australian workers and their families.
04 September 2002 [full story]
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Keeping it public for workers and the community
National Secretary, Paul Slape, was recently invited to the National Conferences of two of the ASU’s sister unions in the United Kingdom, GMB and Unison. He learned that public and local government unions in Britain are conducting a “Keep Public Services Public“ campaign in the face of the Blair Labour Government’s decision to use the private sector to provide public services – a problem we are beginning to face here in Australia.
15 August 2002 [full story]
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Western Sahara campaign gains ground
Kamal Fadel, the Australian representative of the Polisario, has exclusivly advised the ASU of the current position of the Western Sahara and the views of the United Nations during a meeting with the Assistant National Secretary, Greg McLean.
05 August 2002 [full story]
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UK local government workers hit the grass
Local government workers in Britain have voted to take strike action today (17 July). The workers belong to Unison, the biggest union in the UK and, according to their General Secretary Dave Prentis, the intention of the strike is to "show the national employers and local employers in no uncertain terms that enough is enough of poverty wages, the lack of respect and dignity shown to all groups of staff and the gender pay gap."
17 July 2002 [full story]
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Complete the ACTU National Survey of Workplace Issues 2002
The ASU is encouraging all members and potential members to participate in this important survey so that the results analysed by the ACTU through its independent research organisation are representative of the facts and views out there in workplaces.
25 June 2002 [full story]
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ASU supports women and children in Western Sahara refugee camps
At a reception held at the New South Wales Parliament attended by diplomats, consular generals, politicians and trade union officials, ASU Assistant National Secretary Greg McLean, spoke in support of the work being undertaken by the Western Sahara Freedom movement and their representative in Australia , in the pursuit of the United Nations call for free and democratic elections.
06 June 2002 [full story]
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ITABs under attack from Federal Government
The Howard/Anderson 2002 Budget had a sting in the tail for members of the ASU wanting to improve their skills to create a better work environment, advance themselves and to improve the competitiveness of their Industry for the Australian economy, when the Federal Government moved to stop funding State Industry Training Advisory Boards (ITABs).
05 June 2002 [full story]
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Pay rises for members as the ASU varies awards
The Australian Industrial Relations Commission handed down its decision in the latest round of the Safety Net Review of Wages on May 9, 2002, making an extra $18 per week available to workers covered by federal awards. The ASU was involved in the case to determine the level of increase and is now going through and varying relevant awards so this increase gets to members.
31 May 2002 [full story]
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ASU National Conference 2002
The biennial National Conference of the Union will be held on December 3-5 this year in Canberra. The Conference brings together representatives of every Branch of the Union from all around the country.
18 April 2002 [full story]
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Paid maternity leave to be pursued by NSW C&A in enterprise bargaining
The next stage of the ASU Paid Maternity Leave Campaign is well underway, now that local government workers in NSW and other States have rights for paid maternity leave. The second stage includes the endorsement by Branch Secretary, Michael Want (ASU-NSW C&A Branch), for the pursuit of paid maternity leave in all enterprise bargaining agreements negotiations in NSW.
02 April 2002 [full story]
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ASU official appointed ALP Vice-President
Catryna Bilyk, an Industrial Officer in the ASU Tasmanian Branch is now a Vice-President of the Federal Australian Labor Party.
27 March 2002 [full story]
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New leadership at the SA/NT Branch
Anne McEwen and Andrew Dennard have been elected to new roles in the ASU-SA/NT Branch as a result of former Secretary John Gazzola’s win in the recent South Australian election and his subsequent resignation (see separate article).
28 February 2002 [full story]
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A stunning victory for ASU activist and delegate
Jodie Campbell, ASU activist and former key delegate at Ansett’s Launceston call centre, has pulled off a stunning victory by outpolling 12 high profile candidates to win by nearly 600 votes over her nearest rival in the race for a vacant alderman’s position on Launceston Council (Tasmania).
22 February 2002 [full story]
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Tasmanian Branch growing steadily
In an adverse industrial environment, the ASU’s Tasmanian Branch has been posting membership growth while it comprehensively reviews its operations. Despite the tough environment in the smallest Australian State, our Tassie comrades are showing us that growth is always possible.
22 February 2002 [full story]
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Victorian Branches to merge
The ASU’s two Victorian Branches – the Services & Energy Branch and the MEU/Private Sector Branch – are heading for a merger that will produce one ASU Branch in that State.
19 February 2002 [full story]
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UNION AND PROUD - Brendan O'Connor’s first speech to Parliament
Former ASU Assistant National Secretary Brendan O'Connor in his first speech to Federal Parliament has unambiguously spelt out what he stands for, from the role of trade unions, the plight of Ansett workers, National Competition Policy, reconciliation, refugees and the republic.
14 February 2002 [full story]
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Gazzola heads to SA parliament
John Gazzola, SA/NT Branch Secretary of the ASU, was last Saturday elected to the South Australian Legislative Council on the ALP ticket. Health, education and privatisation will be key areas of interest to John in his new role.
14 February 2002 [full story]
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Australian Services Union Privacy Statement
The ASU Privacy Statement is now to be accessed at: ASU Privacy Statement. The original news item highlighting the Privacy Statement is below, but contact details listed may be out of date - please ensure you visit the page indicated above for the current and official ASU Privacy Statement.
20 December 2001 [full story]
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ASU Official Heads to the Commission
Industrial Relations Minister Della Bosca has appointed Alastair Macdonald of the NSW C&A Branch of the ASU to the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW. Alastair will take up his appointment on 4 February 2002.
20 December 2001 [full story]
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Brendan O’Connor MHR Supports Union/Alp Links
The media’s attempt to use the Union movement as a scapegoat for the ALP’s election loss should be resisted, according to Brendan O'Connor, ALP Member for Burke.
13 December 2001 [full story]
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ASU wins at ACTU inaugural awards night
On November 27, 2001, the first ACTU Annual Awards were presented in Melbourne. In front of a few hundred unionists and assorted high profile guests including former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam and Deputy Labor Leader Jenny Macklin, the ASU made its mark with several finalists, one winner and a special recognition award.
28 November 2001 [full story]
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UNI Secretary visits ASU
UNI General Secretary Philip Jennings, on a visit to Australian affiliates, met with ASU National Officers on Thursday, November 15, 2001. The main area of discussion was the global campaign to protect workers rights.
15 November 2001 [full story]
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ASU wins at Federal Election
November 10, 2001, may not have been a good day for the ALP, but the ASU did kick some goals.
14 November 2001 [full story]
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PSI calls in to see the ASU
The Executive Director of the Public Services International (PSI), Ros Harvey, and Sub-Regional Secretary, Mike Ingpen, have called in to visit the ASU. The PSI and the ASU have a long standing history of working together on campaigns including the current global campaign to provide paid maternity leave to women workers.
14 November 2001 [full story]
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New improved ASU National Net enters implementation phase
Regular visitors to ASU National Net will have noticed a major change to the website since last week. After one year of service, our interim site was replaced by the new improved version late Wednesday, October 17, 2001.
23 October 2001 [full story]
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ASU welcomes Beazley’s “plan for job security”
ASU National Secretary Paul Slape today welcomed the ALP’s plan for job security.
12 October 2001 [full story]
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ASU officials stand in the upcoming Federal Election
Paul Slape extended best wishes on behalf of the Union to two ASU officials who are standing for the ALP in the Federal Election.
12 October 2001 [full story]
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ASU supports ALP Climate Change Policy
The Australian Services Union (ASU) Assistant National Secretary, Greg McLean, today endorsed the Labor Climate Change Policy. The Policy launched at the Botanical Gardens, Sydney, saw Labor step forward for not only the Kyoto protocol but also to support jobs and future employment in Australia's electricity industry.
09 October 2001 [full story]
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ASU efficiencies pay off for Sydney University
The Australian Services Union has recently integrated its National Office with two (2) Branches in NSW, namely the Municipal Employees Union NSW Branch and the NSW Clerical & Administrative (C&A) Branch. These efficiencies have led to a full integration of the three arms of the Union's libraries plus shared switchboard and some administrative operations.
27 September 2001 [full story]
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Global regulation
“Public sector unions from around the globe are taking the first steps to work internationally against the deregulation agenda.”
24 August 2001 [full story]
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North Queensland C&A Branch turns 85
Our North Queensland Clerical & Administrative Branch turns 85 this year. Please find their news release below for a potted history, reproduced to help celebrate the occasion.
13 August 2001 [full story]
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Visit by PSI’s Hans Engelberts
Hans Engelberts, General Secretary of Public Services International (PSI) was recently in Australia visiting PSI affiliates, including the ASU, and speaking with potential affiliates.
22 June 2001 [full story]
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NSW Industrial Relations Minister Supports ASU National Conference Decision
The NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, the Hon. John Della Bosca, has written to the ASU backing up the ASU concerns on attacks by the Federal Government to reduce the rights of workers and their families under the Federal Government's proposal to place all workers under Federal Industrial Relations Legislation.
12 June 2001 [full story]
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