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Latest News
November 2009 |
Employment services survey deadline extended to November 30
As part of "Employment Services - not just a job" project we have been conducting a national survey of employment services workers. Time is running out to let the Government know how you feel about working in the sector and to win an iPod Nano into the bargain!
20 November 2009 [ full story ]
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On the line and on the edge: Call centre report shows stress levels off the dial
The Australian Services Union (ASU) is today launching a national research report into Australian call centres. The research, which reports on the often unseen world of the call centre worker, reveals a fast growing industry which now employs nearly one in forty working Australians.
19 November 2009 [ full story ]
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Turn the nation’s unpaid overtime into jobs for casuals
The 2.14 billion hours of unpaid overtime Australians work each year should be turned into fulltime employment for casual workers, says one of Australia’s largest unions the Australian Services Union.
18 November 2009 [ full story ]
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Better security measures needed to combat serious and organised crime in aviation: ASU lodges submission to federal inquiry
The ASU has lodged a submission with the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the Australian Crime Commissions’ inquiry into the adequacy of aviation and maritime security measures to combat serious and organised crime.
18 November 2009 [ full story ]
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ASU wins exemption rate removal from modern Clerks Award
After a campaign of 11 months duration, the ASU has succeeded in having the exemption rate removed from the modern Clerks Award due to come into operation from the 1 January 2010.
17 November 2009 [ full story ]
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Update on bargaining at BoysTown
Negotiations continued at BoysTown on 16th November, 2009. A number of issues were discussed in detail. Below is a brief snapshot on the progress. If you require more information, contact your ASU Delegate or Organiser.
17 November 2009 [ full story ]
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Canon says NO to choice!
ASU Delegates and Officials have told Canon in very plain terms that the majority of Technicians want to have choice in the event of a transmission of business.
17 November 2009 [ full story ]
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Bad Karma for QF’s Airport Plans
Call it poetic justice, Karma or a taste of things to come, or maybe it was divine intervention, that on the first day ASU Representatives met with Qantas over the Airports of the Future Plans, the Qantas automatic check-in system decided to breakdown worldwide!
17 November 2009 [ full story ]
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Public Services Bulletin - 11 November 2009
This edition contains the following items: Queensland - Not For Sale; ASU meets Chris Bowen; ASU superannuation campaign materials; ASU meets Minister Penny Wong; ALP National Policy on Climate Change; $96 million water reclamation plant; Thai railway unionists dismissed; plus more.
13 November 2009 [ full story ]
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Down to business at the BoysTown bargaining table
Negotiations got under way in the second round of bargaining at BoysTown. The first meeting saw your claims presented and explanations given on the detail of the claims. The second meeting has seen the ASU and management start to work through the claims and seek to find agreement.
13 November 2009 [ full story ]
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Virgin Blue Ground Crew negotiations drag on
The ASU continued to pursue real wages and conditions for employees at Virgin Blue this week.
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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It’s announcement by press release again at Qantas
If anyone thought things had changed at Qantas since Geoff Dixon’s departure, then they would be wrong. Yesterday in true Dixonesque style, CEO Alan Joyce decided to announce a major change that is proposed at Qantas airports not to the customers, not to the staff, but to the Aviation Press Club.
12 November 2009 [ full story ]
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Urgent Alert: Federal Government acts on ASU Airline Award Modernisation concerns
Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard has written today to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) to ask them to reconsider the terms of both the modern “Airline Operations – Ground Staff – Award 2010” and “Aircraft Cabin Crew Award 2010”.
12 November 2009 [ full story ]
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Executive pay outrage as company CEOs pocket millions while slashing jobs
New data showing the average CEO earned more than $2 million last year at the same time as thousands of Australians lost their jobs is an outrage, say unions.
11 November 2009 [ full story ]
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Time is running out to prevent watering down of workplace safety protections
In a new submission to governments, unions say time is running out to prevent a weakening of workplace health and safety protections.
10 November 2009 [ full story ]
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Call centre action month 2009: thousands of workers stand up for their rights globally
Thousands of workers from 20 unions in 20 countries on 6 continents made Call Centre Action Month a great success.
10 November 2009 [ full story ]
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SACS workers red hot
Today, almost 4,000 social and community services workers from across Victoria came together and rallied on the steps of Parliament, calling on the Brumby Government to fund the sector properly!
10 November 2009 [ full story ]
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Nov 10 SACS rallies and forums in Melbourne and Adelaide
Tuesday 10 November is an important meeting day for social and community services workers in Melbourne and Adelaide. All the meetings relate to our ongoing campaign to achieve fair wages and conditions for SACS sector workers. It is important for the success of the campaign that as many people as possible participate. So don’t just be there in spirit!
08 November 2009 [ full story ]
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ASU members endorse AaE EBAs
At meetings across the country in the last few weeks ASU members have endorsed the National negotiating team’s recommendation on the settlement of the ASU On Airport and Off Airport EBAs at Australian Air Express. This means that the Agreements will now go to formal vote to comply with the requirements of the workplace relations laws.
06 November 2009 [ full story ]
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Union lays foundations for fairer work: Union and Federal Government reach historic agreement
The Australian Services Union (ASU) and the Australian Government have reached an historic agreement which will see the social and community services sector as the test case for pay equity in the new Federal Industrial Relations system.
04 November 2009 [ full story ]
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UNiTAB Call Centre – in the full glare of publicity
Workers at UNiTAB today will not only be helping punters with their betting requirements on the biggest race day of the year, but will also be using today to highlight some of the ongoing challenges faced by call centre workers in Australia.
03 November 2009 [ full story ]
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Negotiations continue at Virgin Blue
The ASU and TWU officials and Delegates are working to finalise an agreement for you which will deliver clear benefits and protections for the life of the agreement.
02 November 2009 [ full story ]
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October 2009 |
Black and White Cabs now have a collective agreement
The Australian Services Union recently concluded negotiations for a Collective Agreement with Black and White Cabs. This Agreement is a first, and as such, a break through for Taxi Industry Call Centres in Queensland. It is the result of many months of hard work by ASU Delegates on behalf of members.
30 October 2009 [ full story ]
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Clearing the air at BoysTown
As a result of negotiations between the ASU and BoysTown management, anyone currently employed under an Individual Transitional Employment Agreement (ITEA) or an AWA will now have the right to terminate their ITEA or AWA and be employed under the BoysTown Collective Agreement.
29 October 2009 [ full story ]
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Women workers are losing out: new global report on gender gap is a wake up call for Australian employers
Australian employers must do more to encourage women’s participation in the workforce and close the gender pay gap, following a major international report showing Australia is slipping further down world rankings on some critical indicators, say unions.
29 October 2009 [ full story ]
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Singapore Airlines & Cargo: How is your shorter working month?
The next Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) meeting for Singapore Airlines and Cargo is due in December.
27 October 2009 [ full story ]
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All Aussie men should swear – and wear a white ribbon
The ASU is a long time supporter of the White Ribbon Day campaign, which aims to eliminate violence against women by promoting culture change. As part of the 2009 awareness raising, Australian men are being asked to swear online in support of the campaign.
23 October 2009 [ full story ]
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ASU-PSI Utility Bulletin - September 2009
The current edition includes the following items: Energy unions Twitter; Indonesia - PLN Union rejects new electricity law; Global Reporting Initiative (GRI); World Day for Decent Work; Australia steps closer to a new energy era; Power-Gen Asia; Labour Market Regulation in Europe - Flexicurity, Integration & Responses to the Crisis; Europe's nuclear power revival is a myth; Our World Is Not For Sale network (OWINFS); plus much more.
22 October 2009 [ full story ]
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Transmission of Business - it’s a matter of choice!
Choice in the event of Transmission of Business at Canon is the number one issue on the bargaining table.
22 October 2009 [ full story ]
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Your claims presented to BoysTown
Your claims have now been presented to BoysTown management in order to get down to the business end of negotiations.
21 October 2009 [ full story ]
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Women’s job security, pay and conditions likely to worsen because of GFC
A new push is needed to achieve gender equality in the workforce with evidence that on most measures, Australian women have gone backwards over the past decade, says the ACTU.
20 October 2009 [ full story ]
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Negotiations underway at Mission Australia Employment Solutions
Negotiations have got underway for your first collective agreement at Mission Australia Employment Solutions (MAES).
16 October 2009 [ full story ]
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Help review equal opportunity for women – do the survey
The Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act 1999 (the EOWW Act) is currently being reviewed by the Office for Women on behalf of the Australian Government. The ASU encourages members and friends, both men and women, to complete the survey to assist the review and to ensure your views are taken into account.
15 October 2009 [ full story ]
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Canon says it’s their ‘final offer’
We say they can do better! Canon have put to the ASU what they consider to be their ‘final offer’. The offer does not include any changes to your claim for choice in the event of a Transmission of Business.
15 October 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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What do you get paid for working weekends at Malaysia Airlines?
ASU members around the country have been reporting strange deductions occurring to weekend penalty rates.
13 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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Employment Services: not just a job – launch of industry survey and resources
Employment Services: not just a job is an Employment Service Worker Reconnection project which is undertaken by the ASU with funding from the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). This project will investigate issues relating to the migration of workers from Job Network providers to Job Services Australia (JSA) providers and the attraction and retention of a skilled workforce for JSA. The ASU is calling this project Employment Services: not just a job.
12 October 2009 [ full story ]
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It’s finally time at BoysTown
After many attempts to commence bargaining over the last three years, we have finally got underway. Tuesday 6th October 2009 saw the ASU, appointed Bargaining Representatives and BoysTown management come to the bargaining table at Milton.
07 October 2009 [ full story ]
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October 7 World Day for Decent Work – Get the World to Work
The International Trade Union Confederation has issued a call to action headed “Get the World to Work” to encourage participation in the worldwide mobilisation to tackle the global economic and employment crisis and ensure fundamental reform of the world economy. Trade unions in every region are gearing up for activities on World Day for Decent Work (7 October).
07 October 2009 [ full story ]
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Do the Qantas Board Members deserve re-election?
Do the Qantas Board Members deserve re-election? That is one of the questions that will be considered by shareholders at the upcoming Qantas Annual General Meeting to be held on Wednesday 21st October 2009 at 11:00am at the River View Room, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
06 October 2009 [ full story ]
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Progress…. almost at Canon
The ASU met with Canon management in an attempt to further negotiate a new agreement for Technical Consultants. The meetings occurred on Thursday 30 September and Friday 1 October at North Ryde.
06 October 2009 [ full story ]
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ASU negotiates first collective agreement for Mission Australia Employment Solutions
Your Union has just had the first two days of negotiation meetings for your agreement.
05 October 2009 [ full story ]
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ASU joins Global Call Centre Action Month campaign
During October 2009 global union organisation UNI Global Union is coordinating an action month for customer service/call centre workers.
01 October 2009 [ full story ]
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September 2009 |
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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Negotiations resume at AaE
The AaE National Negotiating Team met with the company on 22nd September 2009 in Melbourne for further discussions about the new AaE / ASU On Airport and Off Airport Enterprise Agreements.
28 September 2009 [ full story ]
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Negotiations begin for first Toll Dnata Passenger Services EBA
On Friday 25th September 2009 the first negotiation meeting was held in Sydney for the inaugural Toll Dnata Passenger Services Enterprise Agreement. After a survey of staff and endorsement of our claims, the ASU team was keen to get going and discuss our issues.
28 September 2009 [ full story ]
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Back to the negotiating table at Virgin Blue
The ASU has met with Virgin Blue management in an effort to get negotiations back on track following the comprehensive no vote on the EBA put to you by management.
24 September 2009 [ full story ]
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Public Services Bulletin - 21 September 2009
This edition contains the following items: Workplace victims groups join with unions in call for stronger health and safety laws; Government invests $970 m in high quality early childhood education; World Economic Forum hears warning on growth; Market rates for 457s; plus more.
24 September 2009 [ full story ]
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It’s time to fix our modern Airlines Awards
Members and officials from the Australian Services Union (ASU) and Flight Attendants’ Association of Australia, Domestic / Regional Division (FAAA) hit the ground running in Parliament House in Canberra last week to talk to politicians about the consequences for our members of the modernisation of the Airline Operations Ground Staff Award and the Aircraft Cabin Crew Award.
23 September 2009 [ full story ]
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Big CEO and director payouts are greedy & hypocritical as workers suffer pay cuts
Greedy, hypocritical and unjustified is the only way to describe the $11m termination pay for outgoing Qantas CEO Geoff Dixon and the $4m paid to outgoing Boral CEO Rod Pearse says ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence.
22 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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Workplace safety will be put at risk if business gets its way on OHS changes
Big business is backing changes to national workplace health and safety laws that would put workers at risk of injury or illness because it wants to cut costs and red tape, say unions.
14 September 2009 [ full story ]
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Jailed trade unionist needs urgent medical treatment
The ASU is a supporter of trade union rights around the world. We have particularly supported Mansour Osanloo and endorse LabourStart's call to action.
10 September 2009 [ full story ]
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Public Services Bulletin - 7 September 2009
This edition contains the following items: Learning from the European VET system; AIRC published the ‘final’ versions of the Stage 3 modern awards; Green Skills NSW Course Finder; Changes to education and training ministerial councils (COAG); Water Industry Employers meet with ASU; plus more.
09 September 2009 [ full story ]
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Modern Airlines Award cannot be allowed to stand
On 4th September 2009 the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) handed down a decision which significantly cut rates and conditions in existing airlines Awards. Remarkably the AIRC changed not one word of its draft Award which was first issued back in May 2009.
08 September 2009 [ full story ]
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The Smith Family bargaining update
ASU members would be aware that a survey of TSF staff was conducted in recent months to establish key issues for enterprise bargaining. From your feedback in the surveys, the ASU has put together a draft ‘log of claims’. We are asking that all union members at TSF participate in an online ballot to vote on the issues in the claim.
02 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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August 2009 |
Public Services Bulletin - 26 August 2009
This edition contains the following items: ASU launches human rights petition to outlaw the death penalty; Unions and environmental organisations; Minister slams state barriers; Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreement; CRC for Rail Innovation Safety Research; California Public Workers Under Attack; plus more.
31 August 2009 [ full story ]
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New alliance seeks action on gender pay gap: women workers still being short-changed
A woman starting work today will retire having earned $1 million less than a man doing the same job unless decisive employer and government and is taken to end the scandal of pay inequality, say unions. Launching an alliance of 135 organisations to mark Equal Pay Day (September 1) ACTU President Sharan Burrow said: “It is unacceptable that working women are still being short-changed in their pay packets.
31 August 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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Gold Coast City Council: Union EBA report back – STOP WORK
Union members across Gold Coast City Council stoped work for 24 hours Tuesday 25 August 2009 in an effort to progress their EBA campaign for employment security and a fair and decent wage increase that matches industry standards. Members should today be very proud of their efforts to come together collectively to show Council that we are serious about our campaign. Future Stop Works are planned for 2 and 9 September.
26 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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Redundancy claim is legal, say lawyers
At the last meeting with Canon the company alleged that the ASU Claim on redundancy was not legal under the Fair Work Act. The ASU and NCC have now obtained legal advice from specialist industrial lawyers Slater and Gordon.
24 August 2009 [ full story ]
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Australian women are underemployed and underpaid, warns major new report
High levels of underemployment and chronic low pay for Australian women are set to worsen as a result of the global recession warns a major new report to be released today (Monday).
24 August 2009 [ full story ]
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Gold Coast Council workers to stop work on Tuesday
Monday’s council meeting is the last chance to avert a stoppage. Thousands of Gold Coast City Council workers will stop work for 24 hours on Tuesday, 25 August, unless the council improves its pay offer and provides ongoing job security provisions by Monday, the Australian Services Union – Queensland Services branch (QSU) said today.
21 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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Australian business needs to do more for women
Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, said the Survey into Paid Maternity Leave, Sex-Based Harassment Initiatives and the Gender Pay Gap, released today by the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA), drives home again the need for stronger efforts to deliver gender equality in the workplace.
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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Back to the table at Canon
This week (11th and 12th August) your ASU delegates and NCC representatives, with ASU Assistant National Secretary Linda White, met with Canon management to recommence negotiations of the Technical Consultants Agreement after the company’s draft was overwhelmingly rejected by technical consultants. Tabled at the meeting were the petitions signed by you and your colleagues across the country, outlining what techs want in their new agreement.
14 August 2009 [ full story ]
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Virgin Blue collective bargaining report back
ASU members are advised that the ASU has now attended several meetings alongside the TWU with your employer. Members may recall that the ASU has previously been excluded from Collective Bargaining with Virgin Blue, although we have continued to successfully act on behalf of members over many individual issues over the years.
14 August 2009 [ full story ]
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Geelong "steak sandwich" workers reinstated
ASU members Mick Van Beek and Peter Anderson have both been reinstated to their positions at Drysdale Depot in a hugely successful result for both workers.
13 August 2009 [ full story ]
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UN International Youth Day – 12th August 2009
One billion young people will reach working age within the next decade. Providing them with the opportunity to secure productive employment and decent work is a societal, national and global challenge.
12 August 2009 [ full story ]
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ASU members to strike in support of 'steak sandwich' workers
ASU members in the City of Greater Geelong's blue-collar sector, including those working in parks and gardens, roads, networks and tip facilities, have gone on strike from normal starting time today in support of 'steak sandwich' workers Peter Anderson and Mick Van Beek.
11 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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Latest decision by City of Greater Geelong towards staff sacked over steak sandwich ‘absurd’
Australian Services Union Branch Secretary Brian Parkinson has labelled the decision by the City of Greater Geelong to reinstate only one of the two sacked workers after the steak sandwich debacle as ‘absurd’.
06 August 2009 [ full story ]
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Public Services Bulletin - 4 August 2009
This edition contains the following items: Senate Inquiry into Child Care; ASU calls on local councils to provide free access to water facilities; Carbon Capture & Storage Fund; Contemporary Union strategies in Australia and beyond - Where is this world’s Trade Union headed? IMF austerity chills crisis countries; plus more.
06 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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July 2009 |
Malaysia Airlines staff say YES to a new varied agreement
The Malaysia Airlines Certified Agreement has been accepted by the staff as their new agreement for the next three years.
31 July 2009 [ full story ]
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New laws bring an end to WorkChoices - what does this mean at Mission Australia?
The Fair Work Act has now replaced the legislation we all know as 'WorkChoices'. The Fair Work Act brings a number of changes to the way we bargain for workplace agreements. What does this mean for employees at Mission Australia Employment Solutions?
31 July 2009 [ full story ]
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Sacked Geelong Council workers are the meat in the sandwich
Australian Services Union Victorian Branch Assistant Secretary Igor Grattan has announced that the Union will do whatever it takes to get unfairly sacked members Mick Van Beek and Peter Anderson their jobs back at the City of Greater Geelong’s Drysdale depot.
29 July 2009 [ full story ]
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Rangers reveal abuse and assault on the rise in NSW
A new report released yesterday by the United Services Union has revealed 46 per cent of council rangers across NSW have been subjected to some form of physical abuse.
29 July 2009 [ full story ]
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New laws bring an end to WorkChoices - what does this mean at Canon?
The Fair Work Act has now replaced the legislation we all know as ‘WorkChoices’. There is a transition period for some parts of the new Act which will come into effect in it’s entirety in January 2010. What does this mean for bargaining at Canon?
29 July 2009 [ full story ]
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ASU wins decision against QTAC in good faith bargaining obligations
The Australian Services Union yesterday successfully applied to Fair Work Australia to have bargaining orders issued against Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre Ltd.
29 July 2009 [ full story ]
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Unions push for action on job security, support for families and better workplace rights
Securing jobs, supporting families, protecting workplace rights and sustaining economic growth are at the heart of a new action plan for working Australians launched today by the ACTU.
28 July 2009 [ full story ]
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AaE – is there anybody out there?
As ASU members know your ASU negotiating team has met with AaE on 27th April and 18th May 2009 about the negotiation of our next EBAs at AaE to replace our agreements that expired on 16th February 2009.
27 July 2009 [ full story ]
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Jose Ramos-Horta to speak in support of Western Sahara self-determination
The President of Timor Leste and co-recipient of the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize, Jose Ramos-Horta will headline a discussion on the status of “Africa's last colony”, Western Sahara, in Melbourne on Thursday, July 23.
22 July 2009 [ full story ]
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Voting begins at Malaysia Airlines
Voting is set to commence for the Malaysia Airlines Certified Agreement 2009. Your final agreement has been emailed to you along with explanatory notes on how the ballot is to take place. For staff with no email access, hard copies of the agreement and information have been provided.
22 July 2009 [ full story ]
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Nowra call centre ripping off employees
It’s a case of not-so-well-done at the Well Done Call Centre in South Nowra after it was revealed the centre’s 38 employees are being systemically underpaid, harassed and bullied by management.
21 July 2009 [ full story ]
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It’s finally happening - one step closer to consistent rates!
Last week ASU Assistant National Secretary Linda White met with Gary Taylor, General Manager of Toll Dnata to begin discussions about a new agreement to cover all staff. The company has agreed that it is time to start discussions and they have indicated they are keen to start the process with ASU representatives. After months of talks amongst staff and union members it is now time to put our talk into action with an agreement.
20 July 2009 [ full story ]
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Job Summit warns recovery is a long way off: unions urge action to protect workers’ entitlements
With forecasts of 5,000 workers to lose their jobs each week over the next 12 months, unions are calling for urgent action to protect workers’ entitlements and more support for working families to survive the economic downturn.
20 July 2009 [ full story ]
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Qantas EBA 8 wages and allowances set to increase
ASU Qantas EBA 8 provides for a pay rise from the first pay period on or after 1 July 2009 and also provides for a range of allowances to be adjusted for CPI (i.e. cost of living) or in line with the wage rise.
15 July 2009 [ full story ]
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Public Services Bulletin - 13 July 2009
This edition contains the following items: Queensland Not For Sale; NSW Govt rejects applications for rate variations; Spread of Influenza A H1N1; Climate Change Action; Toronto public sector workers on strike; Investing in in Tasmania’s rail infrastructure; $220 million Boost to Community Infrastructure Program; plus more.
14 July 2009 [ full story ]
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ASU calls on local councils to provide free access to water facilities
The ASU has called for local councils throughout Australia to provide greater public access to free water facilities to encourage less dependence on water sold in plastic disposable bottles.
14 July 2009 [ full story ]
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Gender pay gap set to widen following freeze on wages for the low-paid
The gap between men’s and women’s pay will widen following last week’s decision to freeze the minimum wage, say unions. Women are over-represented among the low-paid, and the adverse decision by the Australian Fair Pay Commission will worsen inequality, said ACTU President Sharan Burrow.
13 July 2009 [ full story ]
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Technical Consultants say a definite NO at Canon
A resounding no vote was registered after 97% of Technical Consultants voted in the Canon Australia Pty Ltd Technical Consultants Collective Agreement 2009.
08 July 2009 [ full story ]
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Working Australians to suffer as WorkChoices-era pay commission saves its worst for last
Today’s decision by the soon-to-be-scrapped ‘Fair Pay Commission’ to freeze the Federal minimum wage and all other award wage rates is another kick in the teeth for working Australians from the Liberals’ WorkChoices. ASU National Secretary Paul Slape said, "We are outraged by this decision, especially as it comes at such a time of severe hardship for many workers and even runs diametrically opposite to the Federal Government's stimulus policies."
07 July 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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Sexual orientation and gender identity: national poll shows support for new anti-discrimination laws
Human Rights Commissioner, Graeme Innes, today welcomed the results of a new national poll that found Australians support the introduction of laws that would prohibit discrimination against people on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.
01 July 2009 [ full story ]
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Time to celebrate new IR laws - stronger rights and protections for Australian workers
New industrial relations laws, which begin today, represent an historic step forward for the rights of working Australians and their families. The new laws mark a turning point and will provide workers with a raft of stronger rights and protections in the current economic downturn, and in better times ahead, says the ACTU.
01 July 2009 [ full story ]
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What you need to consider before you vote tomorrow at Canon
You need to consider the following issues very carefully before you cast your vote on your collective agreement which will cover your employment for the next 3 years.
01 July 2009 [ full story ]
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Employment Services news - new category
We have created a new category for "SACS: Employment Services news" which from 1 July 2009 will house all news relating to this sector. Earlier news relating to Employment Services can be located in the general SACS news section.
01 July 2009 [ full story ]
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ASU-PSI Utility Bulletin - July 2009
The current edition includes the following items: Publications and papers for the information of PSI Local Government Affiliates; Council of Australian Local Government; Let’s Invest Superannuation in Local Government and Utilities; Public projects tainted by private failure; Asian Pacific PSI Regional Executive; Child Labour Worsening Due to Global Crisis; ILO adopts “Global Jobs Pact” aimed at creating jobs; plus more.
01 July 2009 [ full story ]
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June 2009 |
Let’s invest superannuation in local government
During last week’s Council of Australian Local Government, the ASU called for the Australian Government to work with the superannuation industry to ensure finance is available to local government authorities for infrastructure construction as opposed to the need to use PPPs (Private Public Partnerships).
30 June 2009 [ full story ]
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Public Services Bulletin - 29 June 2009
This edition contains the following items: Council of Australian Local Government; Let’s invest superannuation in local government and utilities; First energy companies to make the 15% superannuation levy; New Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government; End child labour; Workers in NSW are protected by the world’s best workplace safety laws; plus more.
30 June 2009 [ full story ]
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Additional $245 million for community infrastructure makes Rudd investment over $1 billion
ASU National Secretary Paul Slape today praised the Australian Government’s announcement that it would inject an additional $220 million nation-building investment in community infrastructure such as libraries, community centres, and sports grounds and environmental infrastructure.
26 June 2009 [ full story ]
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Global Day of Action for Justice for Iranian Workers – Friday 26 June 2009
Trade unions internationally are calling for a global day of action on 26 June to highlight the situation of detained union leaders, political activists and journalists in Iran, to demand their release and to highlight human rights abuses against the people of Iran.
25 June 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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Workers vote YES to a 4% increase at Rex
The Regional Express (Rex) Airline Services Collective Agreement ballot has concluded. The overwhelming majority of employees have voted yes!
24 June 2009 [ full story ]
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Women in local government
There has been no shortage of activity within the local government sector in the last five years designed to promote the participation of women into executive and elected leadership roles. Yet, the most recent reviews have revealed that even against the backdrop of this activity there has been little improvement.
23 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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Qantas Unions Bulletin: Urine drug testing “unjust and unreasonable” says umpire
All Qantas employees will be aware of the company’s proposal to introduce urine testing for drugs and alcohol – and your unions’ campaign against it. A recent case by a Full Bench of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) determined that saliva testing is a better and fairer way than urine testing. Since Day 1 of our campaign almost 5 years ago, we urged Qantas to use saliva testing not urine testing. We raised many of your concerns - but the Qantas “experts” were not persuaded by our representations.
19 June 2009 [ full story ]
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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Workers’ Rights are on the march!
The 2009 ACTU Congress saw the first ever official caucus held for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Congress attendees. The discussions surrounded many of the current issues facing LGBT workers and how their issues would continue to be pursued by unions.
19 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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Report-back on latest negotiations at Canon
Negotiations continued by teleconference on 12th June 2009. The following is a summary of the current position.
18 June 2009 [ full story ]
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Airlines Modern Award Crash Lands
On 12th June 2009 the ASU filed a submission in the “modern Award” proceedings for the Airlines Operation Ground Staff Award which condemns the cutting of rates and conditions that have been proposed by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) in its first draft Award.
16 June 2009 [ full story ]
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Public Services Bulletin - 9 June 2009
This edition contains the following items: Queensland Government moves to privatise public sector assets; ASU Submission Electricity-Energy Industry White Paper 2009; Rail Industry Standards and Safety Board; ACTU Congress; Councils getting on with the job of delivering key stimulus projects; New UN super-agency for women; New Local Government Act means stronger local government: Minister (QLD); Amalgamation a dirty word, says LGAT (TAS); plus more.
12 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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Equality before the law is the heart of the matter
Contrary to much of the media coverage of the event, most of our time at ACTU Congress was spent not on the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) or workplace laws but on discussing the broader agenda of unions about jobs and the economic crisis facing Australia.
11 June 2009 [ full story ]
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International survey of workers' rights violations
2008 was another difficult and often dangerous year for trade unionists around the world, according to this year's ITUC Annual Survey of Trade Union Rights Violations, which details abuses of fundamental workers' rights in 143 countries.
11 June 2009 [ full story ]
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What are we waiting for at Canon?
Since the last negotiations at the end of May, it has been very quiet at Canon.
09 June 2009 [ full story ]
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ASU makes submission to Job Services Australia tender inquiry
The ASU has lodged its submission for the Senate Inquiry into the Job Services Australia tender process. Our submission highlights the concerns of our members about the process and focuses on how future processes can be improved and the negative effects experienced during this round can be avoided.
09 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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Rex Airline Agreement ready for voting
The Regional Express (Rex) Airline Services Collective Agreement negotiations have concluded and all employees will now have a copy ready for voting on.
03 June 2009 [ full story ]
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Let the games begin at AaE
Your ASU negotiating team at AaE met with the company reps on 18th May 2009 in Melbourne to table our ASU log of claims which had been endorsed by meetings of members across the country.
02 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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May 2009 |
No, No and more Nos – that’s the answer at Canon
Negotiations continued at Canon Australia for a collective agreement for Technical Consultants. The latest meeting was scheduled for two days. As a result of unforeseen circumstances Canon management called the meeting to an end before any negotiation had commenced on the second day.
27 May 2009 [ full story ]
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Public Services Bulletin - May 24, 2009
This edition contains the following items: ASU public sector divisions meet; Federal Govt discussion paper on waste minimisation; Water Reforms Queensland; Service Skills Australia wants to hear from Australian workers; Tasmania - ASU continues to press the new water corporations; Australia takes action against torture; plus more.
27 May 2009 [ full story ]
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Sorry Day still highlights need for ongoing efforts
The power and meaning embodied in this year’s National Sorry Day should motivate us to maintain our national efforts to achieve healing for members of the Stolen Generations and their families and to make headway in developing a national compensation scheme, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said today.
26 May 2009 [ full story ]
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Employment services engage in disgraceful conduct
In the wake of the announcement of changes to the employment services system, it appears that a number of providers who have lost contracts are trying to avoid their liability to make redundancy payments by forcing displaced staff to sign resignations so they can take up new jobs with other providers.
22 May 2009 [ full story ]
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ASU-PSI Utility Bulletin - April 2009
The current edition includes the following items: Asian Development Bank; PSI on ADB Forum; Responses to the Global Crisis - charting a progressive path; Australian Electricity - industry government reform white paper; Influenza A (H1N1) aka swine flu; Employee Free Choice Act; How Canadian citizens benefit from public spending; plus more.
19 May 2009 [ full story ]
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Pay equity is still an issue because women’s work is not valued
The National Pay Equity Coalition and the Women’s Electoral Lobby have appeared before the House of Representatives Inquiry into Pay Equity and Associated Issues Related to Increasing Female Participation in the Workforce to present their Supplementary Submission. The submission addresses the concerns also raised by the ASU in the award modernisation process and how this process deals with the issues of women, pay equity and the opportunity to raise equal remuneration principles.
19 May 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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The moves at Canon are all tiny steps!
Negotiations for Technical Consultants at Canon continued on the 12 and 13 May 2009. While agreement has been reached on minor points there remain a number of significant issues outstanding.
14 May 2009 [ full story ]
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Call Centre Survey winners announced: RACV, Brisbane City Council and Qantas Telesales workers win!
RACV consultant Andrea Platt is going to be busy over the next few weeks learning how to use her new Apple laptop after winning the top prize in the ASU’s national call centre campaign survey. Fellow call centre workers at Brisbane City Council and Qantas Telesales in Hobart claimed the second and third iPod prizes.
13 May 2009 [ full story ]
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ASU members at Community Connections to take action in the name of good faith bargaining
Members of the ASU working at Community Connections (Vic) Ltd (CCVL) will take industrial action across the Barwon region in the form of a Stop Work meeting on May 15 commencing at 1.00pm. Please support the workers by sending an email to CCVL management asking them to enter into good faith negotiations.
13 May 2009 [ full story ]
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Federal Government moves to fix problems with modern Clerks Award after ASU campaign
The ASU welcomes the variation to the award modernisation request issued by Workplace Relations Minister Julia Gillard. The variation singles out the problems with the decisions of the AIRC in relation to the modern Clerks Private Sector Award. If left to continue, the AIRC decisions would have savagely reduced the safety net and take home pay of office workers around the country. The move by Minister Gillard follows a strong campaign by the ASU, which included a survey of members, public submissions and lobbying.
12 May 2009 [ full story ]
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Loyal Myer worker ruled unfit for job because she could not squat
Grandmother Patricia Pitfield was forced out of her job by retail giant Myer - because she was could not do squats and the ASU NSW United Services Union Branch has taken up her case and shone the light on the plight of our member who has worked for Myer for 30 years and been in her clerical position for 10 years.
12 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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We did it - paid parental leave is in the 2009 budget!
ASU members have played their part in ensuring the Federal Government includes paid parental leave in the 2009 budget. Whilst the detail is still to be analysed and the start date isn't until 2011, there is much to celebrate.
11 May 2009 [ full story ]
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Getting down to the detail – bargaining at Canon
ASU Delegates and NCC Reps sat at the bargaining table with Canon management to go through the detail of your claims for a new 2009 agreement (EA). The meeting took place on the 29 and 30 April 2009 in North Ryde.
08 May 2009 [ full story ]
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Justice at last – pay recognition for Queensland SACS workers
In an historic decision, with significant national implications, the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) ruled late yesterday that the work of social and community services workers in Queensland had been undervalued and that wage adjustment to the Queensland Community Services and Crisis Assistance State Award was needed to remedy this situation. As a result this decision provides for wage increases of between 18% and 37% phased in over a three year period starting in July 2009.
07 May 2009 [ full story ]
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Travel and tourism workers surveyed about training
If you work in the travel and tourism industry, the ASU encourages you to take part in a new survey being run by your industry skills council. They want to find out how you feel about the training you receive so improvements can be made in the future.
07 May 2009 [ full story ]
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Industry Skills Councils want to hear from local government workers
Service Skills Australia and Government Skills Australia are calling for workers in the local government industry to participate in a survey and contribute to the future direction of accredited training in Australia. The ASU encourages local government members to take part.
07 May 2009 [ full story ]
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Better investment in child care needed in budget, not more money
Targeted and controlled investment was needed in the child care sector to meet the Rudd Government’s commitment to the Education Revolution, according to the Australian Services Union (ASU).
07 May 2009 [ full story ]
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ASU appalled at Vision Australia redundancies
The ASU - one of the unions that represent employees at Vision Australia (VA) - is absolutely appalled at the treatment that VA has shown staff in the last couple of days.
07 May 2009 [ full story ]
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Save jobs by making police, fire-fighters, and defence uniforms in Australia, say unions
All uniforms and clothing for essential services and government workers such as police, firefighters, ambulance officers and Defence Force workers should be made in Australia, say unions.
06 May 2009 [ full story ]
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Award modernisation "soul destroying", says ASU
The ASU has used the Senate inquiry into the transitional IR legislation to argue that the AIRC has made modern awards that clearly disadvantaged whole classes of employees, predominantly women.
06 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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Swine Flu Update
ASU officials met with Qantas HR and industrial relations management in Sydney on 30 April 2009 to discuss the Company’s response to the swine flu outbreak and the precautions being put in place for staff with direct passenger contact.
01 May 2009 [ full story ]
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The Smith Family agreement re-negotiation
TSF staff would be aware that the TSF Social Enterprise Agreement 2007 will expire in mid June 2009. Over the next few weeks the Australian Services Union (ASU) delegates and members will be asking staff to assist with a survey in preparation for the next agreement. The survey will need to be sent back by no later than Friday 22 May, 2009.
01 May 2009 [ full story ]
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April 2009 |
Union calls for National Child Care Body in wake of ABC Learning collapse
The Australian Services Union has today called on the Federal Government to establish a formal body to oversee child care funding, planning and quality in Australia – Child Care Australia.
30 April 2009 [ full story ]
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Jobs lost for 91,000 young victims of the Global Financial Crisis: unions call for action
Measures must be taken to prevent a generation of young Australians becoming victims of long-term unemployment as a result of the Global Financial Crisis, say unions.
30 April 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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Paid maternity leave will help redress gender inequality and must be in Federal Budget
The ACTU is backing the call by Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick for the Federal Government to include a paid maternity leave scheme in the May Budget.
29 April 2009 [ full story ]
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Public Services Bulletin - April 23, 2009
This edition contains the following items: Government Skills Australia – Local Government Forum in Canberra; ASU & ITF Railway Action Day; Careers in local government; New performance reports on Australia’s water utilities; Union Charter of Workplace Rights Petition online; AFTINET Trade Justice Dinner; plus more.
28 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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Workers stuck on WorkChoices job contracts are $7500 a year worse off: call for Govt to act
Hundreds of thousands of Australian workers need an exit strategy from WorkChoices agreements that have locked them into sub-standard pay and conditions for years to come, say unions.
26 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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20 percent of ABC Learning staff to join unemployed
The Australian Services Union (ASU) has expressed its concern that the ABC Learning Receiver has today announced job losses for 20 percent of affected child care staff.
15 April 2009 [ full story ]
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Public Services Bulletin - April 14, 2009
This edition contains the following items: ASU calls for local councils throughout Australia to provide greater access to the public for water facilities; Public Water for Public Health; ASU-NSW US Branch wins legal changes protecting council officers; Local government employers asked to employ more council and water industry workers; New $1 billion Jobs and Training Compact; plus more.
15 April 2009 [ full story ]
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GFC hits Qantas: 1750+ redundancies on way
On Tuesday 14th April 2009 Qantas announced to the stock exchange and then to Australia their intention to, among other things, cut flying capacity by 5% resulting in the loss of 500 management positions and a further 1250 equivalent full time positions (FTEs) from areas of the Group. As we all know FTEs can mean more people.
15 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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Workers rally against Job Network decision
Unemployed job placement workers and their supporters will rally around the nation today at protest meetings against the Federal Government’s Job Network decision.
08 April 2009 [ full story ]
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Singapore Airlines & Cargo asks for wages freeze and the staff say?
The vote has been counted in the Singapore Airlines and Cargo (SIA) ballot to freeze wages for the next two years. The ballot was counted by ENT members in head office Sydney commencing at 11am, Monday 6 April 2009 and observed by the ASU.
07 April 2009 [ full story ]
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Stop the job cuts in employment services – national protest April 8
Join the national protest – be part of the solution. Wednesday 8th April at 1pm in your capital city. Download the flyer for details. For further information about the campaign visit http://www.saveourjobs.com.au/
06 April 2009 [ full story ]
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5000 jobs gone in Job Network – and no one knows if it’s them
Up to 5,000 job placement workers could be unemployed following last night’s announcement of new employment service contracts.
03 April 2009 [ full story ]
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Pay equity assaulted by award modernisation process
The Federal Government is conducting an Inquiry into pay equity and associated issues related to increasing female participation in the workforce. The ASU, other unions, women’s lobby groups, employers and employer groups have been making representations to the Committee.
03 April 2009 [ full story ]
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Fight discrimination, harassment and violence against LGBT workers
International unions recognise issues for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender union members in supporting the second phase of a report published this week. The ASU through the ACTU is a member of the International Trade Unions Confederation (ITUC). The ITUC has a strong arm of equality and works on many levels to ensure that issues for LGBT unionists are not disregarded.
03 April 2009 [ full story ]
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Negotiations continue at Malaysia Airlines
Negotiations continued at Malaysia Airlines headquarters, Sydney, 12 March 2009. The focus of this meeting was to provide the feedback following the company road show and to pursue an agreeable outcome to wage increases in your agreement.
03 April 2009 [ full story ]
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Union launches national campaign to save Job Network workers
The Australian Services Union is today launching a national campaign and website to pressure the Federal Government to save the jobs of Job Network staff. The national campaign follows the announcement by the Government that 28% of current contracts will be cut.
02 April 2009 [ full story ]
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Close the Gap Day 2009 - keep governments accountable on Indigenous health outcomes
The ASU believes that ongoing community support for the Close the Gap campaign is vital if the Government is going to be kept accountable on their commitment to close the gap on life expectancy and health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. In that spirit, and as a formal supporter of the Close the Gap campaign, the ASU participated by staging a staff event today.
02 April 2009 [ full story ]
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Bargaining gets underway at Canon
The first round of bargaining commenced at Canon North Ryde offices, with your ASU delegates, the NCC and management. The ASU Log of Claims was presented to Canon and we received claims from Canon. A detailed description of those claims are listed below.
02 April 2009 [ full story ]
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Union flags national campaign - Fear and loathing grips employment services
The Federal Government’s proposed radical overhaul of employment services is causing fear and loathing throughout the employment services sector says the employment services union, the Australian Services Union.
01 April 2009 [ full story ]
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Climate change could be an economy saver
The bitter lessons of climate change have never been more evident in the past few months. Firestorms in a drought ravaged Victoria and floods in Queensland are evidence of the extreme weather behaviour that appears here to stay.
01 April 2009 [ full story ]
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March 2009 |
NCR just don't get it
Following the counting of the conclusive "No" vote to the NCR agreement, the ASU wrote to NCR.
31 March 2009 [ full story ]
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Victorian community sector workers’ long service leave portability scheme at risk
At a Portable Long Service Leave Reference Group meeting held on 25 March 2009 it has emerged that there is significant employer opposition to the proposed Portable Long Service Leave (PLSL) Scheme, which will place its establishment in jeopardy.
31 March 2009 [ full story ]
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Public Services Bulletin - March 30, 2009
This edition contains the following items: Public Water for Public Health; $200 million for stormwater capture initiative; $1.75 billion for the nation's local roads; Global Unions have told Kevin Rudd and the Australian Government to invest in Quality Public Services; Unions rally in London for G20; Ports, power may be on O'Farrell privatisation list; plus more.
31 March 2009 [ full story ]
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Ansett Employee Update Number 57
The latest Employee Update from the Ansett Administrators (Update 57) is now available on this website. It provides an update on current litigation and a link to the Ninth Report to Creditors.
31 March 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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Airline Awards are being industrially skyjacked
Last week the Australian Industry Group (AIG) representing most of the overseas airlines flying to Australia and ground handlers like Menzies Aviation urged the Australian Industrial Relations Commission to slash Airline Award wages by between $3,963 - $17,241 per year.
25 March 2009 [ full story ]
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Jetstar abandons Tasmania
Jetstar has today announced that it will no longer be employing passenger handling staff at Hobart and Launceston Airports from May 19th & 20th.
24 March 2009 [ full story ]
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NCR customer engineers say NO to undercutting wages and conditions
The ballot to vote on the non union, conditions cutting agreement proposed by NCR closed at 5.00pm yesterday Monday 23 March 2009. Customer Engineers at NCR voted overwhelmingly NO.
24 March 2009 [ full story ]
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ASU consults members over safety after Sydney airport tragedy
As the media has reported, gang violence erupted in Sydney Airport's domestic Qantas terminal 3 yesterday when a group of bikies bashed a rival gang member to death in front of terrified passengers and Qantas staff. ASU members work as customer service agents at check–in for Qantas at terminal 3 and at airports around the country.
23 March 2009 [ full story ]
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Unions push for $21 a week pay rise for low-paid workers to stimulate economy and safeguard jobs
Unions are seeking a $21 a week pay rise for workers on minimum wages to protect jobs by maintaining the purchasing power of working families and stimulate the economy.
23 March 2009 [ full story ]
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Exceptional training – Exceptionally unfair
It’s great that Qantas has initiated new training for staff. Everyone welcomes the opportunity to enhance their skills and product knowledge through attending Qantas’ Exceptional Training in Sydney.
23 March 2009 [ full story ]
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Paid maternity leave Week of Action keeps up the pressure for inclusion in Federal Budget
Unions and community organisations will take part in a national week of action to persuade the Rudd Government to include a universal paid maternity leave scheme in the May federal budget.
23 March 2009 [ full story ]
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New IR laws are a major step forward for Australian workers
New industrial relations laws passed by the Federal Parliament on Friday 20th March are a major step forward for working Australians and the nation.
23 March 2009 [ full story ]
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Senate IR change will put more workers at risk of unfair sackings during the downturn
The vote late yesterday by Coalition and cross-bench Senators to amend the definition of a small business is a major change to Labor’s Fair Work Bill that would leave more than a million workers with less protection from being unfairly sacked.
20 March 2009 [ full story ]
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Public Services Bulletin - March 19, 2009
This edition contains the following items: It really is crunch time now; Senate must pass new IR laws or leave workers exposed to unfair sackings in the downturn; Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme; Cooperation not coercion needed for WA reform; Infrastructure projects announced; plus more.
20 March 2009 [ full story ]
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Senate must pass new IR laws or leave workers exposed to unfair sackings in the downturn
The Senate must pass the Fair Work Bill in the next 24 hours, or leave WorkChoices in place and millions of Australians without protection from being sacked unfairly as the economic downturn worsens, unions say.
19 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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Indigenous workers survey
The ACTU has developed the Indigenous Workers Survey to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers the opportunity to voice their opinions and values about their working lives. The ASU encourages all our Indigenous members to participate to ensure our views are heard.
17 March 2009 [ full story ]
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Employees to take wage cut with no protection at Singapore Airlines?
Singapore Airlines and Singapore Cargo have announced to the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) that the current financial situation of the company requires employees to take a wage freeze.
15 March 2009 [ full story ]
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NCR says we can go jump…
NCR have refused to continue to negotiate a new agreement for customer engineers at NCR and instead have decided to put an agreement out to vote which is non union and cuts conditions.
15 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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Red hot anger over job cuts while banks get taxpayer support for GFC
There will be red hot anger in the community over the latest banking job cuts by the ANZ, says the ACTU.
13 March 2009 [ full story ]
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Call to action for Social and Community Services workers - tell Senator Fielding it is time to pass the Fair Work Bill
The Federal Parliament is currently debating the Fair Work Bill which will replace the discredited and unfair WorkChoices laws brought in by the previous Howard Government.
13 March 2009 [ full story ]
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National Youth Week 2009
National Youth Week (NYW) is Australia's largest celebration of young people. Young people across Australia are getting ready to get into the NYW2009 theme: Make a Move! It’s all about making a difference, showing off your creativity, and having a good time!
13 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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Qantas Workers: Charter of Workplace Drug and Alcohol Management Info Sessions
Your unions are concerned that Qantas Management have stated to implement an unfair Drug and Alcohol (DOA) testing regime.
09 March 2009 [ full story ]
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2009 “Tell Us What You Really Think” survey results are in
International Women’s Day (IWD) is just around the corner on March 8. With the views of ASU women from our Tell Us What You Really Think? survey now released we have a clear direction on the key issues women are celebrating and fighting for in 2009.
06 March 2009 [ full story ]
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International Women’s Day 2009: pay gap may widen because of GFC says new report
Australian women risk losing pay, skills and access to decent work as a result of the Global Financial Crisis unless employers do more to protect jobs and we see the introduction of a Government-funded paid maternity leave scheme, say unions.
06 March 2009 [ full story ]
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Misleading ad shows Queensland Liberal-National Party can’t be trusted on jobs
The political advertisement in today’s Courier Mail newspaper by Lawrence Springborg is an attempt to con Queenslanders about the Liberal-National Party’s plan to cut jobs and slash services in the Queensland public sector says the ACTU.
05 March 2009 [ full story ]
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Qantas closes Hobart Travel Centre
Late yesterday Qantas has announced that it is closing the Qantas Travel Centre in Hobart on 29th May 2009. This means that the 6 staff remaining in the centre and an additional sales staff member will be made compulsorily redundant unless suitable redeployment options can be found for them. We believe the company MUST do everything possible to ensure suitable redeployment is available.
04 March 2009 [ full story ]
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AaE seeks EOIs in response to the Global Finanical Crisis
ASU representatives have met with AaE HR and senior management in recent weeks about the company’s business and the effects of the Global Financial Crisis.
03 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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ASU delegates meet company for first 2009 consultation
As part of our ASU Jetstar EBA negotiations in 2007 the company agreed to hold regular consultation meetings with ASU delegates on a national basis to discuss issues of concern across ASU areas.
03 March 2009 [ full story ]
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Qantas announces closure of QBT Adelaide and calls for expressions of interest
Qantas has announced their intention to close the Qantas Business Travel (QBT) offices in Adelaide which will see 21 staff made redundant from 31st March 2009.
03 March 2009 [ full story ]
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ASU calls on Government to act on air rage
The ASU has once again lodged a submission for the Federal Aviation Policy Review as a follow up to our original submission in July 2008. As the largest union in the Aviation industry in Australia we have raised key issues of Aviation Safety, Security and Foreign ownership in our submission.
03 March 2009 [ full story ]
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February 2009 |
Public Services Bulletin - February 26, 2009
This edition contains the following items: Award Modernisation – Electricity/energy industry award; Why is Australia the only developed nation in the world without a bill of rights; 20th February World Day of Social Justice; PSI Women, Water, Workers and Health Website; Police to replace transit officers on public transport; Councils need funding to help revive childcare industry; plus more.
27 February 2009 [ full story ]
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Qantas Drug and Alcohol Testing Update and Mass Meetings
In December last year Qantas Management stated to implement a new Drug and Alcohol (DOA) testing regime with very little union consultation.
27 February 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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Public Services Bulletin - February 16, 2009
This edition contains the following items: Unions express sadness at bushfire losses and pledge $250,000; Rudd Government secures extra $500 million for local community infrastructure; Workplace Relations Ministerial Council Meeting; Colombia - more than 2,300 municipal workers dismissed; National Logistics Safety Code welcomed; plus more.
24 February 2009 [ full story ]
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Paid maternity leave in May Budget would ease economic hardship for families
More than 100 prominent Australian women gathered in Canberra this morning for a Women’s Forum Breakfast to step up the campaign for a government-funded paid maternity leave scheme in the Federal Budget, and other measures to improve the working lives of Australian women.
24 February 2009 [ full story ]
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World record bargaining meeting at NCR
How many times do you need to say no in one meeting to set the record? Well NCR gave it a really good nudge today when we lost count after at least 20 NOs to our claims. But we added one more NO when we rejected the company’s 2.5% wage increase with no real substantial changes to any other key claims.
24 February 2009 [ full story ]
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Malaysia Airline’s management respond to staff claims
The much awaited response from Malaysia Airlines management to staff claims was received at the latest bargaining meeting on the 17 February 2009.
24 February 2009 [ full story ]
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Senate told that local government is key to the future of child care following ABC Learning collapse
The Australian Services Union has stepped up its campaign for child care to be transferred to local government in the wake of the collapse of ABC Learning Centres.
23 February 2009 [ full story ]
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ASU members tell Senate of need for change
ASU members from Toll Dnata and from the community sector together with union officials from both Victorian Branches and the National Office fronted a Senate Committee hearing in Melbourne today, arguing for new work laws to improve collective bargaining, access to arbitration, a better award modernisation process and the need for a workable system of multiple enterprise agreements (MEAs) which can be used by SACS members.
17 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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Child care public forum in Melbourne - Get the market out of child care
The failure of ABC Learning has proven that child care should not be for profit. A public forum endorsed by the ASU has been organised to discuss the issues in the Melbourne suburb of Coburg on February 28. ASU National Secretary Paul Slape will speak at the forum.
13 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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One year on - apology reminds us much still needed to improve lives of Indigenous Australians
The anniversary of the historic national apology to the Stolen Generations reminds the nation that much is still needed to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians, unions said today.
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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Call centre workers it’s your call - survey deadline looms
The deadline to complete the ASU’s “It’s your call” survey is 9am on February 27. The ASU wants to know how we can improve working in Australian call centres and we are asking all workers in the industry to tell us. You could also win a laptop or iPod by providing your feedback.
05 February 2009 [ full story ]
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January 2009 |
International unions deliver powerful jobs message to World Economic Forum
The global financial crisis threatens to become a social time bomb if the world's governments don't act together with unions to save and create sustainable jobs, according to global trade union leaders attending the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
30 January 2009 [ full story ]
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NCR responds – wages increases funded by making jobs redundant!
NCR management tabled a document to your bargaining team just in time for the latest meeting (21/01/09) which responds to the claims made in this round of bargaining. The document effectively states that to offer a wage increase, the company must cut jobs. They have offered 2.5% and cut 5 CE jobs.
23 January 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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Union heroes save passengers on US Airways flight
The quick thinking, bravery, experience and extensive training of US Airways Flight 1549 pilot, Capt. Chesley Sullenberger, co-pilot Jeffrey Skiles, the crew of flight attendants, the air traffic controllers guiding the flight low over Manhattan and the rescuers were the key factors in yesterday’s “Miracle on the Hudson,” where 155 people survived an emergency landing in the river.
16 January 2009 [ full story ]
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Move to diversify child care ownership welcomed - Local government provides best long term solution to ABC Learning Centres collapse
The Australian Services Union has welcomed the commitment of the Federal Government to seek a diverse range of operators for the former ABC Learning Centres.
15 January 2009 [ full story ]
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Employers must not use jobs market as an excuse to slash pay and conditions
Employers must not use the uncertain jobs market to pressure workers into accepting cuts to their pay and conditions, unions said today in response to new unemployment data.
15 January 2009 [ full story ]
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Employee claims tabled at Malaysia Airlines
Bargaining continued anew in 2009 at Malaysia Airlines for a variation to your current enterprise agreement.
14 January 2009 [ full story ]
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Government’s proposed IR legislation must go further to deliver ‘rights at work’, say unions
Labor’s proposed industrial relations legislation fails to fully deliver on the Rudd Government’s pre-election promise to scrap WorkChoices and restore workers’ rights, says the ACTU.
14 January 2009 [ full story ]
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Shared and contracted services in local government
“Councils Contracting Out Shared Services” to a third party are just not worthwhile for the community, local councils, their communities and the employees – that’s the view of an independent report prepared by the Centre for Local Government, University of New England, for the ASU.*
12 January 2009 [ full story ]
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Minimum wages must be protected to prevent low-paid becoming US-style working poor
The living standards of the lowest paid and most vulnerable workers must be protected as Australia faces an economic slowdown this year, say unions.
12 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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ASU-PSI Utility Bulletin - December 2008
The current edition includes the following items: Electricity Privatization NSW Australia; Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) summary paper; The illusions of competition in the water sector; Quality Public Services - addressing climate change in Australia; Debate on energy, environment and climate change and work; plus more.
07 January 2009 [ full story ]
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Response to slowing economy must focus on jobs and skills, not attacks on rights at work
The prospect of an economic downturn must not be used by business as an excuse to delay or alter improvements to our industrial relations system that Australians voted for at the last election.
07 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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