real change autumnwinter 2014

BE PART OF A REAL CHANGE MAGAZINE – AUTUMN/WINTER 2014

REAL CHANGE

THIS ISSUE:BEC: Changing Of The Guard

NEW LEGISLATION: What It Will Mean For Bargaining?

LABOUR DAY 2014: Time To Celebrate Our Achievementswww.theservicesunion.com.au

MAGAZINE OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUNICIPAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, CLERICAL AND SERVICES UNION QUEENSLAND (SERVICES AND NORTHERN ADMINISTRATIVE) BRANCH ABN 86 351 665 653 QUEENSLAND SERVICES, INDUSTRIAL UNION OF EMPLOYEES ABN 13 540 483 194 TRADING AS THE SERVICES UNION. AUTHORISED BY NEIL HENDERSON ACTING SECRETARY, AUSTRALIAN MUNICIPAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, CLERICAL AND SERVICES UNION QUEENSLAND (SERVICES AND NORTHERN ADMINISTRATIVE) BRANCH AND THE QUEENSLAND SERVICES, INDUSTRIAL UNION OF EMPLOYEES.

IN THIS ISSUE ...REAL CHANGE MAGAZINE

www.theservicesunion.com.au

PRESIDENT: Lindy HensonACTING SECRETARY: Neil HendersonASSISTANT SECRETARY (ON LEAVE): Jennifer ThomasACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY: Justine MoranPublished by the Australian Services Union, Queensland (Services and Northern Administrative) BranchEDITOR: Neil HendersonPRINTED BY: Harding Colour Printing T: 07 3907 6500

SERVICES CONNECTT: 07 3844 5300F: 07 3846 5046E: [email protected]

BRISBANE OFFICE32 Peel Street (PO Box 3347) South Brisbane Q 4101

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND OFFICE110-114 Campbell St (PO Box 5160)Red Hill, Rockhampton Q 4701F: 07 4922 3919

NORTH QUEENSLAND OFFICE485 Flinders St (PO Box 1048)Townsville Q 4810F: 07 4721 1582

SOUTH WEST QUEENSLAND OFFICELevel 1 Trades Hall, 19A Russell St (PO Box 1619)Toowoomba Q 4701F: 07 4638 9133

MEDIA/COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER: Belinda Hogan-CollisTRAINER: Holly PattersonGROWTH TEAM:GROWTH LEADER: Kirk RostockORGANISERS: Ellen Kear, Stuart Maggs, Zach WalshDEVELOPMENT TEAM:LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADER: Anna HerzogSENIOR INDUSTRIAL OFFICERS: Rebecca Girard, Ben Green, James Mattner, Michelle Robertson, Tneka SpringettSACS LEADER: Catherine LahertyGOC LEADER: Danny ReevesCAMPAIGN ORGANISER: Louise RyanINDUSTRIAL OFFICERS: Jack Donaghy, Siobhan Doogan, Tammy Gaze, Jace MitchellORGANISERS: Sarah Gleeson, Ben Jones, Chiara Lennox, Chris McJannett, Steve Rodgers, Peter Ryan, Richard TarnawskiSUPPORT STAFF: Christian Dickinson, Karen Davis, Debbie Draper, Jane Grey, Debbie Hoogerdyk, Kim Johansson, Mary Maddocks, Cary Pollock, Jeanine Orzani

REAL CHANGE

03 WELCOMESECRETARIES’ REPORT: By Neil Henderson and Justine Moran

04 BRANCH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE NEWSCHANGE OF THE GUARD

06 INDUSTRY NEWS

09 LABOUR DAY 2014TIME TO CELEBRATE

10 MEMBER TRAINING

10 QUEENSLAND COMMUNITY ALLIANCE

11 LAST CHANCE TO DID

12 27 WAYS AND GROWING INITIATIVERECRUITMENT COMPETITION WINNERS

14 INVESTING IN QUALITY COMMUNITY SERVICES CAMPAIGN• WORK OF THE MDA• MODERN AWARDS

16 OUR QLD OUR FUTURE CAMPAIGN MEMBERS SENDING A STRONG MESSAGE

18 STUDENT BURSARY WINNERS• JESSICA DUNPHY• JULIA LYNCH• SEAN FOSTER

19 CHANGE MAKERS• KATE FLYNN• TERRY SMITH• MARY SMITH

20 SPECIAL INDUSTRIAL REPORTCHANGES TO LEGISLATIONWHAT IT MEANS FOR MEMBERS IN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND RAIL INDUSTRIES

22 SPECIAL REPORTSTHE BENEFITS OF UNION MEMBERSHIP

23 FAMILY LAWSUPERANNUATION COULD BE YOUR LARGEST ASSET

OUR UNION HAS INVESTED SIGNIFICANT TIME AND EFFORT TO FULLY COMPLY WITH ALL OF THE COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS NOW SET BY THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT (QUEENSLAND)

AND THE FAIR WORK ACT (C’WEALTH).

ALL ELECTED OFFICERS HAVE NOW UNDERGONE MANDATORY UNION GOVERNANCE TRAINING FOR BOTH THE STATE AND

FEDERAL SYSTEMS AND THE UNION HAS COMPLIANT POLICIES, WHICH ENSURE THAT OUR OPERATIONS SATISFY A HIGH

STANDARD OF GOVERNANCE AND LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS.

ALL REQUIRED DISCLOSURES AND OUR ACCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION ON THE SERVICES UNION WEBSITE. WHILE WE DOUBT THE MOTIVES BEHIND THE INTRODUCTION OF SOME OF THE LEGISLATION IN QUEENSLAND, IT IS NO TROUBLE TO DO

EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO ENSURE MEMBERS OF THE INTEGRITY OF THE SERVICES UNION’S OPERATIONS.

COMPLIANCE

02 REAL CHANGE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 | www.theservicesunion.com.au

CONTENTS

BY NEIL HENDERSON AND JUSTINE MORAN

KATHRINE (KATH) NELSON 1970 -2014

It is with great sadness we advise of the passing of The Services Union’s Secretary Kathrine (Kath) Nelson on Friday,14 March 2014.

Kath was 43 years old and for the last ten months, battled leukaemia. Our love and condolences are with her entire family, especially her partner Brett and son Spencer.

Kath was a committed advocate for working people. She was also passionate about making positive change in wider communities.

She joined our Union in 1993 and worked her way up through our organisation to be elected Secretary of both the ASU and QSU in April 2011. This was the first time the positions had been held by a woman. Kath was also elected the National Vice President of the National ASU.

Kath was an accomplished industrial relations professional who was widely respected both in the union movement and by representatives of employers and the Government.

Kath was a pivotal player in many major wins for Queensland workers including the development of the Queensland Local Government Workforce Transition Code of Practice in 2007 and the South East Queensland Distribution and Retail Water Reform-Workforce Framework in 2009.

No more notable was Kath’s role in the historic Social and Community Services Pay Equity Case in Queensland in 2008. This case delivered a finding which confirmed that Queensland social and community workers performed work which was undervalued because of gender and laid the essential groundwork for the Federal Pay Equity Case which was completed in 2012.

Through her leadership, lobbying and negotiation skills, Kath was instrumental in obtaining guarantees from the Gillard Government to fund the pay equity increases.Kath strongly believed in not only the Objectives of our Union, but in social justice.

As a member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP), Kath was compassionate and believed in a fair go for all. She incorporated these values into everything she did.Kath was a member of the ALP National Executive and the ALP QLD Administrative Committee. She was also a member of the Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) Executive and the QCU Management Committee.

As Secretary, Kath ensured our Union remained strong, dynamic and forward thinking. We will continue Kath’s legacy. Currently, we are up against some concerted government opposition. We encourage all members to stick together, stay focused and get active to ensure all members receive and maintain decent wages and conditions whilst being treated fairly at work.

Kath was much loved by those who worked with her and was an inspiring mentor and a treasured friend. Possessed with a marvellous sense of humour and a quick wit, her amazing laugh could be heard all over Peel Street, something we all know we will continue to hear.

She will be missed by all in the Labour Movement.

BE PART OF A REAL CHANGE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 | REAL CHANGE 03

SECRETARIES REPORT

Branch Executive Committee (BEC) member Lindy Henson has been elected by the BEC to casually fill the Branch President position of The Services Union. She takes over the helm from Bob Ball who has led our Union since 1998. Lindy is the first woman to hold this office. She said she is very honoured to be appointed as our Union’s President and comes to the role with a wealth of experience.

Lindy has worked at Townsville Regional Council for close to 25 years. It was during her second year of work she got involved in union activities after attending an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) meeting. Interested in what was being said at the time, Lindy decided to get involved in the actual EBA negotiations. She later joined the Local Government Industry Division Committee (IDC), eventually becoming the first female Vice President in 2002. Since then, Lindy has been involved in all Townsville City Council EBA negotiations as either the sole negotiator, Co-ordinator of the Single Bargaining Unit (SBU), or by actively encouraging members to participate in the process. “In the very first EBA One meeting I remember thinking about how Council management was trying to cut some of our working conditions,” Lindy said. “I realised, if we banded together we could negotiate with management and actually change our conditions for the better. I also realised I had a strong voice which I could use to help my workmates who could not speak for themselves. I encourage

other members to get involved in their workplace negotiations because it means you are active in making positive change.”

Lindy said there are many goals she wants to fulfil in her new role as President and she wants all members of The Services Union to come on the journey with her. “One of the many great things Bob Ball did was to help move our Union from a servicing model to a campaigning model. I feel it is imperative as a union we continue to campaign strongly for what is right and just for workers. We are currently facing great challenges such as insecure work, changes to laws which impinge on our rights to bargain and governments which are making it increasingly difficult for union organisers to speak with members,” Lindy said. “We must also move away from the expectation that the union will ‘fix it’! As members, we must collectively be active in campaigning if we want to achieve our goals. We all need to be part of the ‘fix’.

Educating young workers about the 27 Ways and encouraging them to become part of our Union is also a large goal of Lindy’s. “We all have a responsibility to make our younger workmates aware of the struggles which have occurred in the past to enable us to have the working conditions we have presently. Many of these conditions are under threat,” Lindy said. “I want to engage and educate young workers and encourage them to join us. Whether this be through a simple conversation or via broader campaigns; I want to be active in ensuring our Union has a growing and sustained membership so future generations have a voice too!”

Branch Executive Committee (BEC) member Ronnee Meachen has been elected to fill the role of Deputy President (DP) of our Union, taking over from Bill Batten post his retirement from Queensland Rail. Coming from a strong union family, Ronnee remembers her energy industry working father taking strike action many times when she was young. She says unionism is in her blood and she has been a union member her whole working life! Ronnee’s

goals are to assist The Services Union to remain a progressive and modern organisation. Passionate about women’s rights, Ronnee will continue her role as the Vice President (VP) of our Women’s Committee, a role she has held since 2011.

Like her father, Ronnee works in the Energy Industry. As an Administration Officer for Ergon Energy in Townsville, some of Ronnee’s work includes looking after the Transmission Lines Work Group and processing timesheets. Joining our Union in 2006, Ronnee became a Workplace Delegate two years later. Her first big role was acting as the Senior Workplace Delegate during Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) negotiations that year. “I enjoy being an active union participant and I have loved being a part of the EBA negotiations over the years. By being active you really can achieve real change. For example, we were successful in getting a special maternity leave payment into our last Agreement.” Ronnee said. “However, I also feel strongly about supporting my workmates as individuals and representing them when they need me to.”

Ronnee feels the biggest challenge facing workers presently is the erosion of our hard won working rights. “In my position as DP I want to educate younger workers about the fact our current working conditions are not something the company you work for gives you because they think you are a great worker,” Ronnee said. “We have these conditions because of union members negotiating these rights.” Ensuring people continue their membership to our Union enables us to continue as a dominant industrial force Ronnee believes. “Union membership is vital. It gives our Union the collective strength we need to protect our rights at work,” she said. “This is especially important right now, with the likelihood that pay and working conditions will come under more and more pressure in the future. I encourage all members to make sure you protect your membership. This means if you have not made the switch to paying your union fees via direct debit I encourage you to do so now.”

Ronnee, a previous Anna Stewart Memorial Project participant, looks forward to the challenges the DP position will bring whilst continuing her important work as our Union’s VP for Women. “I am passionate about ensuring females in the workplace have a strong voice and I encourage members to join the Women’s Committee,” she said. “Women have so much to contribute. Penny Carr (pictured above) who was awarded the ACTU Delegate of the Year Award recently, for her work as an activist for our Union and her workplace is a testament to this. Penny encompasses how working women can achieve real positive change and I congratulate her on this excellent achievement.”

LINDY HENSON IS ELECTED NEW BRANCH PRESIDENT

RONNEE MEACHEN STEPS INTO DEPUTY PRESIDENT ROLE


BEC

CAMARADERIE, PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE SHARING OF INFORMATION ARE THE THREE MAJOR THINGS FORMER BRANCH DEPUTY PRESIDENT BILL BATTEN WILL MISS ABOUT WORKING FOR OUR UNION.

Bill spent almost forty years in the Rail Industry, until his retirement from Queensland Rail (QR) at the end of last year. He became a union member in 1974 and joined our Union in 1983. For many years, Bill worked extensively as a Workplace Delegate and for the last fourteen years as Vice President of the Rail Industry Division Committee (IDC) and member of our Branch Executive Committee (BEC). He also leaves his role as the Deputy President of our Union which he was appointed to in 2011.

Bill has been a passionate advocate for working rights and has spent many hours at negotiating tables. He has also been a great supporter of his colleagues. He said he has enjoyed helping fellow members with their employment issues. “One win many years ago, a member was stood down when they refused to carry out instructions due to safety concerns over the Easter period,“ Bill explained. “After going through the processes this member was paid all penalties as if he worked these public holidays as per his original roster. These types of things make it all worthwhile.”

The biggest challenge Bill feels facing the Rail Industry is the threat of privatisation. “Privatisation is a total failure for public transport throughout the world. When the government sells off the profitable freight lines, where does the money come from to provide the passenger services?” Bill said. “I feel at the next State election we need to make sure our vote counts and we vote for strong candidates who are against selling Queensland’s assets.”

The Services Union thanks Bill for his dedication. He said he is looking forward to the next stage in his life. “I am currently doing some home renovations. I am also restoring a 1971 HQ Holden Monaro. I do however, look forward to keeping in touch with members by doing volunteer work for our Union,” Bill said.

WITH CLOSE TO FORTY YEARS OF UNION ACTIVISM TO HIS NAME, BOB BALL RETIRES AS PRESIDENT OF THE SERVICES UNION IN THE PROUD KNOWLEDGE HE HAS BEEN PART OF REAL CHANGE.

Bob worked in the Local Authorities Industry for 37 years and from the start got involved in workplace campaigning at Brisbane City Council (BCC). He has had many official roles in our Union. These include, Workplace Delegate, BCC Industry Division Committee member (IDC), Branch Executive Committee (BEC) member and as Branch President after he was elected in 1998.

Bob has had many achievements in his time as Branch President and believes his biggest was

overseeing the change to our Unions structure and operations in the late 1990s. “We restructured from a servicing to an organising model,” Bob said. “These changes are some of the things that have made us into the union we are today.”

Bob has assisted many members over the years, with individual industrial issues and in broader campaigning. “There is satisfaction in winning campaigns which have bought about improvements to workers’ conditions and salaries,” he said. “To also have successfully survived attacks over the last twenty years on the union movement by conservative forces where we ended up stronger than when we started, is also very satisfying. It’s great to have the knowledge I have contributed in some way to that.”

Bob said it is important for our Union’s future to encourage work colleagues to become members. “It’s more important than ever, we have a strong voice,” Bob explained. “The attacks being overtly made by current State and Federal Governments on workers’ hard fought entitlements, the casualisation of our workforce and the brutal attacks on union activities, is what we are facing,” Bob said. “By sticking together, a union truely united is almost impossible to beat.”

The Services Union thanks Bob very much for his long time contribution.

LONG TIME PRESIDENT BOB BALL RETIRES-

A REAL CHANGE MAKER

DEPUTY PRESIDENT BILL BATTEN -

A NEW STAGE IN LIFE

Congratulations to Tehanne Denham-Jarvis who has been elected Vice President of our Rail Industry Division Committee (IDC). She comes to the position with an abundance of experience having commenced work for Queensland Rail (QR) fifteen years ago.

Tehanne works as a Senior Third Party Software Consultant. In her role, Tehanne manages, as part of a team, the contractual and service obligations with QRs software vendors.

Having been a Workplace Delegate of our Union since 1999, as well as being an active participant within the IDC for close to a decade, Tehanne

has numerous goals she wants to fulfil her new role. “As an Industry, we are facing changing and increased customer demands (both in commuter and freight) and we have an ageing infrastructure and as always a large geographical area to deal with,” Tehanne explained. “From a QR workers perspective, we have been moved back into the State Industrial Relations system. This has meant many changes to our conditions of employment. I want to encourage friends and colleagues to become members of our Union. The more members we have, the louder voice we have.”

Tehanne is experienced in enterprise bargaining having been involved in negotiating the last two agreements at QR. However, she feels her greatest union role so far has been helping her colleagues. “Whether this is a kind word of advice, negotiating better working conditions or standing up for the rights of others. It is the best feeling in the world to see a positive outcome for someone.”

TEHANNE DENHAM-JARVIS APPOINTED AS RAIL INDUSTRY COMMITTEE VICE PRESIDENT


BEC

AN ELECTION (BY MEMBER BALLOT) WILL BE HELD IN APRIL 2014 TO DECIDE WHO WILL BE THE LGSUPER MEMBER REPRESENTATIVE DIRECTORS FROM 1 JULY 2014.

This election gives members of the Fund an opportunity every four years to elect three of their own Member Elected Directors. It is also the chance for LGsuper members to elect a group of employees from across Queensland who have made a commitment to represent members in regard to their superannuation, life and income protection insurance and total and permanent disability interests.

Members from The Services Union Ron Curtis from Brisbane City Council (BCC) and Jenny Elphinstone from Douglas Shire Council, are standing for election.

Ron has been a Member Elected Director for the past eight years. Having 25 years’ e x p e r i e n c e i n Industrial Relations a n d c u r r e n t l y working in BCC’s

Industrial Relations (IR) section, Ron is required to represent the interests of and advocate for members and employees on a range of IR and superannuation issues. Ron has also held the role of Assistant Secretary of our Union and believes representing the Fund’s membership requires acting in the best interests of all members.

“Member Elected Directors need to understand the members they represent and this can only be achieved by being in contact with them on a regular basis,” Ron said. “Attending superannuation seminars and lunch time meetings with members is a regular occurrence for me.”

In his role at our Union, Ron was responsible for financial governance and administrative functions. Coupled with his ability to understand and interpret legislation, compliance issues, knowledge of Director obligations in accordance with Superannuation and Company law, has enabled him to execute the

responsibilities of a Member Elected Director.“Together with this experience, I have completed a number of Australian Institute of Company Directors’ courses, as well as Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees’ courses to further enable me to understand the requirements of such an important role,” Ron said.

Jenny’s career has focused on town planning through private practice and government employment. She has worked in Local Government for over 25 years.

Jenny also has a strong understanding of community and public services. Through her role as a Workplace Delegate for our Union, Jenny has assisted others in achieving positive outcomes. She was also a member of the former Douglas Shire River Improvement Trust.

“Integral to my career is providing a sound financial base for my family and our futures,” Jenny explained. “I see a need for transparency in decisions and long term financial sustainability for all members and their families.

Jenny believes the delivery of strong, stable future returns and investments must be made cognisant with companies who are ethically based and good performers. ”Benefits of superannuation normally deliver at a point of retirement. However, in some instances they provide much needed equity and resources to a member, spouse or family at other times such as disability or an untimely death. I understand the critical need for good stable superannuation investments and a need to plan for our futures.”

Keep an eye out for your Board Election Pack (including ballot papers) which will hit letter boxes in early April 2014. This pack includes profiles from all nominees as well as instructions on how to vote. The election gives people the opportunity to elect Ron and Jenny. Our Union is also supporting Rod Ball from Gold Coast City Council. For a full list of all Employee Representative Nominees please visit our website.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUPER ELECTION

ERGON

In December 2013, the State Government announced that American Investment Bank JP Morgan would carry out a ‘scoping study’ of the Gladstone Ports Corporation.

This is a sign that the State Government have slated Gladstone Ports for privatisation, even if they are suggesting the opposite to the Queensland people.

Workplace Delegate Peter Rasmussen (pictured above middle) said the Ports are part of the fabric of the Gladstone community and changes could be detrimental.

“They represent the history of the city, provide job security to local families and they support our communities,” Peter said. “If the Ports are leased out to an international company, all of this could go.”

“It is a fact that since privatisation of the Port of Brisbane, 45 per cent of that workforce have lost their jobs,” Peter explained. “We need to campaign together to ensure the Gladstone community does not suffer the same fate.”

Workplace Delegates such as Peter have been working tirelessly and very closely with union officials, passing on updates to work colleagues, organising site visits and meetings.

Our Union is encouraging everyone to support our members at Gladstone Ports and the wider Gladstone community. Please sign the current Australian Labor Party (ALP) Parliamentary Petition: Save Gladstone Ports – Save Gladstone Jobs, which you can find on the Our Queensland Our Future website www.ourqldfuture.com

MEMBERS AT GLADSTONE PORTS CORPORATION - CAMPAIGNING FOR

THEIR COMMUNITY

GLADSTONE PORTS CORPORATION ON THE PRIVATISATION HIT LIST


INDUSTRY NEWS

The Energy Industry continues to go through significant change.

Overall, we are witnessing on-going restructures impacting the way Government Owned Corporations (GOCs) conduct their business. Members are concerned about how their workplaces will continue to operate given the depth of restructures which have resulted in job outsourcing and losses.

Significant concerns have also been raised by our members about the premise the State Government has been using for these radical changes: the idea this is meant to reduce the costs to the community. Our Union argues that not only will the use of contractors be more expensive, it will have a detrimental impact on service delivery to Queensland communities.

DISTRIBUTION - Ergon Energy is in the process of restructuring its operations and has announced a net reduction of 116 positions. The change is significant and will have ramifications for other areas of the business. This restructure may impact on administration roles within Ergon which provides support to their operations. This may result in further restructuring and/or impact in terms of the workload required for the remaining positions. Our Union is currently gathering feedback and will be presenting it to Ergon before any final decisions are made.

Meanwhile, Energex has continued an incremental approach to restructuring over the last few months. Bargaining will occur later in the year for both Ergon and Energex. We anticipate tough negotiations and members need to be speaking to their colleagues about building strength prior to this.

POWER STATIONS - Recently, Stanwell Corporation announced it will ‘mothball’ Swanbank Power Station, which will occur in

October 2014. This has resulted in significant job losses, while a skeleton crew will remain to keep the power station functional. We have been assisting individual members, ensuring they receive correct entitlements.

At Tarong Power Station, a decision has been taken to recommission two units, the first set to occur in October also. Our Union joined others in an application for an injunction in the Federal Court which was unsuccessful. This was an unfortunate result with the Judge viewing that the recommissioning of the two units at Tarong did not constitute a major change to enliven the consultation provision of the Tarong Power Station Agreement.

At this stage, our Union does not know the full impact this will have on the workforce but are concerned the additional resources required will be contracted out. We will continue to pursue management for an answer.

CS ENERGY - Bargaining has commenced at Kogan Creek Power Station, with Callide to follow. In early March 2014, our Union attended conciliation at the Fair Work Commission (FWC) over the Kogan Creek negotiations.

This was in relation to CS Energy using the GOC Wages Policy to say certain items of bargaining were prohibited as they were outside the policy. At the same time, CS Energy did not provide our Union with a copy of the policy. The outcome of this conciliation is due shortly and we hope for clarification on what points our Union can and cannot negotiate on.

Our Union also wants clarification on how management’s hands are genuinely tied; by government or are they just hiding behind the wages policy?

ENERGY - A CHANGING INDUSTRY

Jetstar management continue to be elusive about its future operations and its plans for its workforce. Jestar Workplace Delegate from The Services Union, Adam Thompson has been attending negotiating meetings on a regular basis. Jetstar wants a wage freeze until the whole Qantas Group comes back into profit. This move has angered members who have always bargained separately to Qantas. It is especially concerning considering Jetstar has made a half year profit. Our Union continues to try and get some answers.

QCCU AGREEMENT

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has approved the Queensland Country Credit Union Ltd Enterprise Agreement 2013.Workplace Delegates played a very important role in the successful negotiation of the Agreement and they should be congratulated by all members. Their active participation was essential and ensured the Agreement reflected what members wanted. The Agreement includes enhanced redundancy entitlements, five weeks annual leave, more generous travelling entitlements and a Wellness Program. Rates of pay are also to be increased by 2.25 per cent on 1 July 2014 and 2015.

JETSTAR

QANTAS - STILL UP IN THE AIR!

The Services Union together with representatives from the Australian Services Union (ASU) nationally, continue to meet with Qantas representatives about the on-going future status of our national airline.

ASU members working at Qantas have built Qantas and its reputation as the safest airline in the world. Our members want and deserve to see Australia’s airline have a successful and profitable future.

However, at the time of writing, the Qantas management team have still not been forthcoming why over 5000 jobs must go and when and where these jobs will be cut. They have also not explained what alternatives they have considered to avoid job losses. In addition, they continue to avoid consulting with their

workforce about options to minimise redundancies. Our Union has been debating the issue, ensuring our members voices are heard loud and clear, especially in the media. The ASU insists on being a part of a positive growth for the future and we will continue to work with members in insisting our concerns are raised and heard.

To keep up-to-date please visit www.asu.asn.au

BE PART OF A REAL CHANGE |AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 | REAL CHANGE 07

INDUSTRY NEWS

INDUSTRY NEWS


THE 2014 YEAR ‘KICKED OFF’ IN AURIZON EXACTLY WHERE IT FINISHED IN 2013; AT THE NEGOTIATION TABLE.

Our Union was back quickly to the task of fighting to maintain and improve the terms and conditions of all our members.

With the re-commencement of negotiations, Aurizon belatedly agreed to release more Workplace Delegates to participate in negotiations.

This increased representation was essential to allow the concerns and wishes of members to be adequately heard. Hopefully, this decision will help to finalise the negotiations more swiftly.

Meanwhile, the restructuring of Queensland Rail (QR) continues. In early January 2014, management announced proposed changes in the Station Operations area of the business.

This was the biggest reform undertaken across

Station Operations in over 20 years. As always, Workplace Delegates and members of our Union worked with Officials to try to overcome the negative impacts of the proposal.

Workplace Delegate Terry Smith (pictured below right) in particular put in a huge effort to help fellow members and colleagues. QR recognised the complexity of the exercise by agreeing to release Terry from usual duties during the consultation period.

His knowledge has been invaluable in terms of the restructure content due to his expertise in roster construction, understanding of fatigue compliance and his operations knowledge. His assistance complemented how we sought changes to the original propositions put forward by management.

This ensured several positions were saved and new rosters developed which mitigated some significant losses in wages with the loss of weekend shift/shifts allowances and shift worker status for many staff and members. Thank you, Terry.

Overall, we received excellent feedback from members and staff for our efforts, particularly in the CBD/Manly and Northern stations where the bulk of our membership exists.

Restructuring will likely continue throughout 2014.QR members will need to be very active participants in each and every consultation process if they want to ensure their conditions are maintained.

RAIL - ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IS THE KEY

LABOUR DAY 2014


LABOUR DAY 2014 - TIME TO CELEBRATE!

WITH THE FOCUS ON JOBS NATIONWIDE, IT IS IMPORTANT TO SHOW YOUR SOLIDARITY ON LABOUR DAY.

Queensland unionists will once again celebrate their traditional Labour Day in May. All members of The Services Union, family and friends are encouraged to join in the festivities. Over the weekend of 3 and 4 May 2014, marches and family fun days will be held across Queensland to celebrate the 27 Ways unions have improved the lifestyles of all Australians.

With the current political climate and with many workers insecure about work this year, we must stand together, strong in solidarity. There will be an emphasis again this year on the campaign against the privatisation of Queensland’s public assets. We need a public display of solidarity to show the Newman Government that our assets are not for them to sell! Our Union will also be celebrating the 27 Ways and Growing Initiative with a focus on the right to Parental Leave.

The Brisbane Labour Day celebrations will be held on Sunday, 4 May 2014 starting with a march at 9:30am followed by a family fun day at the RNA Showgrounds.

With free entertainment, rides, face painting, food and refreshments, Labour Day celebrations are always a great day out with family and friends. More details about the celebrations will be sent to members in the near future. Please keep an eye on our website for further information. All members are encouraged to join in the celebrations. Please RSVP now at [email protected]

DELEGATE OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONSWorkplace Delegates are the backbone of our Union and every year we celebrate their achievements by awarding The Services Union Workplace Delegate of the Year Award.

Nominations are now sought for the 2014 Awards. Applications for members of the Industry Committees (IDCs) to nominate their Workplace Delegate can now be found on our website www.theservicesunion.com.au

Nominations are sought from the following industries:

Local GovernmentRailEnergyPorts and PrivateSocial and Community ServicesNorth Queensland Clerical and Administrative

IDCs are required to explain why they are nominating their Workplace Delegate based on

a set of skills such as implementing a campaign, increasing membership, activating members, developing understanding of collective action and personal representation of members.Nominated Workplace Delegates need to also display the attributes of selflessness, energy, leadership and principles.

Nominations close Friday, 6 June 2014 and a panel made up of the Branch President, Vice President and the Secretaries will finalise the decision. The 2014 Workplace Delegate of the Year will receive their Award at this year’s Delegates Conference Dinner.

2013 WORKPLACE

DELEGATE OF

THE YEAR PENNY

CARR FROM THE

SACS INDUSTRY

ACCEPTING HER

AWARD LAST YEAR

TRADE UNION SMARTPHONE APP

The Services Union will be launching its very own Smartphone App very soon. As members, you will be able to download this new platform on your mobile phones, enabling you to keep up-to-date with all our Union communications and notifications. You will also have access to an arrange of value vouchers delivered directly to your phones as well as access to all our partner services and offers. Stay tuned for more details!

MEMBER TRAINING - SHARING GOALSTHE SERVICES UNION PROVIDES COURSES FOR MEMBERS TO LEARN NEW SKILLS AND FOSTER AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT WE LIVE IN.

Recently, members from a variety of industries completed our Basic Delegates Training, which focused on how to be active union participants in the workplace. This course includes a practical workplace project designed to allow members to practise the skills they learn.

Workplace Delegate Cathy Boyes (pictured right) said the training is invaluable. “The Workplace Delegate Training provided me with positive skills on how to effectively bring strength and respect into the workplace,” she said. “I enjoyed meeting all the other Workplace Delegates at training. Although we come from different industries we all have the same goals and now can support each other.”

Feedback from members last year indicated they wanted more training around bargaining, building communication networks and how best to represent colleagues with workplace industrial issues. The great news is, the inaugural Effective Bargaining Course was run on the Sunshine Coast this March.

This course aims to enable Workplace Delegates to build union power prior to and during negotiations for an agreement, in the context of the changes which have been made to the Queensland Industrial Relations Act 1999. Members who have completed the course now have skills (amongst many others) enabling them to build workplace organising committees and make collective decisions about how to progress their bargaining agenda in a hostile environment.

These two courses, together with our Activist Development Program, are available for interested members throughout the year.

For further information please contact Services Connect on (07) 3844 5300.

QUEENSLAND COMMUNITY ALLIANCETHE NEW QUEENSLAND COMMUNITY ALLIANCE IS A BOLD PLAN TO ACHIEVE REAL AND LASTING CHANGE FOR THE COMMON GOOD. ITS AIM IS TO BUILD COMMUNITY POWER IN ORDER TO TACKLE SOME OF OUR SOCIETY’S BIG ISSUES.

On 10 October 2013, a gathering took place in Brisbane’s inner-south to mark the beginning of the Queensland Community Alliance (the Alliance). In a remarkable show of strength, the inaugural meeting boasted approximately 300 participants from 17 partner organisations (including The Services Union) in what was the first mini-assembly.

This was an opportunity for partner organisations to publicly commit (Assistant Secretary Jennifer Thomas taking the pledge, pictured bottom right)to putting time and money into the new Alliance; build enthusiasm as to what this Alliance could be; model the powerful diversity of faith groups, unions, charities, community organisations and ethnic associations coming together; demonstrate how this Alliance is different from the same old politics; and begin the process of developing new leaders through the experience of organising.

BACKGROUND:The community organising model is based upon long-term relationship building, developing community links and ultimately building power in local communities.

By pooling the individual power of partner organisations, we can start to ‘win big’ on policy outcomes that would be out of reach for any group working alone. (Some examples of projects pursued by community organising projects elsewhere include, health initiatives, public transport, affordable housing and the like).

HOW IT WORKS:The Alliance is non-partisan, and will not take funds from, give funds to or partner with any political party. It will not be unequally influenced by any one organisation, but will instead be built on the partnership and shared commitment of all affiliates – and ultimately by the participation of their members.

WHO’S INVOLVED:The 17 union, church and community organisations partners are The Services Union, the Independent Education Union, United Voice, Together, Rail

Tram and Bus Union, Transport Workers’ Union, Queensland Teachers’ Union, Queensland Nurses’ Union, Queensland Council of Unions, Uniting Church Presbyteries of Bremmer, Moreton Rivers and South Moreton, Catholic Archdiocese, Sisters of Mercy, Multicultural Development Association, MICAH and Ethiopian Community Association of Queensland.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD:If you would like to be involved in the Queensland Community Alliance, please email Acting Assistant Secretary Justine Moran at [email protected]

MEMBER TRAINING


DO IT DIRECT


LAST CHANCE TO DO IT DIRECT AND WIN!Our Union Office has been very busy ensuring members who have been affected by the Queensland Government’s changing legislation to cease payroll deductions for union membership fees, make the switch to direct debit.

Many thanks to our volunteers who have helped with this large administrative task; Marjorie Anderson, Mary Smith (pictured top right), Ann Troth, Margaret Gleeson, Lloyd Wheeldon, Terry McCarthy, Johannah Bevis, Michael Hayworth, Peter Rushby and Herb Snide (both pictured below right).

Whilst many employers have agreed to the continuation of payroll deduction (PRD) facilities for union membership fees until 1 July 2014, it is critical all members change their method of payment as soon as possible.

Union membership is vital. It gives our Union the collective strength we need as

your representatives to protect your rights at work and to negotiate on your behalf about important workplace matters.

This is especially important right now, with the likelihood that pay and working conditions will come under more and more pressure in the future. Therefore, it is time to protect your membership to The Services Union.

Changing your payment method now means administratively we will be able to manage the process easier, as there are still many members paying by PRD. It also means you go in the draw to win an iPad 2 courtesy of our partner ME Bank.

You can download a form or change your details and switch online via our website.

Alternatively call Services Connect on 3844 5300 (Selection 2) or email [email protected].

CONGRATULATIONS TO WORKPLACE DELEGATES, KEIRNAN FITZPATRICK FROM THE MULTICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (MDA) AND LESTER CALVER FROM ORIGIN ENERGY WHO ARE THE WINNERS OF OUR 27 WAYS AND GROWING INITIATIVE RECRUITMENT COMPETITION.

During the first year of the 27 Ways and Growing Initiative we gave members like Keirnan (pictured left) and Lester (pictured bottom right) the opportunity to be rewarded for their efforts in building workplace power, through recruitment to our Union. There were two Union Shopper Travel Voucher prize categories sponsored by our partners Hesta Super Fund. Category One, for the member who recruited more than 20 members to our Union and Category Two, for the member who recruited 20 members or less. Keirnan and Lester are the winners, of Category One and two respectively.

Keirnan has won a $2000 Union Shopper Travel Voucher, plus a $500 union donation to a charity to be chosen by the Social and Community Services Sector (SACS) Industry Division Committee (IDC).

Keirnan said it is important in his Workplace Delegate role, to encourage workmates to join our Union. “It is crucial to educate everyone about the important role our Union plays and has played in ensuring we have fair workplace conditions and wages. Part of my role is ensuring our Union stays strong with a large and engaged membership,” he said. “I have encouraged workmates who have enjoyed benefits such as increased wages through the

Pay Equity win or via basic historical union won rights such as weekends, paid leave and superannuation, to take responsibility for what they benefit from and join our Union. This is to ensure our rights continue into the future. I have also explained to my workmates, if they have difficulties at work, our Union offers excellent support for its members.”

Keirnan said he is still deciding what to do with his prize. “In the immediate future I will take my family to visit my mother and sisters in Sydney. I am also thinking about Cairns or even Darwin in winter,” he said. “I will definitely do something fun using my annual leave (thanks to unions!) in a few months.”

Lester has won a $500 Union Shopper Travel Voucher and a $500 union charity donation to be chosen by the Energy IDC. Lester said the 27 working rights our Union is celebrating mean a great deal to him. “The 27 Ways are the fundamental workplace rights we all enjoy in society today,” he said. “Such as decent working hours, annual leave and allowing for a reasonable work/life balance.”

Lester said encouraging his workmates to become part of our Union is an important part of his job as Workplace Delegate at Origin Energy. “Membership shows a commitment to making positive change within our workplace together,” he explained. “Encouraging people to work more enthusiastically as a team, especially as we prepare for our first Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA), means there is a more satisfying and consistent approach in the workplace; this benefits everyone.

Lester plans a trip with his family. “We live in regional Queensland and my five-year-old son loves the beach. I think we will book a trip to Maroochydore and enjoy some quality family time.”

KEIRNAN AND LESTER WIN RECRUITMENT COMPETITION

MEDICARE - A RIGHT UNDER REVIEWMEDICARE HAS BEEN A HOT TOPIC IN THE NEWS RECENTLY DUE TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE CHANGES THAT WOULD EAT INTO OUR UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.

Coupled with Medicare celebrating its 30th birthday, it was timely that in January 2014 we celebrated Medicare as one of the 27 Ways.

Unions played an integral role in the establishment of Medicare due to their commitment to the social wage as well as the basic rights of all employees.

Benefits like Medicare were able to be established through the introduction of productivity increases to off-set cost of living

arguments and increases to wage determination in a new centralised system of wage fixing during the Accord period.

Through information flyers members were able to learn more about the creation of Medicare and gain a better appreciation of how Medicare came to be.


27 WAYS AND GROWING INITIATIVE

HOURS OF WORK- MEMBERS GO HOME ON TIME!ON 20 NOVEMBER 2013, MEMBERS CELEBRATED ‘HOURS OF WORK’ AS ONE OF THE 27 WORKPLACE RIGHTS BY PARTICIPATING IN ‘GOING HOME ON TIME DAY’.

Members displayed posters in their workplaces promoting the activity and many committed to going home on time on the set day.

It was only 30 or so years ago, in the mid 1980s, that the 38-hour working week became a national standard across Australia. Prior to this, the standard working week was 40 hours which was introduced in 1948 along with a five day week.

The right to standard maximum hours of work, regular start and finish times and the right to refuse unreasonable overtime is something many of us take for granted.

However, without this right our workplaces could look very different and the ability to meet our work, family and social commitments could be very difficult.

PARTNERING WITH THE 27 WAYS AND GROWING INITIATIVE SPONSOR HALL PAYNE LAWYERS, OUR UNION MET WITH MEMBERS IN THEIR WORKPLACES SO THEY COULD LEARN MORE ABOUT WORKERS COMPENSATION.

WORKERS COMPENSATION IS ABOUT PROVIDING WORKERS, INJURED THROUGH WORK, WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION AND ASSISTANCE WITH A VIEW TO RETURNING THEM TO WORK OR COMPENSATING THEM IN THE EVENT THEY CANNOT.

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THIS RIGHT IS AT THE CORE OF WHY UNIONS EXIST, TO SUPPORT AND ASSIST MEMBERS.

ACROSS QUEENSLAND, MANY MEMBERS HAD DIRECT ACCESS TO HALL PAYNE LAWYERS TO HEAR ABOUT RECENT CHANGES TO THE WORKERS COMPENSATION LEGISLATION AS WELL AS THE OTHER SERVICES THEY CAN ACCESS VIA THEIR UNION MEMBERSHIP.

FOR SOME MEMBERS, IT WAS ALSO AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THE SYSTEM CAN SUPPORT THEM SHOULD THEY EVER BECOME INJURED.

CELEBRATING WORKERS COMP

IN OCTOBER 2013, OUR UNION CELEBRATED PERSONAL / CARERS LEAVE

AS PART OF THE 27 WAYS AND GROWING INITIATIVE. THROUGH INFORMATION FLYERS, MEMBERS LEARNT ABOUT THE

ORIGINS OF PERSONAL/CARERS LEAVE AND HOW BARGAINING IMPROVED MINIMUM STANDARDS. IN SELECTED

MEMBER WORKPLACES, WE PARTNERED WITH TEACHERS UNION HEALTH (TUH)

AND DISCUSSED ADDITIONAL BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS TO ASSIST THEM

IN MANAGING THEIR HEALTH.


27 WAYS AND GROWING INITIATIVE

A BALLOT FOR A NEW CARE AND SUPPORT ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT AT OZCARE CONCLUDED IN DECEMBER 2013, JUST IN TIME FOR STAFF TO

RECEIVE A PAY RISE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. OZCARE SOUGHT A SHORT AGREEMENT, EXPIRING IN

JULY 2015, WITH THE AIM OF COMBINING OUR AGREEMENT WITH THE NURSES AGREEMENT AND

ALLIED HEALTH AGREEMENTS, NEXT TIME AROUND.

SOME SMALL IMPROVEMENTS WERE GAINED BY MEMBERS, INCLUDING PAID FIRST AID /

CPR TRAINING FOR STAFF REQUIRED TO HOLD CERTIFICATES; RIGHT TO REQUEST CASUAL

CONVERSION TO PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT AFTER 6 MONTHS WORKING ON A REGULAR AND SYSTEMATIC BASIS; RIGHT TO REQUEST INCREASED

PART-TIME CONTRACTED HOURS IF WORKING ABOVE CONTRACTED HOURS.

IN RESPONSE TO OUR CLAIM FOR DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE LEAVE, OZCARE AGREED TO ‘PERSONAL DIFFICULTY SUPPORT’ – SHOWING

OZCARE RECOGNISES THAT SITUATIONS IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE CAN AFFECT YOU AT WORK.

Set up by the new Federal Government to “review and report on the performance, functions and role of the Commonwealth Government”, the Commission invited submissions from the community.

As the Social and Community Services Industry relies on Commonwealth funding, our Union used this opportunity to advocate for investment in quality community services.

Our Union submission raised these issues:

• Increased contestability of services can be inefficient;• Longer-term Government contracts are imperative for reducing cost of service delivery;• Longer-term Government contracts will improve quality of services by providing greater

job security and more consistent and stable service delivery;• Performance metrics and reporting need to be streamlined and simplified; and• Taxpayers expect Government-funded services to be of high quality.

The next step in the Campaign will be direct lobbying of Members of Parliament about the importance of investing in quality community services.

If you would like to get involved in our Campaign please contact Services Connect on 07 3844 5300.

OUR CAMPAIGN - NEXT STEPSWE ASKED MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS OF OUR INVESTING IN QUALITY COMMUNITY SERVICES CAMPAIGN TO TAKE ACTION IN NOVEMBER 2013 BY MAKING A SUBMISSION TO THE NATIONAL COMMISSION OF AUDIT. THE NATIONAL COMMISSION OF AUDIT IS SCHEDULED TO HAND DOWN A SECOND REPORT IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE.

NEW EA AT OZCARE

MDA -WORKING FOR OUR COMMUNITIES

The Multicultural Development Association (MDA) does an amazing job and they are an excellent reason why we need to continue our campaign to ensure quality community services are ensured and enhanced. MDA settles newly arrived refugees in Brisbane, Rockhampton and Toowoomba.

MDA is an independent, non-government, settlement organisation committed to achieving the best settlement outcomes for their clients whilst actively promoting multiculturalism.

Through their presence in metropolitan and regional Queensland, they work in partnership with their clients, other service providers, government agencies and the private sector to achieve quality service delivery through advocacy, client service delivery, community development and multicultural sector development.

Our Union hosted a morning tea at MDA in January 2014. Long-time member of our Union and CEO of MDA, Kerrin Benson addressed staff, speaking at length about the importance of union membership. Workplace Delegates Keirnan Fitzpatrick and Alyas Taqawi (pictured top right with CEO Kerrin Benson) spoke to colleagues about the benefits of building workplace power. Alyas is a new Workplace Delegate, joining Keirnan, David Harris, Hanna Nupponen, Chelsea Baker, Fouad Davari.

To find out more about MDA please visit the MDA website, www.mdainc.org.au


INVESTING IN QUALITY COMMUNITY SERVICES

SMALL EMPLOYER REDUNDANCY ENTITLEMENTS UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 2014

We have good news for workers who were covered by the Social and Community Services (Queensland) Award 2001 or the Crisis Assistance Supported Housing (Queensland) Award 1999 before the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (the Modern Award) began on 1 December 2010.

Through the Modern Award Review process, our Union has won back small employer redundancy entitlements until 31 December 2014. A small employer is one with less than 15 employees (including casual staff who are employed on a systematic and regular basis) which includes a large number of SACS employers in Queensland. (Please see box top right for rates).

WEEKEND PENALTIES RESTORED FOR CASUALS

Our Union has also won back Casual employee’s entitlements to weekend penalty rates, however these penalty rates (time and a half on Saturdays and double time on Sundays) replace your casual loading.

MODERN AWARD IMPROVEMENTS

EMPLOYEE’S PERIOD OF

CONTINUOUS SERVICE WITH THE

EMPLOYER ON TERMINATION

REDUNDANCY

PAY PERIOD

LESS THAN 1 YEAR

AT LEAST 1 YEAR BUT LESS THAN 2

YEARS

AT LEAST 2 YEARS BUT LESS THAN 3

YEARS

AT LEAST 3 YEARS BUT LESS THAN 4

YEARS

AT LEAST 4 YEARS AND OVER

NIL

4 WEEKS PAY

6 WEEKS PAY

7 WEEKS PAY

8 WEEKS PAY

STAFF AT CENTACARE BRISBANE COVERED BY THE 2008 CENTACARE COMMUNITY AND DISABILITY SERVICES UNION COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT HAVE

ACCESS TO AN INNOVATIVE ENTITLEMENT: RENEWAL LEAVE. FOR PERMANENT STAFF WITH

FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE, RENEWAL LEAVE IS 5 DAYS PAID LEAVE PLUS $1,000 FOR ANY

PROFESSIONAL OR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES.


INVESTING IN QUALITY COMMUNITY SERVICES

THE OUR QUEENSLAND OUR FUTURE CAMPAIGN IS FOCUSED ON SENDING A STRONG MESSAGE TO PREMIER NEWMAN THAT OUR STATE ASSETS ARE NOT FOR SALE.

Nearly 500 members have now filled out a ‘Postcard to the Premier’, registering their rejection to the privatisation of our Energy Network.

Members at Ergon in Rockhampton and Townsville have been actively spreading the word about the Our Queensland Our Future Campaign, in their workplaces and to their communities. Already hurt by company restructures, members are worried about the domino affect privatisation could have on regional communities.

Workplace Delegate Peter Hegarty said Government enterprises like Ergon, Stanwell and Queensland Rail (QR) are huge employers in Central Queensland, which communities rely on.

“There are entire families who rely on these sectors,” Peter said. “There might be one family member who works at Ergon and another at QR, and that’s their income. If you take that away, the flow-on effects are huge to local communities and these economies.”

The sentiment in Townsville is similar, with many positions already being made redundant and workers entering the Employees in Transition (EIT) Program.

Energy Industry Division Committee Vice President Chris Mellersh (pictured below with Deputy President of The Services Union, Ronnee Meachen) said the recent job position cuts across the State have especially hurt workers in Townsville.

“Townsville was hit recently with up to 55 positions potentially going at Ergon,” Chris explained. “That’s 55 families that have been affected so far by these particular restructures. The restructures overall are a dreadful outcome for services to Queensland communities and for jobs in regional areas.”

The Services Union is working closely with members affected by the restructures.

The Our Queensland Our Future Campaign will continue to be active in these communities in the lead up to the next State Election, which is due in 2015.

If you live in Townsville, Rockhampton or their wider communities and would like to help out with campaigning please register on the Campaign website, www.ourqldfuture.com

MEMBERS SENDING A STRONG MESSAGE

REDCLIFFE REJECTS CUTS TO SERVICES-

THE OUR QUEENSLAND OUR FUTURE CAMPAIGN HAS ALSO RECENTLY UPGRADED

ITS WEBSITE WWW.OURQLDFUTURE.COM, WHICH WAS COORDINATED BY VOLUNTEER JAKE ARAULLO. THANK YOU TO JAKE FOR

HIS TIME AND EFFORT IN ASSISTING US WITH THE CAMPAIGN. MEMBERS, FRIENDS AND FAMILY ARE ENCOURAGED TO VISIT

WWW.OURQLDFUTURE.COM TO DOWNLOAD A CAMPAIGN INFORMATION

SUPPORTER PACK. PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION AMONGST YOUR COMMUNITY. THE WEBSITE ALSO HAS A VARIETY OF VIDEOS AND LINKS YOU

CAN SHARE VIA YOUR SOCIAL NETWORKS AS WELL AS CAMPAIGN UPDATES

AND PHOTOS.

The overwhelming 17 per cent swing against the Newman Government in the recent Redcliffe by-election is proof the Our Queensland Our Future Campaign is resonating strongly with the community.

Voters in Redcliffe sent Premier Newman a strong message: cuts to essential services are hurting people and Queensland’s assets are not for sale. This is the same message our Union sent when it opposed the privatisation platform introduced by the former Labor State Government.

Workplace Delegates worked tirelessly in the lead up to this election and this result could not have been achieved without their support and assistance. We will continue to maintain a strong voice and we now need to build on this momentum. If you would like to get involved in our Campaign please contact Campaign Coordinator Louise Ryan at, [email protected]

16 REAL CHANGE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2014| www.theservicesunion.com.au

OUR QUEENSLAND OUR FUTURE CAMPAIGN

TEGAN SHINES AFTER 2009 BURSARY WIN

RECIPIENT OF THE 2009 BURSARY, TEGAN CHRISTELOW IS NOW IN HER FINAL YEAR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND WHERE SHE HAS BEEN STUDYING A BACHELOR OF MEDICINE.

Daughter of member Diane Christelow, Tegan studied at Moreton Bay College where she achieved an Overall Position (OP) One.

Now on the verge of graduating, Tegan said her studies have been extremely enjoyable. “One highlight was spending four weeks at Port Villa Central Hospital in Vanuatu where I was able to work in the obstetrics, paediatrics, general hospital wards and theatre,” Tegan explained. “My favourite rotation has

been general surgery. Although I cannot see myself becoming a surgeon at this stage, I am amazed by the procedures they are able to perform and find it fascinating to watch.”

Tegan said being awarded The Services Union Bursary was a great financial help when she started her studies. “There are a number of costs involved at first including university fees, textbooks and medical equipment, all of which are expensive,” Tegan said. “The Bursary was a great encouragement for me also just to know the Union was willing to help me achieve my goals.”

Diane agreed. “As there are very few medical scholarships offered, it gave Tegan an opportunity to be rewarded for years of hard work and to feel a sense of achievement in gaining a Bursary,” she said.

JULIA LYNCHSEAN FOSTER

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SERVICES UNION 2014 STUDENT BURSARY WINNERS: JESSICA DUNPHY, DAUGHTER OF MEMBER HELEN LOVE, JULIA LYNCH, DAUGHTER OF MEMBER JENNIFER SULLIVAN AND SEAN FOSTER, SON OF MEMBER SUSAN FOSTER. EACH STUDENT WAS RECOMMENDED BY OUR BRANCH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO RECEIVE $750 TOWARDS THEIR UNIVERSITY STUDIES.

“I am studying a Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Science double degree at James Cook University. I am thinking of eventually branching off into Electrical Engineering and Physics for each of my majors. I'm still not completely sure whether I want to be an engineer or a scientist. I feel a double degree is a good choice to help me discover this. I know I want to do something where I can discover or make things which will improve or maintain a high standard of living for our societies. The thing I love most about university is the fact that so many professionals with so much knowledge and experience are all together in the one place. Winning the Bursary certainly gives me some financial comfort. I am very appreciative that The Services Union provides support for Year 12 graduates such as myself. The prize will definitely help out with the expenses of all of my costly textbooks and will thankfully chip away at my overall subject fees.”

JESSICA DUNPHY“I am studying a dual Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Queensland. I’m majoring in International Relations and German. I’m also hoping to add a concurrent Diploma of Languages as well. I am interested in pursuing a career in a not-for-profit organisation or the diplomatic corps. Ultimately, I’d like to work for an organisation that aids economic development worldwide, with a particular focus on the role of women. I think it’s important to be passionate about what you do. I’d like a job with a strong international focus and believe studying languages will open up opportunities overseas, as well. Winning the bursary was a wonderful surprise. It’s great to be rewarded for your hard work and I’m very grateful. I am aiming to go on exchange to Germany or Austria during my third or fourth year. I will be using the Bursary to start a savings account for that purpose.”

“Eventually, I am going to do a medical degree at the University of Queensland (UQ). In the meantime, I am studying a Bachelor of Science. After university I hope to become a doctor. I’ve always thought about becoming a doctor, but it was only after doing work experience at a whole variety of places; from a television network to an engineering firm that I realised it is the job which will make me happiest. I also enjoy learning new languages. I studied Italian for eight years at school and at the end of 2012 I went on exchange to Italy, which was a lot of fun. It was time for a change, so I have started a Spanish elective this semester. I also love music; listening to it, playing it and writing it. I have been playing the cello for eight years and used to busk in the Queen St Mall. I would love to study abroad for a semester next year, and the Bursary will be a great help in paying for the airfare and accommodation costs that come with that.”

18 REAL CHANGE |AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 | www.theservicesunion.com.au

STUDENT BURSARY WINNERS

“My Mum told stories of Grandpa working down at the Sydney wharfs and how appalling the conditions were. She told me how the employer would throw marbles in the air and the workers would have to scavenge like animals to get one so they could have work that day. The conditions were unsafe. Grandpa went on strike with his union which resulted in better conditions, not just in his workplace but for workers generally. Hard fought for, I realised we should never take our present working conditions for granted. Workplace Relations became more relevant for me when I started studying at university. I studied a compulsory Employment Relations unit and whilst others were rolling their eyes, I was lapping it up. I was fascinated and outraged with what I was learning about. Fast forward a couple of years and I’m even more interested in employment relations due to my job at the Queensland Working Women’s Service (QWWS) and my impending law studies. Being in our Union means we are in it together, therefore it’s harder for your employer to ignore your concerns. Insecure work I feel is the big hurdle we need to campaign against presently. However, with our collective, we can ensure we have momentum and strength to campaign successfully around this issue.”

KATEFLYNNKATE BELIEVES WE SHOULD NEVER TAKE FOR GRANTED THE WORKPLACE RIGHTS AND CONDITIONS PREVIOUSLY WON

“I have worked for Queensland Rail (QR) for 28 years. I work at Petrie Station which entails dealing with a myriad of customers from many walks of life. I do the rostering so the staff are able to fulfil their responsibilities both at work and in their personal lives. I have been a member of The Services Union for close to twenty years. I believe our Union gives excellent representation to staff in the Station Operations area. I started to get interested in industrial relations probably about eight years ago. It dawned on me that I was one of the Senior Station Masters and other staff were coming to me with questions I was able to answer. I believe that I can make a difference in peoples’ working lives, by ensuring they are aware of their rights. I believe in the motto, ‘United we stand and divided we fall’. Together, I know we can influence the outcomes that directly affect us. For example, recently I was involved in dealing with the major restructure of QR. I believe we made significant changes to things that affected peoples’ work and life balance. I think that probably one of the biggest challenges facing workers’ rights is complacency and the slow removal of rights. But you can be a real change maker if you are proactive and willing to help others.”

TERRYSMITHBEING PROACTIVE AND HELPING OTHERS TERRY SAYS IS HOW YOU CAN ENSURE REAL CHANGE HAPPENS

“I have been a member of our Union for over 10 years. My last working role was in the Energy Industry in Brisbane. Whilst working for a large transport company I met and married my husband of 40 years. We have two children and three grandchildren, two of which are in apprenticeships and one still at primary school. I am now retired. Being retired from the workforce and being ‘time rich’ enables my husband and my myself to enjoy all the little pleasures we needed to put on the back burner whilst raising our family. I joined our Union because experience over the years proved to me that being in a collective is more of an asset than a hindrance. Our Union has a wealth of knowledge and support when you need it. I have seen the collective at work. In my last workplace I feel being part of our Union improved our work ethics and also the respect management had for us. As members, we also had a great deal of respect for each other. I have been helping our Union office with the Do It Direct Campaign. When I became a member, I arranged for Direct Debit Payments at the same time. I realised there was not much difference if money came out of my wages or my bank; but with direct debit I was the one in control of my finances.”

MARY SMITHRETIRED MEMBER MARY SAYS PAYING YOUR UNION FEES BY DIRECT DEBIT MEANS YOU HAVE THE CONTROL

BE PART OF A REAL CHANGE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2014| REAL CHANGE 19

CHANGE MAKERS

THE AMENDMENTS TO THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT BROUGHT IN BY THE NEWMAN GOVERNMENT LATE LAST YEAR, SET A NEW BENCHMARK IN ATTACKING RIGHTS AND ENTITLEMENTS OF EMPLOYEES, BUT NOT ALL EMPLOYEES. APART FROM A FEW EMPLOYEES OF PARENTS AND CITIZENS ASSOCIATIONS, THE LAWS ONLY AFFECT QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.

Don’t the new laws just harmonise State Laws with the Fair Work Act?

The amendments were described by the Government as harmonising the Queensland Industrial Relations Act with the Fair Work Act. The title of the Bill which brought in the amendments, Industrial Relations (Fair Work Act Harmonisation No 2) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 (the “Bill”), appears to be designed to confirm this was the intention. Sadly, the contents of the legislation do not.

Rather than give you a line by line comparison, there are a couple of parts of the legislation which illustrate this point quite well. For example, the Fair Work Act introduced the concept of a Guarantee of Annual Earnings for high income employees who are covered by an Award. Leaving aside all of the technical aspects of the Guarantee, one thing which did not alter for the employee was the right to bring an application for unfair dismissal.

The Queensland Industrial Relations Act now provides for the making of High Income Guarantee Contracts. Some of the provisions are similar to the Fair Work Act provisions (which is expected given the ‘harmonisation’ objective). The clanger is that employees on such contracts will not be entitled to bring an unfair dismissal application. This is a significant difference to the Fair Work Act.

There is now, a legislated consultation provision in the Queensland Industrial Relations Act which is also similar to the approach in the Fair Work Act. However, while the Fair Work Act provision requires the employer to consult with employees “as soon as practicable after making its decision,” the Queensland provision provides that the employer need only consult, “when the employer considers appropriate”. This is a significant departure from the language used in consultation provisions over the last 30 years since the landmark Termination Change and Redundancy case in the Australian Conciliation and Arbitration Commission in 1984.

Plainly again, this is not harmonisation. Basically it means the right of today’s affected Queensland employees to be consulted will be less beneficial than their parents may have expected. It is now clear, the Queensland State Government intends to conduct its industrial relations by legislation not negotiation. The degree to which this Government has legislated industrial law changes eclipses anything we have experienced

in the past.

Far from ensuring that industrial relations starts in the workplace, the approach taken effectively removes industrial relations from the workplace and centralises in the Attorney-Generals office. Recently, a senior lawyer spoke of the need to ensure that good relations were seen as an important component of good industrial relations. There are no compelling arguments which could be mounted against such a proposition.

All Queenslanders are entitled to work in a workplace where they can talk to their employer and reach agreement on matters which are important to them. The Industrial Relations (Fair Work Harmonisation No 2 ) Act deprives employees of this entitlement.

BY NEIL HENDERSON

For Local Government employees, any new collective agreement made under the Queensland laws cannot provide for:

• job security or restrictions on contracting out;• conversion of casual or temporary employees to permanent status;• redundancy entitlements above the basic statutory scheme (capped at 16

weeks);• notification or consultation before organisational change;• application of policies; and• training, workload, service delivery or workforce planning.

Some new restrictions can be seen as an attack on union membership, including bans on:

• payroll deductions for membership payments (regardless of employer’s preference);

• union encouragement and training leave provisions; and• provisions regarding right of entry.

Additionally, the bargaining process has been ‘streamlined’, which means shorter time periods for conciliation and arbitration and restricted rights to take industrial action. There are new limits on interim wage increases and backdating of pay rises. The new laws move away from collective bargaining towards a top-down, one-size-fits-all system for Queensland public sector and local government employees. This wipes out decades of constructive agreement-making between government employers and employees.

The Services Union will continue to lobby on its members’ behalf until these excessive arrangements are lifted. We will call upon our long working relationship with local governments and public sector employers asking them to respect the arrangements that they have agreed to and that we know work, including entering in to voluntary understandings to maintain hard-won rights. This will be an important campaign in the year ahead.

THE IR ACT - LEGISLATION NOT NEGOTIATION

B.BUS. LLB(HONS), ACCREDITED SPEC.WORKPLACE RELATIONS LAW,

QLD LAW SOCIETY, LAW INSTITUTE OF VICTORIA.


SPECIAL INDUSTRIAL REPORT

The raft of changes made in 2013 to the Industrial Relations Act 1999 (Qld) by the Newman Government is also affecting members in Queensland Rail. The negotiations for five of the current Workplace Agreements were supposed to commence back in November 2013.

If this had occurred, members would already likely be halfway through the negotiations to get their next Agreements, and their next pay rise. Unfortunately, the changes to the legislation stopped the negotiations commencing, and it is still unclear when they will finally commence. That is not the only impact though brought about by changes to the Act. The changes also limit the range of matters which can be included in any new agreement. As a result, new agreements cannot include provisions that deal with issues such as:

• job security, or restrictions on contracting out work;• redundancy entitlements above the basic statutory scheme ( capped at 16 weeks);• notification or consultation before organisational change;• the application of company policies; and• training, workload, service delivery or workforce planning.

The changes to the Act will also mean that there are new limits on interim wage increases and backdating of pay rises. The time periods for conciliation and arbitration will also be shortened, and the right to take industrial action will likewise be further restricted. The introduction of these sweeping, wholesale changes means that QR members will eventually have new agreements made in the next 12 months that look vastly different to what they have had before. This will wipe out years of constructive negotiations to improve the pay and conditions of members, for no good reason.

WHAT THE CHANGES MEAN FOR MEMBERS IN

THE RAIL INDUSTRY


SPECIAL INDUSTRIAL REPORT

THE 27 WAYS AND GROWING INITIATIVE SHOWS HOW BEING A UNION MEMBER IS MORE THAN JUST ABOUT IMPROVING YOUR CONDITIONS AT WORK.

Unions have played a vital role in many of the important social changes in Australian history.

Unions also provide more to their members than just industrial representation.

In the 27 Ways and Growing Initiative it has also been highlighted how joining a union benefits your lifestyle.

One of these benefits, as a Services Union member, is having access to professional expert legal advice in respect of any legal matter that arises in your life.

Many union members when they have an employment issue think of their union first.

However, many members don’t think ‘Union First’ when they are for example:

• injured at work;• in a car accident;• buying or selling a property;• considering creating a will or enduring power

of attorney;• setting up a business;• engaged in a commercial dispute; or• unfortunately going through relationship

breakdown and having to deal with the associated stresses of property settlements and child custody matters.

As a financial member of The Services Union, you are entitled to a free one-hour consultation with a lawyer from Hall Payne Lawyers.

You are also entitled to discounted legal fees for any legal matter for which your Union is unable to provide assistance.So, when you have any legal issue think ‘Union First’.

This is just another of the benefits that The Services Union provides its members.

Hall Payne Lawyers have been the solicitors of The Services Union for 31 years.

We have experience dealing with every legal issue that confronts Services Union members in every aspect of their life.

We can provide professional expert advice, fully understanding the difficult situation that you may face in any legal situation.

Hall Payne Lawyers provides the following legal services to Service Union members:

• Personal Injury Claims• Workers Compensation• Road Accident Claims• Medical Negligence• Superannuation and TPI Claims

• Employment Law• Industrial Relations• Defamation Law• Family Law• Wills & Estates• Property Law• Immigration Law

Therefore, when you are faced with any legal issue in your life, think ‘Union First’ and obtain the expert assistance of Hall Payne Lawyers.

If you would like further information please contact Services Connect on 07 3844 5300 to arrange your referral to Hall Payne Lawyers.

You can visit Hall Payne Lawyers at www.hallpayne.com.au

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP- THINK ‘UNION FIRST’

WHEN YOU NEED LEGAL ADVICE


SPECIAL REPORTS FROM HALL PAYNE LAWYERS SPECIAL REPORTS FROM HALL PAYNE LAWYERS

OFTEN SUPERANNUATION IS ONE OF, IF NOT THE LARGEST ASSET PEOPLE HAVE. IN A SEPARATION AFTER A MARRIAGE OR DE FACTO RELATIONSHIP, SUPERANNUATION IS CONSIDERED ‘PROPERTY’ OF THE PARTIES CAPABLE OF ADJUSTMENT IF DEEMED TO BE ‘JUST AND EQUITABLE’.

Whilst Superannuation is considered property along with tangible assets such as the house and car, the family law courts recognise that it is different. This is because it is inaccessible until an age of release is reached and it is often treated ‘separately’ to the other assets.

The first step in any property adjustment is determining the asset pool. A ‘Form 6 Superannuation Information’ form should be obtained from your Superannuation Fund which will provide a ‘value’ of the interest in the super fund.

If the interest is from accumulation, it will be the same figure as a ‘resignation benefit’ in the member statement. If the interest is a defined benefit, it may need to be further valued by an actuary or financial planner if the Fund does not provide the valuation itself.

The ‘valuation’ figure is then included in the asset pool. Sometimes where Superannuation is significant in the context of the entire pool, or it is a different type (i.e. A pension stream in the payment phase) it might be treated separately.

It is important to remember that pension schemes are treated also as property and will need to be valued.

When determining if an adjustment is to be made to Superannuation interests upon a separation, the law considers:

• financial and non financial contributions to the relationship and assets as a whole including Superannuation - it is important to remember, the party that does not contribute to the super fund is still entitled to an adjustment if they have made other contributions to the parties assets and relationship;

• future needs such as disparity in income earning capacity, age, health and care of children; and

• what is just and equitable.

Options for dealing with Superannuation in a separation including:

• splitting an amount of Superannuation from one fund to another;• providing the person with the least amount of Superannuation with more

‘cash or realisable assets’ to make up their entitlements; and• splitting pension payments as they are paid if in the growth phase.

It is important when considering splitting Superannuation that legal and financial advice is obtained. Sometimes even though access to Superannuation may seem a long way off, it is beneficial to retain the asset as Superannuation rather than splitting it. For example, if you are close to retirement keeping Superannuation intact may be considered preferable. Legal advice from a family law specialist can provide more information as to what may be considered an appropriate treatment of Superannuation in a separation.

For further information, please contact Hall Payne Lawyers on 1800 659 114 or www.hallpayne.com.au

FAMILY LAW -SUPERANNUATION

COULD BE YOUR LARGEST ASSET


SPECIAL REPORTS FROM HALL PAYNE LAWYERS SPECIAL REPORTS FROM HALL PAYNE LAWYERS

OBCHALF PAGE ADVERTISEMENT

200mm x 125mm

We all can’t wait to

have a blast at the

Family Fun Day on

“I can’t wait to enjoy the Labour Day

weekend with my family!”

“I can’t wait to get my face painted, go on all the rides, have a BBQ lunch and dance to the

music...all for free!”

The Fami ly Fun Days wi l l be held at var ious locat ions

across Queensland.

Please v is i t our websi te for a l l the detai ls .

www.theservicesunion.com.au

JOIN IN CELEBRATING LABOUR DAY AND A FAMILY FUN DAY

MAY 3 AND 4 2014.

“I am so lucky my parents

had access to Parental Leave

when I was born.”

“Will I catch you at the Family Fun Day?”

To RSVP please email The Services Union

[email protected]

real change autumnwinter 2014

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