Speak up for Safety: new ACTU campaign
Australian unions have launched a new national awareness campaign, to inform workers of their rights and employers of their obligations under the harmonised health and safety laws.
Australian unions launched the Speak Up campaign on January 1, 2012 so that workers have a say in making sure their workplaces are safe and healthy.
CFMEU NT Office Closure Holiday Period
Please be advised that the CFMEU Office in Darwin will close on Thursday December 22 and re-open on Monday January 16, 2012.
For any queries in early January, please call CFMEU QLD office: 07 3231 4600 from January 4, 2012.
As of January 1, 2012, the CFMEU Northern Territory Branch will combine with the Queensland Branch to be known as the CFMEU Queensland/NT Branch.
Competency based progression still needs on-the-job training
CFMEU Construction Secretary Dave Noonan welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement on support for a single system and wage increases for Australian apprentices.
“The CFMEU also welcomes the proposal for competency-based, instead of time-served, progression for apprentices,” Mr Noonan said. “However, competency-based progression must be assessed in the workplace, with workplace assessments such as operate in the Queensland scheme.
113,000 reasons to pass on rate cut
The CFMEU, will write to its 113,000 strong membership advising they consider looking elsewhere for their financial needs if their bank refuses to pass on yesterday's RBA interest rate cut.
The CFMEU, which is one of Australia's largest unions, has been vocal on the need for rate cuts for the last year, witnessing first hand the devastating effect of high interest rates and a high dollar on jobs in the manufacturing sector.
ABCC's sham contracting sham
The ABCC’s long awaited report into its investigation of sham contracting in the construction industry has turned into another great sham: the ABCC has come up with no useful conclusions, no real solution, and appears to be in denial about the extent of sham contracting in the construction industry.
Its list of 10 recommendations reads like a job application for a future role for itself in the industry, rather than a real plan of action.
Bizarrely, the ABCC claims there is not enough evidence to prove extensive sham contracting in the construction—even though they have successfully prosecuted two companies, have four cases before the courts and another 32 investigations ongoing into allegations of sham contracting arrangements[i].
Read more of Dave Noonan’s Message.
We work to live ... have you got the balance right?
“Today is annual Go Home on Time Day which is a great way to make workplaces stop and take note that life shouldn’t revolve around work,” ACTU President Ged Kearney says.
“Research by The Australia Institute shows that one in two workers do not spend as much time with their family as they would like.
“Their research also suggests that in a workforce of 11.4 million people, about 6.8 million workers experience work that pollutes free time in any given week, while 1.75 million workers regularly have their free time infiltrated by work demands.
Mining Tax Welcome, but more action needed
The CFMEU has welcomed the passage of the Mineral Resource Rent Tax (MRRT) through the House of Representatives last night, describing it as a key step in addressing the economic imbalances created by the mining boom, but is calling on the Government for more to be done.
“As a union that covers mining, construction and manufacturing workers, we are well placed to see the effects of the mining boom across the economy,” said Michael O’Connor, CFMEU National Secretary.
Asbestos Awareness Week – elimination at home and a worldwide ban
CFMEU Construction marks the launch of Asbestos Awareness Week (Nov 21-25) with the call for safe removal of all Asbestos Containing Materials by 2030 and for the Australian Government to use its influence to secure a worldwide ban on asbestos.
“Australia had the highest per capita use of asbestos in the world from the 1950s until the 1980s and the result is that asbestos is still claiming lives in Australia and sadly will do so for many years to come,” said CFMEU Construction National Secretary, Dave Noonan.
“Increasing awareness of the dangers of asbestos is a way of both honouring those workers and ensuring the mistakes of the past will not be revisited on the future generations of workers and their families.”
One wheelchair, one journey ... Ray's Asbestos Awareness Ride
Ray Colbert has a mission: To raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos exposure in our community, and to raise much needed funds for asbestos disease research.
Ray knows the effects of asbestos disease, having himself been diagnosed with asbestosis. Despite theses challenges, he will embark on a heroic journey to ride his wheelchair from Toowoomba to Brisbane to achieve his mission.
Ray’s journey starts at 11am on Monday, 21st November 2011 at Bunnings Warehouse, 339-391 Anzac Avenue, Toowoomba. If you have not sponsored Ray yet, read more below and sponsor him today.
Out Now! November issue Hardhat Express
The November issue of CFMEU Construction's national newsletter is in Branches now. Contact your Organiser to get a copy or download it from this website here.
The November Hardhat Express includes stories on:
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