Image related to Speak up for Safety: new ACTU campaign
Created Thu 12/01/2012, Last Updated Mon 30/01/2012

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.

Image related to SA  30th anniversary Picnic Day - photos now on website
Family enjoying their first union picnic day on the 30th anniversary of the BTF picnic
Created Fri 9/12/2011, Last Updated Thu 12/01/2012

SA 30th anniversary Picnic Day - photos now on website

Photos from the SA Picnic Day at Bonython Park on Monday are now up on our website.

Image related to Competency based progression still needs on-the-job training
On-the-job training and assessment must remain part of competency-based progression.
Created Thu 8/12/2011, Last Updated Thu 12/01/2012

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.

Image related to 113,000 reasons to pass on rate cut
"We congratulate the banks, such as ME Bank, which have already passed on the rate cut." Michael O'Connor.
Created Wed 7/12/2011, Last Updated Wed 7/12/2011

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.

Image related to 30th anniversary of the BTF Picnic TODAY!
Created Mon 5/12/2011, Last Updated Mon 5/12/2011

30th anniversary of the BTF Picnic TODAY!

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the annual BTF picnic.

Join us today Monday the 5th December at 10.00 am, Bonython Park. Tickets are $25 per family which includes barbeque lunch, face painting for the kids, rides, soft drink, ice cream and more.

If your employer pays BIRST, the BIRST Agreement states that you are entitled to a paid day to attend the picnic (picnic ticket required).

Come to Bonython Park and join in the fun!

Image related to ABCC's sham contracting sham
Check out the website: Stop the Sham Campaign page for Facts, flyers, and our 'Race to the Bottom' Report.
Created Fri 2/12/2011, Last Updated Fri 2/12/2011

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.

Image related to We work to live ... have you got the balance right?
Remember the 1855 construction unions 8-hour day campaign motto: 8 hours work, 8 hours rest, 8 hours play
Created Wed 30/11/2011, Last Updated Mon 30/01/2012

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.

Image related to Mining Tax Welcome, but more action needed
The CFMEU believes revenue for a sovereign wealth fund should come from the mining sector and be additional to the MRRT.
Created Wed 23/11/2011, Last Updated Thu 24/11/2011

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.

Image related to Asbestos Awareness Week – elimination at home and a worldwide ban
See full story for a list of asbestos awareness activities in your State or Territory.
Created Mon 21/11/2011, Last Updated Thu 12/01/2012

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.”

Image related to One wheelchair, one journey ... Ray's Asbestos Awareness Ride
Ray wants to raise funds to get a cure for mesothelioma.
Created Sat 19/11/2011, Last Updated Thu 12/01/2012

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.