Campaign Against ABCC Continues......
2nd December 2008
By Brian Boyd, VTHC Secretary
Today nearly 5000 protesters rallied outside the ABCC headquarters at 553 St Kilda Rd to celebrate the recent dropping of charges against Noel Washington.
He received a tremendous welcome from the mainly trade union crowd.
The Geelong Trades Hall choir opened up proceedings.
The Speakers included:
Jeff Lawrence Secretary ACTU, Brian Boyd Secretary VTHC, Dave Noonan National Secretary CFMEU Construction, Marcus Clayton Defence Lawyer, Dean Mighell Vic Secretary CEPU-ETU, Garry Robb Secretary Metals Division AMWU, Kevin Bracken MUA Vic Secretary, Father Bob McGuire, Ann Taylor Vice President AEU, Michele O’Neil Secretary TCFUA, Martin Kingham Assistant Secretary National CFMEU and Noel Washington CFMEU.
All speakers highlighted, while there had been a back down in the specific case against Noel Washington, the ABCC and the underpinning legislation was still in place under the current government.
A number of speakers also called on anyone caught up in the ABCC's legal net to follow Noel Washington's lead and defy this anti-worker organisation.
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ASU Media Release
2009 - Jan - 27Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} 23 December 2008
Report finds Toll Dnata airport staff ‘significantly disadvantaged' by job contracts...read more -
ABCC / DPP CHARGES AGAINST NOEL WASHINGTON DROPPED
2008 - Nov - 26Wednesday 26 November 2008
The VTHC Mass Rally set down for 9.00 am Tuesday 2nd December 2008 and the march to the Melbourne Magistrates Court are called off. The ABCC initiated charges against senior CFMEU Vic Branch official, Noel Washington have been fully withdrawn.
The VTHC BIG Unions have decided to call for a rally:outside the ABCC Melbourne Headquarters ( 553 St Kilda Rd) at 10.00 am Tuesday 2nd December 2008.
This rally has been called to celebrate the win for Noel Washington AND to continue the call for the immediate abolition of the ABCC. ...read more -
ASU holds workplace blitz in Melbourne CBD to launch call centre campaign
2008 - Nov - 2020 November 2008
About 100 union members took to the streets today in Melbourne’s CBD aided with calling cards, cup cakes and ring tones to launch a national call centre campaign....read more -
VTHC delivers IR protest postcards to Federal IR Minister Gillard’s Office
2008 - Nov - 2020 November 2008
The VTHC, union representatives and a number of concerned community groups delivered thousands of signed protest “postcards” to the Electorate Office of the Federal IR Minister Julia Gillard today...read more -
VTHC Supports Pensioners Push for Justice
2008 - Nov - 14Friday 14 November 2008 Representatives of the “Fair Go For Pensioners” (FGFP) Group addressed the VTHC Executive Council today. The Executive Council passed a unanimous resolution supporting their upcoming rally in the city. ...read more
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Anna Stewart Memorial Project Participants Graduate at Trades Hall
2008 - Oct - 2727 October 2008
VTHC Women's Officer, Jennifer O'Donnell-Pirisi and Anna Stewart Memorial Project Graduates on the steps outside the Victorian Trades Hall Council building. The women were presented with certificates for their successful completion of the project by the VTHC President, Ann Taylor. For more information on the project click here....read more -
Victorian Trade Unions Family Race Day and Christmas Party
2008 - Oct - 2424 October 2008
Bring your family along to our annual Race Day which is being held on Sunday 23 November 2008 (11 am to 6 pm) at Cranbourne Turf Club, Grant Street, Cranbourne...read more -
VTHC Annual Reps Conference: 30 October, 2008
2008 - Oct - 2020th October 2008
The eighth annual OHS Representatives Conference, “Time to deliver the highest OHS standards” is being held on Thursday 30 October at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre - near the corner of Flinders and Spencer St. *The registration date has been extended.*...read more -
VTHC Staff and Friends participated in Anti-poverty week activity
2008 - Oct - 2020th October 2008
On Friday 17th October, Trades Hall Staff, Anna Stewart Memorial particpants and friends came together to stand against poverty....read more -
Victorian Plumbers Mass Meeting held 16/10/08
2008 - Oct - 1717th October 2008 The CEPU – Plumbing Division Branch conducted a mass meeting of Victorian Members yesterday. The Plumbers Union has told the VTHC Website that the key issue of the meeting was to discuss the latest Enterprise Bargaining arrangement for the future of the industry. However, the rank and file were also concerned wider IR issues were impacting on the construction industry in general. ...read more
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ASU/TCFUA Book Launch - Untold damages: Why women need new IR laws
2008 - Oct - 1515 October 2008
The Australian Services Union (ASU) and the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia (TCFUA) and women workers launched the booklet - Untold Damage: Why women need new IR laws in Canberra today.
...read more -
Anna Stewart Memorial Project
2008 - Oct - 1514th October 2008
The Anna Stewart Memorial Project commenced at the Victorian Trades Hall Council on Monday (13/10). Organised by the VTHC Women's Officer, Jennifer O'Donnell Pirisi, the aim of the project is to increase women's involvement in the union movement through training....read more -
The Tide Has Turned
2008 - Oct - 1313th October 2008
By Brian Boyd, VTHC Secretary
With very little media coverage a significant change in the relationship between the industrial wing and the political wing of the Australian labour movement occurred on Saturday 11th October 2008.
Not yet 11 months after the historic federal election of November 2007 the ALP Deputy PM and IR Minister, Julia Gillard received a muted, even frosty reception at the Victorian ALP State Conference held at Moonee Valley on that day.
Six months earlier, at the May 2008 Victorian ALP State Conference, it was a different story – both DPM Gillard and PM Kevin Rudd received standing ovations. It was the first formal gathering of the ALP in Victoria since Howard was thrown out of office. But that euphoria has definitely evaporated....read more -
Two important guests at today's VTHC Executive Council
2008 - Oct - 1010 October 2008
Noel Washington and Angela Ladera, brave unionists fighting for social justice were important guests at the VTHC Executive Council today. ...read more -
Fix WorkCover Campaign - Boosted by big rally turn-out
2008 - Oct - 098 October 2008
A meeting of about 500 workplace delegates and OH&S reps has called on the State Government to enter into immediate discussions with unions over the implementation of the recommendations of the Hanks Review of WorkCover....read more -
LHMU Cleaners Union Media Release - Toilet cleaning workshops prepare office workers for cleaners' strike
2008 - Oct - 066 October 2008
Melbourne office cleaners will hold toilet cleaning workshops across the CBD this week on toilet bowls smeared with peanut butter....read more -
RTBU to launch a public safety campaign
2008 - Oct - 022 October 2008
This week the RTBU, has launched a major public safety campaign. www.saferstations.com.au. ...read more -
World Day for Decent Work, 7 October 2008
2008 - Oct - 011 October 2008
Global union federation ITUC this week launch World Day for Decent Work....read more -
Northern American Union Organisers’ Forum
2008 - Sep - 2626th September 2008
The US and Canadian Organisers Forum is a group of trade union activists on a working visit to Australia. Through the ACTU, the VTHC was happy to host part of their visit to Melbourne on Friday 26th September 2008...read more -
Unions Demand Action on WorkCover
2008 - Sep - 2525th September 2008
By Brian Boyd, VTHC Secretary
The VTHC had a great turn up from affiliates to a protest today outside a function where the VWA's end of year financial and operational results were announced. The protest highlighted the VTHC's concerns regarding the Hanks Review recommendations and the many premium cuts given to employers and of the poor benefits offered to injured workers....read more -
ASU Media Release - National Hearing Care call centre job agreement on hold after failing Workplace Authority test
2008 - Sep - 2525th September 2008
The employment agreement offered to call centre and office workers at National Hearing Care in Melbourne and disputed by the ASU, has failed the Workplace Authority’s No Disadvantage Test....read more -
LHMU Media Alert - Cleaners Rally today
2008 - Sep - 2525th September 2008
Cleaner stoppage could create hygiene crisis in city buildings: starts at 12.00pm today outside Parliament House, march down Collins St ending at City Square....read more -
Unions demand action on WorkCover
2008 - Sep - 2425th September 2008
Protest today - Unions demand action on WorkCover - 12 noon, Thursday, 25 September, The RACV Club, 501 Bourke Street , Melbourne....read more -
Defend Noel Washington - Abolish the ABCC
2008 - Sep - 1925th September 2008
Mass Rallies - When the details of Noel Washingon's court appearance are finalised, the Victorian union movement has resolved to hold mass rallies in support. Please watch for details....read more -
National Abolish ABCC Committee Meets at Melbourne Trades Hall
2008 - Sep - 19by Brian Boyd, VTHC Secretary 19 September 2008
Today the national Abolish ABCC Committee met at Melbourne Trades Hall. Chaired by Dave Noonan, National Secretary CFMEU (Construction and General) Division, the meeting assessed the campaigns activities and general strategy to date. In particular, reports were heard about the ABCC’s court cases against CFMEU Vic senior official Noel Washington. His court case formally starts on Tuesday December 2nd and major rallies have been called for that day in Melbourne and Geelong....read more -
ASU Media Release - Award modernisation fails office workers at first hurdle
2008 - Sep - 1717 September 2008
The Rudd Government’s award modernisation process has failed workers at the first hurdle, with Victorian office and administration employees set to lose pay and conditions under the draft award released by the AIRC....read more -
New Labor contracts as bad as AWAs, says ASU
2008 - Sep - 16September 16, 2008
The Federal ALP's heavily promoted individual contracts have proved to be as bad for workers as the agreements they replaced, Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs).
...read more -
Members Equity Fine
2008 - Sep - 1515 September 2008
CEO of Members Equity Bank Anthony Wamsteker has rejected recent criticism by the Victorian Liberal Party....read more -
Trades Hall Workplace Stress Forum
2008 - Sep - 109 September 2008
Over 85 people attended the "Workplace Stress: A Time Bomb" forum in Melbourne on August 27th. The feedback has been fantastic and we are now running a forum in Portland on the 23rd September....read more -
Help Reinstate Mike Carlton!
2008 - Sep - 088 September 2008
The Fair Go, Fairfax campaign being run by the MEAA has expanded to demand the reinstatement of Media Alliance and long time Australian journalist Mike Carlton. Send protest email: www.fairgofairfax.org.au/forms/help-reinstate-mike-carlton
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Welcome to the revamped VTHC website
2008 - Aug - 28Monday 1st September 2008
By Brian Boyd, VTHC Secretary The VTHC website has been upgraded. It is hoped it will be more user friendly for both VTHC affiliates and the wider community. In particular, there will be more campaigns found than ever before, be they wider union movement campaigns or specific affiliates issues as they arise. Wherever possible, links to specific websites around particular issues or current campaigns will be given added and enhanced prominence. As at the end of July the vthc.org.au website averages 9000 hits per day and is increasing. The new I.T. Age is as important to trade unions as it is to many other organisations. We hope our affiliates and wider community supporters get greater use of our new website....read more -
From the VTHC Women's Officer
2008 - Aug - 11Women's Officer activities...read more
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TCFUA Campaign Make it Well, Make it Fair Make it Here! Support Australian TCF Jobs
2008 - Aug - 07The Australian Textile clothing and footwear industry is ready to emerge from the dark decade of Howard's neglect. Help us send a message to the Rudd government to www.MakeItHere.com.au and Take Action. ...read more
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LHMU calls for improved safety standards after Fosters’ record fine for brewery death
2008 - Aug - 05The LHMU is calling on the Fosters Group to work with union members to make significant improvements to safety after the company today received a record fine resulting from the death of a worker at the company's Abbotsford Brewery....read more
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Recently a Victorian Unions delegates' meeting voted unanimously to support Noel Washington
2008 - Jul - 30August 2008
A 2000 strong shop stewards and delegates meeting held at the Dallas Brooks Hall (30/7/08), voted unanimously to defend Noel Washington. Noel Washington is a senior CFMEU Victorian Construction Union Official who is facing 6 months gaol for refusing to attend an interrogation by the draconian ABCC. The Substantive resolution was moved by Mary Bluett, AEU President and seconded by Lisa Fitzpatrick ANF. The delegates were asked to prepare for mass rallies in support of Noel Washington when his court date becomes known....read more -
VTHC Women's Officer
2008 - Jul - 29On Friday 25 July last the VTHC’s new Women’s Officer, Ms Jennifer O’Donnell–Pirisi, was introduced to the VTHC Executive Council.
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VTHC meets Cypriot MP – Secretary briefs him on conservative history of Alexander Downer
2008 - Jul - 21The VTHC Secretary Brian Boyd met Cypriot Member of Parliament, Mr Andros Kyprianou at the Melbourne Trades Hall.
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FEDERAL ALP IR CAUCUS VISITS MELBOURNE TRADES HALL
2008 - Jul - 14On the 14th July last key members of the federal ALP Members of Parliament Industrial Relations Caucus Committee visited the VTHC. They were addressed by 15 VTHC affiliates about their concerns in relation to the ongoing operations of Howard’s IR laws and, in particular, what the new proposed Rudd IR legislation will look like....read more
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Position vacant - MSAV Senior Industrial Officer
2008 - Jun - 27The MSAV is seeking to recruit a Senior Industrial Officer as part of a small, progressive industrial team....read more
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Noel Washington and the ABCC
2008 - Jun - 26For as long as he can remember, he has always hated bullies. And because of that he has always spoken out or stood up against those with power who intimidate or harass people. He has done it, even at the risk of losing his job. In 1990, as an organiser with the former Federated Ironworkers Union, he couldn’t stomach a leadership that sold workers short by doing deals that that were of no benefit to them. He ran on a ticket with others against the leadership in an election and lost his job.
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International Greenpeace Visitor, Sven Teske visits Trades Hall
2008 - Jun - 24Sven Teske from Greenpeace International visited Trades Hall Melbourne on 24 June 2008...read more
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Vietnamese Delegation Visits Melbourne Trades Hall
2008 - Jun - 24Four comrades from the Vietnam's National Institute for Labour Protection visited Trades Hall and were greeted by the VTHC Secretary. ...read more
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OFFICIAL STATEMENT BY VICTORIAN TRADES HALL COUNCIL
2008 - Jun - 13Brian Boyd, Secretary, VTHC issues an Official Statement on the death of Philippines Labour Leader Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran...read more
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Review of the Victorian Accident Compensation Act 1985 – June 2008
2008 - Jun - 13Review of the Victorian Accident Compensation Act 1985 – June 2008...read more
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Indian Union Official at Trades Hall
2008 - Jun - 12Indian Union Official Visits Trades Hall...read more
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Recent Victorian ALP Conference
2008 - Jun - 02The ALP Victorian Branch held its biennial Conference recently on Saturday 24 May. Although addresses by Victorian Premier Brumby and Prime Minister Rudd were dominate ‘set pieces’, it was the content of a series of “urgency resolutions” that went to the core of the conference deliberations. ...read more
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Visit to Trades Hall by the Victorian State Treasurer, John Lenders
2008 - Apr - 29...read more
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HACSU - DISABILITY WORKERS RECOMMENCE STRIKE ACTION
2008 - Apr - 29DISABILITY WORKERS RECOMMENCE STRIKE ACTION TODAY 29 APRIL 2008...read more
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LHMU CLEANERS UNION - MEDIA ALERT
2008 - Apr - 29MEDIA ALERT - CLEANERS RALLY TODAY 29 APRIL 2008...read more
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International Workers Memorial Day
2008 - Apr - 28International Workers Memorial Day
Monday, 28 April, 2008 at Trades Hall...read more -
Hanks QC Briefs VTHC Affiliates on 'Workers Compensation' Review
2008 - Apr - 23Peter Hanks QC is conducting the review of the Victorian Accident Compensation Act 1985. He visited the Trades Hall today (23/4) with some members of his VWA secretariat staff to brief unions and answer questions....read more
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BOEING DISPUTE
2008 - Apr - 18Over 700 Boeing workers are currently in dispute at Fisherman’s Bend Port Melbourne. They face the sharp end of Howard’s continuing WorkChoices laws. The Federal Court is set to impose fines and injunctions against rank and file workers....read more
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Climate Change – Union Business Too
2008 - Apr - 11The trade union movement is on the record that it wants to be part of the solution, not part of the problem, when it comes to the future of Australia and the current climate change debate. The employers should have this view too. Some are already coming on board.
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Health and Community Service Union - 98% OF DISABILITY WORKERS VOTE ‘YES’ IN FAVOUR OF INDUSTRIAL ACTION!
2008 - Apr - 11Following a 98% ‘yes’ vote in a secret protected action ballot, Disability Professionals and Support Workers voted unanimously to implement industrial action at a statewide meeting held at Trades Hall this morning....read more
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May Day March and Festival 2008
2008 - Apr - 10May Day is the internationally recognised day of celebrating the achievements of the labour movement and working class. May Day marches in Victoria started in 1893 and continue to this day.
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Workers Memorial Day 28 April 2008 - Highlighted by recent Industrial Deaths
2008 - Apr - 04Two Victorian Workers have died at work this week. This brings to six the number of workers who have been killed in Victorian workplace incidents this year.
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Is the Future of Australian Manufacturing Secure?
2008 - Apr - 01Recently the Geelong Manufacturing Council and the Australian Industry Group held an evening function to hear a speech from Senator Kim Carr, the new federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. Buried inside these four responsibilities is “manufacturing”.
...read more -
Patrick Dispute 10 Year Anniversary coming up
2008 - Apr - 0110 year anniversary of the MUA/ Patrick Dispute coming up...read more
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10th March 2008 is the Labour Day Public Holiday
2008 - Mar - 04History of Labour Day Public Holiday...read more
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VIEU RALLY- 10.30 am FRIDAY 7 MARCH
2008 - Mar - 04VIEU Rally...read more
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Rally to Defend Human Rights in Columbia
2008 - Mar - 04Columbian Rally...read more
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UNION SHOPPER COMES TO TRADES HALL
2008 - Mar - 03Union Shopper...read more
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RSI DAY TODAY - 29 FEBRUARY 2008
2008 - Feb - 29RSI DAY TODAY - 29 FEBRUARY 2008...read more
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Melbourne’s intensive care ambulance service in meltdown
2008 - Feb - 18Melbourne’s intensive care ambulance service in meltdown New ambulance data reveals that there have been almost 130 occasions when MICA, Melbourne’s intensive care ambulance service, was suspended or downgraded over the last six months due to a critical shortage of elite MICA paramedics.
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Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples - Live Broadcast
2008 - Feb - 12broadcast of the Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples...read more
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AEU EBA Dispute
2008 - Feb - 12Affiliates are asked to support the AEU in its certified agreement campaign by letting activists know that they can get more information about the campaign from the Support Professional Pay campaign area of the AEU website...read more
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Donations to stolen generations rally
2008 - Feb - 11...read more
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Part Time Position with Return To Work Unit
2008 - Feb - 11Job Vacancy...read more
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Part-Time OHS Position available
2008 - Feb - 05Job Vacancy at UFU...read more
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'IR is the make or Break Issue'
2008 - Jan - 25IR is the make or Break Issue...read more
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Vacancy - VTHC WorkCover/Compensation and Rehabilitation Liaison Officer
2008 - Jan - 25Are you intrested in the VTHC - Vacant Position of WorkCover/Compensation and Rehabilitation Liaison Officer?...read more
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Emerging IR Scene in 2008
2007 - Dec - 19Emerging IR Scene in 2008
By Brian Boyd, VTHC Secretary
...read more