ACTU CONGRESS (1-4 JUNE 2009) - Time for Plain Speaking
By Brian Boyd, VTHC Secretary
10 June 2009
It is a worthwhile exercise to assess some aspects of the recent ACTU Congress to aid future activities for trade unions.
The ACTU officers said at the beginning of the Congress that its deliberations should focus on the need for more IR legislative reforms, a renewed Growth and Campaigns strategy, how unions should respond to the Global Financial Crisis and how to achieve the best OHS national harmonisation laws framework.
The Congress led with a major discussion to update and fine tune the ACTU’s Industrial relations legislation policy with a key demand that a second tranche of IR reform is needed post the introduction of the Fair Work Act on the 1/7/09.
There was unanimous agreement that this happen as it was widely accepted that the new Act (replacing Howard’s universally despised WorkChoices legislation) still contained key elements of WorkChoices and these restrictions needed to be removed. This stance was underpinned by a recent ACTU Executive report (tabled at the ACTU Executive meeting of 5/5/09) that declared the Fair Work Act breached ILO conventions in a number of important areas.
However two approaches to the IR ongoing reform question emerged in the Congress deliberations. ACTU officers and some major unions put an emphasis on exploring how to enhance collective bargaining arrangements within the new Fair Work Act.
However, another approach emerged: the union movement should place its efforts on campaigning for a better IR Act, as the inadequacies of Fair Work Act were already apparent. When Federal IR Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard addressed the ACTU Congress (3/6/09) she promoted the former approach.
She said rather than pushing for a new IR reform package the union movement should be “pounding the pavement” to find ways to make the Fair Work Act work, rather than “walking the corridors in Canberra” looking for further IR law improvements.
In her address Minister Gillard claimed the ALP was the party of “fairness and decency at work” and that WorkChoices was “a stain” on Australian history which “we are…sweeping away”. She went on to also claim that when the Fair Work Act kicks in, WorkChoices would be “cleansed away”.
There was no acknowledgement that it was now public knowledge that her Fair Work Act contained core elements of WorkChoices in breach of ILO conventions.
But Minster Gillard went further. She said the federal government had other things to do anyway. There was the challenge of the global financial crisis. In a patronising manner she claimed that saving jobs and reversing the rise in unemployment were her “No 1” priority.
As if unions were not concerned or focused on the protecting of jobs and jobs creation. As if unions campaigning for a real and comprehensive end to WorkChoices were somehow not concerned about jobs for their members.
The fact is if unions didn’t have the ongoing legislative restrictions on how they go about their normal interactive and representative relations with their members, they could do more, on the jobs front.
This ‘straw man’, trade-off/back off scenario is also patronising. By crudely attempting to play off the natural concerns of unions about unemployed workers against claims on an ALP government to continue to improve workers’ rights, is almost dirty politics.
What was dirty politics was when the Federal IR Minister, faced with a sea of yellow T-shirts worn by over 500 delegates, pedalled employer mis-information.
The T-shirts read: “One law for all – Abolish the ABCC – Free Ark Tribe”.
Ms Gillard, in support of ongoing ABCC-type powers within her new IR system signalling out building workers, repeated misinformed media reports about a recent dispute in the
The ABCC has not involved itself in these matters before the courts, which are also sub judice. Yet the federal IR Minister misused this issue publicly as a crude attempt to justify current government policy with respect to the ABCC.
It became widely understood at the Congress that ACTU officers had understandings with Ms Gillard before her address how union concerns about the ABCC and OHS national harmonisation question would be managed This included the Deputy Prime Minister meeting some families of building workers killed at work recently.
Minister Gillard’s pro-ABCC outburst about alleged activities (deemed as fact) involving one dispute, was highly provocative and seen by many as deliberate, premeditated and a breach of faith with ACTU officers.
It was amazing, after this stunt, for the Deputy Prime Minister then to suggest in conclusion: “we need a partnership with you [the trade union movement] to achieve a better nation”. Better sales pitches have been seen before!
In his reply ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence didn’t hide his anger. He repeated Congress’ determination to pursue a second wave of IR reform to deal with unfinished business in relation to the Fair Work Act, to make sure that OHS harmonisation is done to the highest level and that the ABCC had to go.
The Deputy Prime Minister left the stage in a huff, even refusing to shake Jeff Lawrence’s hand. She was followed by plainclothed ‘close personal protection’ federal police officers.
The Congress went on with its business.
Many important matters were addressed – including:
Decent Work Agenda, Work and Families, Retirement incomes, Vocational Educational and Training, OHS, Procurement, growing unions, young workers, a fair society, international campaigning, Health, tax and social security, democracy and participation, social inclusion and workforce participation.
There were other topics that highlighted the emerging contradiction about the principal way forward. These were – Using the legislation (ie the Fair Work Act) to campaign and grow; growing our unions; organising rights and the launch of the Growth and Campaign Plan specifically.
Some unions are intending to place a lot of faith and spend a lot of time and resources in exploring a way forward for their organisations via the Fair Work Act.
Of course, unions have to do this. Whatever the legislation (and we did so under 10 years of Howard’s laws) unions are bound to explore the legal IR framework of the day on behalf of their members. It’s always been so. But should that normal practice be the central strategy?
Surely the central strategy has to be rolling out an activist based campaign to achieve the real fair laws we fought for and were promised.
While the formal end of Howard’s WorkChoices is welcome and a great symbolic event (1/7/09), on any analysis the evidence shows the incoming Fair Work Act will not deliver “a fair workplace balance” in many circumstances. It will be an uphill climb. There will be many obstacles and pitfalls. Many commentators have already revealed that the Fair Work Act redefines the role of unions (with the repeated non-use of the conciliation and arbitration power and ongoing use of the corporations power). It maintains strict control of normal independent union activity, eg very limited rights to industrial action, strict almost unworkable ‘right of entry’ provisions, restrictions on what can be bargained about and virtually no access to industry-wide bargaining.
By illustration, industry-wide bargaining has always been the key way for unions to make their contribution to achieving “a better nation” over the decades. Long Service Leave, Superannuation, Annual Leave, Paid Maternity Leave for example, were all achieved by industry-wide bargaining and the employers who are pressuring Rudd and Gillard constantly, know it.
The union movement is not asking for IR legislation that will do their job for them. However we do not need laws that interfere and restrict unions from what they’ve been doing for over 100 years, meeting with and directly representing workers freely and fairly.
We should not accept the Deputy Prime Minister’s stated position that there will be no further IR reforms.
Unions will quickly test the proposition that there are “many positives’ for unions and workers in the new Act. The Telstra and Cochlear disputes will be good examples to watch.
Recently (8/5) the Deputy Prime Minister said she was unlikely to adopt recommendations from ALP Senators that the new Fair Work Act should be amended to enable substandard WorkChoices arrangements to be terminated.
She said in part: “…unfortunately all of the harm caused by the former Liberal government’s unfair and extreme WorkChoices laws cannot be undone overnight”.
We should take this at face value as a prima fácie admission the Fair Work Act in its current form is not the end of the matter.
An important exercise coming up for the union movement is the national ALP Conference (July/August 2009). It will be important for unions affiliated with ALP to do at least two things: Firstly, take forward into the ALP policy process an updated IR package for future new law based on the ACTU’s new Congress policy. Secondly, make sure that the federal ALP parliamentary wing does not interfere with the agreed policy platform. We must avoid what happened in 2007.
The issue of the Australian Building Construction Commission (ABCC) particularly grates within the union movement. The unity and determination around this issue is growing. The Deputy Prime Minister got this message loud and clear at the ACTU Congress.
The Prime Minister Rudd is also misreading this ‘deal breaking’ cause celebré.
It is now out there he gave undertaking pre November 2007 about this issue. His address to the ACTU Congress Dinner (3/6/09) was a classic example of “his emerging wall-of-sound technique” (Annabel Crabb Sunday Morning Herald 5/6). He harangued the gathering non-stop. Rudd did not stop for breath and pleaded his case as a social reformer. Safe ground compared with his Deputy Prime Minister’s provocative approach earlier in the day. He angled for his applause and got it by wishing for “a historic partnership for the future”.
The next day, when faced with his Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon falling on his sword, over breaching Ministerial Guidelines, Prime Minister Rudd was asked the usual journalist question: “Can Fitzgibbon come back to the Ministry?” Rudd said: “ I don’t agree with life sentences…”.
But Rudd had no such sympathy for potential Senate Candidate from Tasmania Kevin Harkins.
Rudd had said the day before that Harkins had a ‘Buckley’s and none” chance of becoming a Senator.
Harkins’ crime – back in 2005 he had held a meeting of ETU members in
The government argues the union movement should concentrate on what it has been given, rather than other demands for future legislative change.
The Age Claimed (5/6), after the Congress, that “the ACTU is clearly out in the cold with this Labor Government”.
The poor treatment of the ACTU started long before its Congress in
Last year the ACTU protested quite rightly in a letter to Rudd about there being no union representation on the important Henry Taxation Review. In contrast the employers via AIG’s Heather Riddout, is on the review, as she is on many other federal government bodies.
ACTU officers have also bent over backwards to echo government propaganda in order to earn ‘brownie points’. An example of this during the ACTU Congress was when a senior ACTU officer jumped on the bandwagon about going after Executive Salaries. CEO remuneration packages are fair game, but crude populism in the scheme of things. Placing limitations on them will not affect the Global Financial Crisis or generate one job, never mind move forward the real game – improving workers’ rights at work. Did the ACTU get a pat on the back anyway? No.
It’s important to remember the union movement puts workers first, not the ALP political machine. Working people voted first and foremost to get rid of Howard in 2007, not to put Rudd and Gillard in power. This point needs greater recognition.
Former ACTU leaders Martin Ferguson, Simon Crean and Greg Combet didn’t cover themselves in any glory by commenting negatively on the ACTU Congress proceedings. They know full well the continuing limitations and restrictions on collective bargaining and the ongoing discriminatory laws singling out building workers are an anathema to trade union principles. Yet they parrot the “false solidarity” Cabinet line as if they have a monopoly on the knowledge of what’s good for everyone.
To date the government has not established a “framework for fair transparent proceedings in the workplace” as it claims. There is nothing fair about the employers having continuing access to severely restrictive laws that impact on workers’ rights generally and how trade unions can represent them specifically.
The union movement does have a “ forward looking agenda”. It is to finally remove all of the shackles of Howard’s IR legacy that have the employers holding the upper hand. It is the complete neutralisation of what WorkChoices stood for and what they voted for. We definitely didn’t vote for ALP politicians to have the freedom to trade off IR expectations for other agendas.
On Monday 8/6/09 The Age newspaper ran an editorial entitled: “Gillard spells out the limits of union influence”. It acknowledged the historical fact that the labour movement’s political and industrial wings “worked together to oust the Howard government and its WorkChoices Laws”. It recorded the union movement as seeking a “second wave” (including industry wide pattern bargaining) of industrial relations reform and a push to scrap the “detested” ABCC.
The Age also described as a “remarkable sight, unthinkable…only 18 months ago” the Deputy Prime Minister being heckled for her anti-union stance at the ACTU Congress.
In reporting that some union officials are warning the ALP not to take workers’ support for granted at the next election, The Age Editorial went on to suggest “the union movement’s options are limited”. That is, what choice do unions have in terms of electoral allegiance? This is not the real question. In the practical realities of cyclical elections it is more pertinent to appreciate how working people are feeling at the time that counts. Any usual breakdown of union membership voting intentions is about 60:40 in favour of the ALP. This is often not enough for the ALP to win across the population. In 2007 this ratio went to approximately 70:30, because of the anti-Howard anti WorkChoices campaign. Enough to swamp the required marginal seats.
More Archive
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Join in the 2009 Eureka Stockade (1854) Commemoration
2009 - Dec - 07November 2009
5.30 pm Friday 27th November 2009 at the State Library Steps, Melbourne....read more -
Protest - Loss of Human Rights on 60th Anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights
2009 - Dec - 04Thursday 10th December 2009 - 5.30 pm - 8.00 pm
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Walk Against Warming
2009 - Nov - 3030 November 2009
Walk Against Warming 12pm - 12 December 2009 starting at the State Library....read more -
Call Centre Survey Report Launch
2009 - Nov - 2625 November 2009
By Bronwyn Halfpenny, Campaigns and Industrial Officer
The VTHC supports the Australian Services Union launch of a national research report on the conditions of workers in Australian Call Centres. ASU National Assistant secretary, Linda White launched the report saying the union was concerned at the results of the survey that indicated workers in the sector experienced health and safety problems. Such problems were due to “a lack of training, lack of support to deal with abusive customers, over monitoring, and understaffing.” She said. A ‘stress- o-metre’ to evaluate levels of stress based on answers to stress related questions was also launched. If you would like to measure your stress levels you can go to www.callcentreunion.com.au...read more -
VTHC - OHS Radio Advertisement - Don't risk 2nd Rate Safety
2009 - Nov - 1919 November 2009
Unions are continuing the campaign to support rights and protections for Victoria's OHS Reps. Click here to hear the recent radio advisertisement. It calls on the Brumby Government to stand up for the rights of Victorian OHS Reps and workers....read more -
LabourStart Photo of the Year 2009
2009 - Nov - 055 November 2009
Click here to see LabourStart photo of the year winner for 2009: www.flickr.com/photos/kmasad/3951175816/. Congratulations to finalist Chris Clarke, organiser with the Victorian Independent Education Union - www.flickr.com/photos/42751464@N07/3943075764/. For more info on LabourStart website go to www.labourstart.org....read more -
Anti ABCC Campaign cranks up a notch
2009 - Oct - 30Friday 30th October 2009 By Brian Boyd, VTHC Secretary
Across Australia, rallies and protests occurred in support of Ark Tribe the S.A. building worker who fronted his latest court case today in Adelaide....read more -
National OHS model laws - protest action to continue
2009 - Oct - 15OHS Delegates - Lunch Time Protest Rally - At Annual OHS Conference 1pm Wednesday - 28 October 2009 adj Polly Woodside - outside Melbourne Convention Centre South Wharf (Southside of Yarra River)
15 October 2009
By Brian Boyd, VTHC Secretary
A well attended VTHC affiliates meeting yesterday endorsed ongoing activities to support efforts to win the best OHS national laws possible, during the current moves to ‘harmonise’ Australia’s multitude of OHS legislation. The meeting called for updated material on the outstanding concerns, paid radio ads during the current ‘public comment’ phase and a lunch time protest action at the upcoming Victorian OHS Health and Safety Representatives' Conference (see details)....read more -
National OHS Harmonisation - Campaign for best practice continues....
2009 - Oct - 01By Brian Boyd, VTHC Secretary
1st October 2009
Back on the 28th September the Federal Government, through the Workplace Relations Minister’s Council, released for public comment a proposed new OHS national model law. The six weeks ‘public comment’ period gives the trade union movement an opportunity to promote and enhance its campaign to win the best OHS ‘harmonisation' laws possible. OHS in the workplace is a ‘bread and butter’ issue for trade unions. We cannot allow this issue to fall off our radar screen. It must be remembered that the so called “harmonisation” of the nation’s numerous OHS laws was started by the Howard government....read more -
Vietnamese Gender Equity Delegation visit Trades Hall
2009 - Sep - 1616 September 2009
A Vietnamese delegation visited Trades Hall today as part of a Gender Equity study tour organised by the UN and Vietnamese Government. The delegation was welcomed by Jennifer O’Donnell-Pirisi the VTHC Women’s Officer and Bronwyn Halfpenny VTHC elected Industrial and Campaigns Officer and Ellen Kleimaker VTHC Return to Work Research Officer, Danielle Archer VTHC YUN Officer and representatives from URCOT and CPSU....read more -
Huge Melbourne Union Rally Demands "Best Practice" National OHS Laws - 1st September 2009
2009 - Sep - 011st September 2009
By Brian Boyd, VTHC Secretary
Today over 7,000 workers marched on the Victorian Parliament in Spring St Melbourne.
They were led by a large contingent of women unionists who had gathered earlier in the day to push for equal pay....read more -
VTHC Rally - OHS National Model Laws - Not Good Enough!
2009 - Aug - 24OHS Rally - 1st September 2009 - flyer click here...read more
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Special Council Meeting/Public Lecture at Trades Hall: The Future of Trade Unions
2009 - Aug - 2121 August 2009
Four internationally renowned academics shared their thoughts about the future of trade unions today (Friday 21 August 2009).
The presenters were:
Professor Gregor Murray – Inter-University Research Centre on Globalisation and Work (CRIMT) and University of Montreal.
Professor David Peetz – Griffith University
Professor Eddie Webster – University of Witswaterand
Professor Charlotte Yates – McMaster University
The Moderators were:
Michelle Bissett (ACTU) and Brian Boyd (Victorian Trades Hall Council.)....read more -
OHS National Model Laws - Not Good Enough - Mass Meeting
2009 - Aug - 1919 August 2009
A huge turn out of Victorian workplace Health and Safety Representatives (HSR’s) and job delegates attended the VTHC organised mass meeting today at Storey Hall RMIT.
The meeting was provided with an overview of national and Victorian issues by Brian Boyd, Trades Hall Council Secretary and Geoff Fary, ACTU Assistant Secretary.
Brian Boyd warned that the Federal government’s own work safety targets will already not be met – a government failure that undermines the move to harmonise each State’s OHS laws. Brian also pointed out that reducing rights and protections will only contribute to even lower OHS performance. “Now is the time for governments to be harmonising laws up – not down. Each State's protection has to go to the highest levels”....read more -
Unions to meet over OHS National Laws Concerns
2009 - Aug - 1818 August 2009
A mass meeting of Victorian workplace Health and Safety representatives (HSR’s) and job delegates, at 10.00 am Wednesday 19th August 2009 at Storey Hall RMIT, will hear updated reports about growing concerns over how the Rudd / Gillard government is handling the OHS ‘harmonisation’ process....read more -
OHS National Model Laws - Not Good Enough
2009 - Aug - 0419 August 2009
Mass Meeting organised by the VTHC to go ahead this morning re OHS National Model Laws....read more -
National OHS ‘harmonisation’ process – ongoing campaign
2009 - Jul - 2424 July 2009
The VTHC Executive Council has recently re-iterated that as part of the ongoing national campaign to achieve a better outcome out of National OHS harmonisation....read more -
AFL "Eureka" Game at MCG - Honours Workers - Sunday 19th July 2009
2009 - Jul - 20By Brian Boyd, VTHC Secretary
In 2008 the AFL conducted the inaugural “Eureka Game” between North Melbourne and Richmond Football clubs. The brainchild of AFL veteran Kevin Sheedy, the aim of the match is to celebrate the working people of Australia. He hopes the annual event will become “one of the great days of Australian sport”. As with last year, the VTHC was asked to support and promote the Eureka Game this year. AFL football fans at the MCG witnessed the famous Eureka Flag being hoisted in the middle of the ground and a brief re-enactment of the Eureka rebellion, including red-coated British colonial troops ‘firing’ on rebellious gold miners with old fashioned military muskets....read more -
OHS National Model Laws - the fight for the best laws continues...
2009 - Jul - 1414 July 2009
By Brian Boyd, VTHC Secretary
The VTHC Executive Council has considered detailed reports at its recent meetings about growing concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed new national model laws for Occupational Health and Safety.
Information has been provided by the VTHC’s own OHS Unit and from the ACTU. A key area of concern is that some recommendations from the Workplace Relations Minister’s Council (WRMC) may negatively impact on rights and powers of Victorian Health and Safety Representatives (HSR’s). ...read more -
Walk For Harmony - 1.00 pm Sunday 12th July
2009 - Jun - 22For more information visit: www.culturaldiversity.vic.gov.au...read more
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Missed chance to improve assistance to Victorian workers injured at work
2009 - Jun - 1817 June 2009
The state government has missed a major opportunity to correct major problems in Victoria’s workers’ compensation system that date back to the Kennett years, according to the Victorian Trades Hall Council....read more -
Ambos Start Industrial Action Friday
2009 - Jun - 16Tuesday 16 June 2009
Paramedics will commence industrial action 7am Friday, dramatically ramping up their campaign for longer rest breaks to combat fatigue....read more -
Anna Stewart Memorial Project - May 2009
2009 - May - 28Thursday 28 May 2009
The Anna Stewart Memorial Project participants for May 2009 (pictured) with Jennifer O'Donnell-Pirisi, VTHC Women's Officer. This year, the Anna Stewart Memorial Project celebrates its 25th anniversary. An ASMP commemorative DVD will be launched on Friday 4th September 2009 to mark the occasion. For more information on the Project - click here. (Story compiled and picture taken by Helen Atkinson, VTHC Website Co-ordinator)....read more -
Telstra rally still on regardless of Telstra PR Claims.....
2009 - May - 25Thursday 28th May 2009
Telstra Workers deserve your support on their
DAY OF ACTION
- WEDNESDAY WALKOUT -
Wednesday 27 May
10.00 am
35 Collins Street, Melbourne
Celebrate the departure of Trujilo & McGauchie
Be there and show your support
LET THE PUBLIC AND MEDIA KNOW COMMUNITY SUPPORTS TELSTRA WORKERS...read more -
Melbourne Trades Hall 150th Anniversary Celebration a great success
2009 - May - 2525 May 2009
Last Sunday 24th May 2009 marked the opening of the first trades hall building constructed in Carlton. A 'Celebratory Street Party' was organised to mark the occasion. Food, drinks, music, song and the obligatory speech or two occured between 5.30 pm - 9.00 pm.
The VTHC will shortly produce a commemoration booklet in order to have a permanent record for future generations. A commemorative badge has also been produced. Orders can be placed at Trades Hall by calling Shelley Mildren on 9659 3511.
...read more -
Melbourne Trades Hall 150th Anniversary Celebration - book now!
2009 - May - 1515 May 2009
Sunday 24th May 2009 marks the opening of the first trades hall building constructed in Carlton. A 'Celebratory Street Party' has been organised to mark the occasion. Food, drinks, music, song and the obligatory speech or two will occur between 5.30 pm - 9.00 pm.
It's time to book a table. Call Shelley Mildren on 9659 3511....read more -
ASU members at Community Connections to take action in the name of good faith bargaining
2009 - May - 1513 May 2009
ASU-Victorian Authorities & Services Branch requests support for members of the ASU working at Community Connections Victoria (CCVL), Warnambool. Please go to www.asu.asn.au/media/sacs/20090513_ccvl.html and send an email to the CEO of CCVL to ask for good faith bargaining for a new and valid collective agreement....read more -
Don’t Risk 2nd rate safety
2009 - May - 1111 May 2009
“Don’t risk 2nd rate safety” was the common message sounded by all as families of workplace death victims joined with unions today to launch a national advertising campaign. The advertising campaign has been launched one week ahead of the next meeting of all state and territory Workplace Relations Ministers. The meeting will discuss recommendations from a Review Panel for a Model OHS Law....read more -
Lively Rally outside Federal Minister Lindsay Tanner’s Office - Demands Paid Maternity Leave
2009 - May - 066 May 2009 Hundreds of people gathered outside the Federal Minister for Finance, Lindsay Tanner’s Office in King St, Melbourne today to support paid maternity leave being included in the 2009 Federal Budget.
The rally, organised by Victorian Trades Hall Council’s Women’s Officer, Jennifer O’Donnell-Pirisi was an important landmark in the overall campaign for Paid Maternity Leave. Speakers at the rally were Brian Boyd, VTHC Secretary, Ingrid Stitt ASU Secretary and Jennifer O’Donnell-Pirisi. 1000s of postcards, addressed to Lindsay Tanner, supporting paid maternity leave, were presented to the Minister's Office....read more -
Tree of Knowledge remains preserved
2009 - May - 054 May 2009
Back in 2006 the famous ‘Tree of Knowledge’ at Barcaldine Western QLD was poisoned and killed by ‘persons unknown’....read more -
Don’t settle for 2nd rate safety
2009 - Apr - 3029 April 2009
Victorian unions and the ACTU launched “Don’t settle for 2nd rate safety”, the next phase of the campaign surrounding the National Model OHS laws. Click here for more information....read more -
International Workers Memorial Day 28 April 2009
2009 - Apr - 30The general Victorian union movement gathered on Tuesday, 28 April to mark International Workers Memorial Day. Click here for more information.
...read more -
VTHC Labour Day Dinner Dance a wonderful celebration
2009 - Apr - 2823rd April 2009 The Victorian Trades Hall Labour Day Dinner Dance held at the San Remo Ball Room in Carlton on Friday 17th April 2009 was a great success with over 260 guests attending. This annual occasion celebrates the achievement by Victorian unions gaining the world’s first 8 hour working day in 1856. The 8 hour day public holiday was celebrated on the actual day of victory for the 8 hour movement, 21 April, until 1934. The Victorian Unions have reinstituted the holding of their Labour Day celebrations closest as possible to the 21 April of each year. This decision was made in 2006, the 150th anniversary of the 8 hour day....read more
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National Anti-ABCC Action...A Success - Victorian Rally Outside MBA Huge
2009 - Apr - 28Tuesday 28 April 2009
By Brian Boyd, VTHC Secretary
Following on from the successful shop stewards’ rally at Dallas Brooks Hall last 7th April (see latest news) the combined building and construction unions delivered over 10,000 workers to today’s mass rally in Melbourne. Despite cold and rainy weather the mood of the protest was vocal and determined.
Being International Workers Memorial Day, proceedings were started at the Trades Hall assembly point by Father Peter Norden of Melbourne University Law School, who called on the rally to pay their respects to workers killed or injured at work and fight for improved OHS laws. A minute silence was adhered to....read more -
President of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California visits Trades Hall
2009 - Apr - 077th April 2009
The President of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, Robert Balgenorth and the Council’s Executive Assistant Ms Michaela Balgenorth visited the VTHC today....read more -
National Campaign Against ABCC Grows....
2009 - Apr - 07Melbourne all construction unions delegates meeting a big success
By Brian Boyd VTHC Secretary
7 April 2009
Across Australia, all building and construction unions (CFMEU C&G, CFMEU – FFTS, CEPU – ETU, CEPU – Plumbers, AMWU and AWU) have conducted mass delegates rallies to promote the ongoing campaign to have the ABCC abolished. In Melbourne today (7/4) over 600 delegates met at Dallas Brooks Hall. After hearing reports on the latest developments the mass meeting passed a series of resolutions (see below) aimed at boosting the national campaign. ...read more -
OHS Rights under threat from national model laws
2009 - Apr - 022nd April 2009
A meeting of Occupational Health and Safety Reps and delegates at Trades Hall has called on the Victorian Government to reject recommendations that would reduce the rights of Victorian workers. At the meeting a workplace deaths advocate, an ambulance officer and manufacturing worker united to warn that the rights of Victorian workers and their OHS Representatives would be reduced if the full suite of recommendations for new National Model Laws were introduced....read more -
Don't Put Public Sector Workers in front line in financial crisis response - says VTHC
2009 - Apr - 012nd April 2009
The State and Territory IR Ministers are in Adelaide tomorrow (Friday 3rd April) for the latest Workplace Relations Ministerial Council, with Federal IR Minister Julia Gillard.
The VTHC today has called on the Victorian IR Minister and the other IR Ministers not to sign off on a general strategy that places public sector workers in the front line to wear the brunt of the Global Financial Crisis.
The VTHC call comes after the Victorian Government recently announced a new wages policy that will reduce the capacity of ongoing and future wages negotiations, after the 4th May, to only achieve outcomes up to 2.5%....read more -
Trades Hall Photo Opportunity....
2009 - Mar - 27Demand Paid Maternity leave be included in the 2009 Federal Budget 27 March 2009 Union officials, members, supporters and friends gathered on the steps of the Victorian Trades Hall Council today (27/3) to take part in a photo holding up a sign saying "PUT PAID MATERNITY LEAVE IN THE 2009 FEDERAL BUDGET". The photo will be sent to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd as part of the VTHC Campaign for Paid Maternity Leave to be included in the Federal Budget for 2009. ...read more
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Trades Hall 150th Anniversary Banner
2009 - Mar - 2525 March 2009
A banner to mark the 150th Anniversary of the opening of the first Melbourne Trades Hall was placed above the heritage building's Lygon St entrance today by workers John Newton, Oli Kas, Josh Wise and Jacob Grech. ...read more -
VTHC warns bullying behaviours will increase in economic climate
2009 - Mar - 2019 March 2009
The Victorian Trades Hall Council is warning of an increase in workplace bullying as the current economic situation puts pressure on workers to work longer and harder to safeguard their jobs.
...read more -
Paid Maternity Week
2009 - Mar - 1919 March 2009
The Victorian Trades Hall Council will be supporting Paid Maternity Leave Week from Monday 23 - 27 March 2009....read more -
Fosters Contractor's Dispute Escalates
2009 - Mar - 1616 March 2009
It was revealed in the Magistrates Court of Victoria last week that Fosters, who also terminated over 100 long-serving maintenance employees, have replaced these Australian employees with a Contractor who is sourcing workers from overseas, including the USA and New Zealand....read more -
OBAMA Administration shows respect for U.S. union movement
2009 - Mar - 1212 March 2009
VTHC Vice-President David Cragg (AWU) has passed on a recent New York Times article to the VTHC website that reports the newly elected U.S. Vice-President Jo Biden was well received at an AFL-CIO executive council meeting....read more -
Workers not willing to cut their pay.. sacked
2009 - Mar - 0612 March 2009
Forty workers have been sacked from the Westgate Reconstruction project, after demanding to be paid the industry rate for the job. The AMWU and CFMEU members who were employed last December and told to expect two years full time work, were dismissed on Monday without any warning.
...read more -
VTHC Rally - International Women's Day
2009 - Mar - 066 March 2009
Hundreds of people gathered on the steps today of the State Library to mark the 98th International Women's day. The Victorian Trades Hall Council rallied with its affiliated unions, supporters and the wider community to call for: paid Maternity leave for all women; equal and decent pay and conditions; safe and secure work; free and public childcare; flexible working arrangements. Also the right to: be safe at work, at home and all public spaces; affordable housing, education and healthcare; be treated with dignity and respect. ...read more -
See Off Telstra's Sol Trujillo Rally......
2009 - Mar - 024th March 2009
-Support Telstra Workers RALLY was held at 8.45 am Wednesday 4th March 2009 Melbourne Convention Centre (John Batman Theatre) Corner of Flinders St and Clarendon St -Nth of Yarra River ( More information contact CEPU Telecommunications and Services Branch: 9349 4411).
...read more -
Fosters - a hard earned thirst for cash
2009 - Feb - 2626 February 2009
Loyal workers sacked.
Despite a massive $713 million profit, built by a loyal workforce, the Fosters brewing company has decided to outsource its Abbotsford plant and sell off its workforce to a labour hire company....read more -
Trust Fund for deceased firefighter's family
2009 - Feb - 2323 February 2009
Professional Firefighters around the country have established a Trust Fund for the Widow and 3 children of their deceased colleague David Balfour.
...read more -
Bushfire Crisis - Update
2009 - Feb - 1717 February 2009
Following the discussion at the recent VTHC Executive Council, the United Firefighters Union (UFU) have forwarded the following three requests to VTHC Unions.
(i) Support and promote the following website: www.thankyoufiries.com;
(ii) Support and promote the Firefighters Welfare Fund and
(iii) Support request that unions place these links on their websites during crisis period.
The VTHC has also participated in preliminary discussions with the Premier's Department, the Ministry of Industrial Relations and Industry and the VWA, exploring ways to maximise trade union input into the response to the bushfire crisis....read more -
ASU - Media Release - Airport workers tell Senate committee of the need for industrial change
2009 - Feb - 1717 February 2009
A customer service worker, representing her Toll Dnata colleagues at Melbourne airport, will appear before the Senate committee today calling for better collective bargaining rights and access to arbitration....read more -
Trades Hall to tell Senate Inquiry: Fair Work Bill ‘Not good enough'
2009 - Feb - 1716 February 2009
The VTHC is appearing before the Senate Inquiry hearings into the Fair Work Bill tomorrow,
17 February at the Melbourne Town Hall....read more -
Victorian Unions respond to Victorian Bush Fire Crisis
2009 - Feb - 099th February 2009 The VTHC today has been contacted by many affiliated unions about the bush fire emergency. Brian Boyd, VTHC Secretary said, “As an immediate response, the Victorian union movement offers its full support for the bush fire victims across Victoria in all practical ways possible.” “We in particular call on all employers to co-operate sympathetically with those directly affected and those who are assisting or wishing to assist in the ongoing fire fighting and relief activities. “No-one should have their employment status effected by matters related to the fires,” emphasised Mr Boyd. "We fully support all initiatives by the State and Federal Governments to alleviate the suffering and hardships being experienced and will assist to deliver such initiatives, via consultation with the relevant trade union members", said Mr Boyd....read more
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Telstra Rally
2009 - Feb - 04The Support Telstra Campaign
10 February 2009
Please note Rally has been cancelled due to Bush Fire Tragedy...read more -
Melbourne Trades Hall 150th Anniversary
2008 - Dec - 174 February 2009
2009 is the 150th Anniversary of the establishment of Melbourne Trade Hall on the original Carlton site (1859-2009).
...read more -
Telstra Campaign
2008 - Aug - 122 February 2009
The Telstra unions have stepped up their campaign for the collective rights of Telstra workers across the country. You can get updated information about this important campaign at the following website: www.yourrightsattelstra.com. The VTHC is fully behind this important campaign....read more