VTHC - OHS Radio Advertisement - Don't risk 2nd Rate Safety
19 November 2009
Unions are continuing the campaign to support rights and protections for
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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
Rally at the steps of Parliament to protest the loss of our Human Rights, especially Workers' Rights, Aboriginal Rights and Refugee Rights which have dominated the Australian political landscape under a Howard/Rudd Government....read more -
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 -
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 -
ACTU CONGRESS (1-4 JUNE 2009) - Time for Plain Speaking
2009 - Jun - 1110 June 2009
By Brian Boyd, VTHC Secretary
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....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.
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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