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delegates core

Branch secretary John Berger last week addressed the latest group of delegates to undertake the two-day core training at TWU HQ. In kicking-off a lively and informative session, John thanked the delegates and told them that the Union is only the stronger because of active members in yards willing to step up and demand safer workplaces and better wages and conditions for their workmates and fellow members. Thanks again, fellas!

stronger together       TWU logo counts

New Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force data figures showing unemployment fell 0.1-per-cent to 5.7-per-cent in July only mask a continuing and disturbing slide in full-time employment, according to ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver.


Since January 2016, part time employment has increased by 101,200, while full time employment decreased 19,900. Underemployment also continues to be a significant problem, with the snapshot reporting that over one million Australians are looking to pick up more work.

The figures also show that a large proportion of people exiting unemployment have not been able to find full-time jobs.

"Clearly, there are many Australians that want to work more hours and are in various casual and precarious work arrangements," Dave said.

TWU (Vic/Tas Branch) Secretary John Berger said the situation makes it more important than ever for workers to belong to a strong Union - such as the TWU - which fights for job security, saving full-time jobs from becoming part-time, casual or contractual arrangements and wage growth.

“There is no certainty for workers at the moment and it’s a real credit to our Organisers and rank-and-file activists that we’re continuing to rack up some good Agreements,” John said.

“Since the Government was re-elected it has failed to unveil any plans for the creation of jobs and growth - which they didn't mind talking up before the election - and it has been all over the place on its attitude to industrial matters and wages policy, especially penalty rates. This state-of-flux is understandably making a lot of people nervous.”
work-diary-2

A former employee whistleblower against a trucking company that faced dozens of fatigue management charges is suing the company for almost $690,000 in damages.

Stephen James Gleeson, 43, previously worked as operations manager for Tully-based Blenner’s Transport - in Far North Queensland - and spoke out on ABC program Four Corners in 2014, claiming drivers were under pressure and breaking fatigue laws to meet deadlines.

ANY TWU MEMBER, OR ANY DRIVER IN GENERAL, WHO ARE BEING ASKED TO DO THE WRONG THING, INCLUDING BREAK FATIGUE LAWS, BY EMPLOYERS, SHOULD CONTACT THE UNION IMMEDIATELY.   BREACHES OF ROAD SAFETY RULES AND LAWS, INCLUDING IN THIS ALLEGED SITUATION, PLACE THE LIVES OF DRIVERS AND ALL OTHER ROAD USERS AT RISK.

Company boss Les Blennerhassett and 45 drivers were charged, with the drivers collectively fined about $65,000.

The 43 charges against Mr Blennerhassett were dropped in a Townsville court last year, but this has been appealed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Mr Gleeson was sacked by the company in 2012, but later received compensation after being represented by the TWU for unfair dismissal.

He has now filed for damages against Blenner’s Transport in the Cairns District Court, claiming he suffered injuries, including depression and bowel problems due to the “breach of contract and negligence” of the company.

Along with medical expenses, he is seeking compensation for loss of past and future income, interest and superannuation.

In court documents obtained by the Cairns Post Mr Gleeson alleged Mr Blennerhassett directed drivers to keep driving and breach the fatigue management regulations which allowed for 14 hours of driving within 24 hours.

Mr Gleeson alleges his injuries, which include major depression and inflammatory bowel disease “were caused or contributed to by the defendant’s negligence and breach of contract”.

qantas plane

Qantas’ full year results are masking the dangerous truth of increased security risks throughout the company’s aviation operations, according to the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU).

TWU National Secretary Tony Sheldon today said staff turnover was already 15% within Qantas Group itself, while it was estimated that turnover was as high as 40% among some Qantas contractors.

“Maintaining a stable and properly-trained workforce is vital for the integrity and security of the aviation supply chain.

“Our most recent industry survey, however, showed 43 per cent of aviation workers are in insecure work and 14 per cent had received no security training in the previous six years.

“Ultimately, instability and high turnover in the aviation supply chain could leave Qantas and its passengers vulnerable and exposed - at a time when security simply has to be the industry’s number one priority.”

Mr Sheldon said the brand values that once defined Qantas have become a relic of the past, as the company has systematically hollowed-out its workforce.

“While Qantas bosses are tipped to hand themselves bonuses on top of their executive salaries, workers on the frontline are enduring an 18 month wage freeze with thousands of them receiving a base salary lower than the national minimum wage.

“Qantas is continuing to use its market power to drive down standards in the aviation supply chain, forcing suppliers to cut costs and standards to the bone.

“Full-time Qantas workers are being replaced by part-time contractors.  Contracting companies are then forced to pay lower wages and slash conditions in order to win Qantas work.

 “It’s a race to the bottom where workers are guaranteed as little as 60 hours work a month. This leads to high turnover, which is compromising service quality, safety and security.

 “I don’t consider sacrificing job security, slashing wages and potentially compromising safety the ‘Spirit of Australia’.

“Ultimately, passengers will see through the bluff, and realise what Qantas workers already know - Qantas is no longer the airline they knew and trusted.”

NOTES:

Contractor conditions quoted to workers by Qantas Group management to justify Qantas’ refusal to improve wages, conditions and job security within the Group include:

  • Only 60 hours of work guaranteed per month
  • No weekly guaranteed hours
  • 3 hour shifts
  • Split shifts
  • Removal of traditional weekend penalty rates

 

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