The Qantas Enterprise Agreement is due to expire on 1 July 2011. Negotiations for a new agreement will commence in the coming months. Qantas’ efforts to transform its operation into a cut-price airline is threatening members’ pay and conditions. The Union is ready to test the mettle of Qantas management in these upcoming negotiations.

The outsourcing of jobs, labour hire and offshoring will threaten job security at Qantas and workers will strongly campaign against this practice in the negotiations. 

Wayne Mader, Branch Secretary said, “Qantas workers have made it very clear that they will stand up for their right and campaign strongly against the practice of outsourcing.”

“The workforce at Qantas are loyal and dedicated and they deserve to be treated fairly and equitably. Outsourcing is a way of cutting the wages and conditions of these dedicated workers,” said Mr. Mader.

Success in other major claims in the transport industry lifts the standard and provides a good benchmark, particularly as negotiations commence on agreements coming up for renewal in 2011.

TNT members and the Union won a significant victory and secured a ground-breaking settlement after long and difficult negotiations. A number of lawful strikes were taken during the negotiations. Three 24 hour protected action strikes saw TNT to substantially improve their proposal.

The agreement between TNT and the Union, which union members recently voted on, provides for Delegated rights & leave, workplace dispute arbitration, outside hire reduction, job security and safe rates committees.

Importantly, the company can no longer use contract or casual workers to undermine the working conditions of its directly employed workers. Casual workers will also have the right to become permanent workers after nine months and the company has committed to use permanent full-time workers before hiring casual workers.

The three-year agreement will cover around 3,000 TNT employees and 800 owner-drivers, who will receive an annual pay increase of 4 per cent. The settlement also provides for an increase of between 1 and 1.5 per cent rise in annual superannuation rates, subject to the company meeting its profit targets.

This is a tremendous victory for workers at TNT, and was only made possible by the hard work and dedication of Delegates and members. A committee of senior delegates met regularly throughout the campaign to discuss site issues and the progress of negotiations.>

Ged Kearney from the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) applauded the Union, stating that the deal was a “great win” for the labour movement’s campaign to end the lack of job security.

The Murray Goulburn Enterprise Agreement has been finalised. The bargaining process with Murray Goulburn was made difficult by the company’s reluctance to agree to basic wage increases and better conditions for our members.  The Union applied to Fair Work Australia (FWA) for a protected action ballot order. The order was issued by FWA and a ballot was conducted.  The results sent a clear message to Murray Goulburn with 82% of members returning their ballot papers, and a massive 95 % of members supporting the industrial action.

The Union notified the Company of a 2 day strike. An urgent conciliation was called by FWA and the Company slightly improved its offer. The members rejected this offer.

The Union made an application to FWA to extend the 30 day period in which industrial action is authorised by a protected action ballot, and the application was successful.

The Company engaged in further negotiations with the Delegates and Union Officials and a settlement was reached and endorsed by the members. This is a great result for Murray Goulburn workers. Delegates and members involved in the negotiation process should be proud of their hard work and solidarity.