BE PART OF A REAL CHANGE MAGAZINE – AUTUMN 2012

REAL CHANGE

THIS ISSUE:REAL CHANGE: The Services Union-You are part of Real Change

LABOUR DAY: Our Union celebrates the achievements of members

UNION GOVERNANCE: How we comply with government regulationswww.theservicesunion.com.au

MAGAZINE OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUNICIPAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, CLERICAL AND SERVICES UNION QUEENSLAND (SERVICES AND NORTHERN ADMINISTRATIVE) BRANCH ABN 86 351 665 653 AND THE QUEENSLAND SERVICES, INDUSTRIAL UNION OF EMPLOYEES ABN 13 540 483 194 TRADING AS THE SERVICES UNION. AUTHORISED BY KATHRINE NELSON, SECRETARY, AUSTRALIAN MUNICIPAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, CLERICAL AND SERVICES UNION QUEENSLAND (SERVICES AND NORTHERN ADMINISTRATIVE) BRANCH AND THE QUEENSLAND SERVICES, INDUSTRIAL UNION OF EMPLOYEES.

IN THIS ISSUE REAL CHANGE MAGAZINE

www.theservicesunion.com.au32 Peel Street (PO Box 3347) South Brisbane Q 4101PRESIDENT: Bob BallBRANCH SECRETARY: Kathrine NelsonASSISTANT SECRETARY: Jennifer Thomas

Published by the Australian Services Union, Queensland (Services and Northern Administrative) BranchEDITOR: Kathrine NelsonPRINTED BY: Harding Colour Printing T: 07 3907 6500

SERVICES UNION CONNECTT: 07 3844 5300F: 07 3846 5046E: general@theservicesunion.com.auSERVICES UNION CONNECT SENIOR INDUSTRIAL OFFICER: Michelle RobertsonINDUSTRIAL OFFICERS: Denis Ball, Gerard O’Gorman, David MalcolmMEDIA/COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER: Belinda Hogan-Collis

INDUSTRIALINDUSTRIAL SERVICES COORDINATOR: Neil HendersonSENIOR INDUSTRIAL OFFICERS: James Mattner, Rebecca Girard, Tneka Springett, Richard Tarnawski

ORGANISINGLEAD NEGOTIATOR: Justine MoranREGIONAL COORDINATOR CENTRAL AND SOUTH: David PerrySACS COORDINATOR: Catherine LahertyGOC LEAD ORGANISER: Danny ReevesORGANISERS: Tim Frost, Anna Herzog, Stuart Maggs, Holly Patterson, Kirk Rostock, Brendan Sheehen, Zach Walsh, Lucas Bird

NORTH QUEENSLAND – TOWNSVILLE ORGANISERS: Chiara Lennox, Julianne Mann, Steve Rodgers 485 Flinders St (PO Box 135)Townsville Q 4810F: 07 4771 3460

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND – ROCKHAMPTON ORGANISER: Janet Kelly110–114 Campbell St (PO Box 5160)Red Hill, Rockhampton Q 4701F: 07 4922 3919

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND – TOOWOOMBA ORGANISERS: Peter RyanLevel 2 Trades Hall, 19A Russell St (PO Box 1619)Toowoomba Q 4350F: 07 4638 9133

REAL CHANGE

03 WELCOMEBRANCH SECRETARIES REPORTYou are part of Real Change By Kath Nelson and Jennifer Thomas04 OUR GOVERNANCEMembers can be assured our Union ticks all boxes when it comes to governance05 INDUSTRY NEWS• Gold Coast City

Council members Go for Gold

• Flexible working arrangements at BCC

• Allconnex staff transition

• Mackay and Cairns Airports - EBA updates

• Gladstone Port and

Seqwater updates06 ACTIONLABOUR DAY SPECIALMembers look to our Union’s future08 CONGRATULATIONS• Anne Watt wins

Queensland Delegate of the Year at QCU Awards

• Justice for Graham Camapign takes top honours

• Bursary winners announced

09 CHANGE MAKERS– PAUL ALVEY– NATALIE FARRELL– PETER MENGEDE10 INDUSTRY NEWS• Rail Industry

agreements now

certified• Negotiations about to

start at Armaguard NQ• State Government

cuts in vital community services

• New Queensland IR Laws

• Our Union supports members at Queensland Health

• Congratulations to our new VP Energy Chris Mellersh

11 MEMBER BENEFITS• Save on your next car

with Union Shopper• Hall Payne Lawyers

- the importance of making a Will

• Hesta - How they can help you in retirement

QSU ELECTIONS - NOTICE TO MEMBERS

QUEENSLAND SERVICES, INDUSTRIAL UNION OF EMPLOYEES

The Queensland Services, Industrial Union of Employees (“QSU”) will be making an application for exemption from election.

The QSU is having this application made as the same persons who fill the position in the federal counterpart body, the Australian Services Union, Queensland (Services and Northern Administrative) Branch will fill the positions in the state organisation, the QSU. The members of the QSU will not be detrimentally affected as eligible members will have already voted in, or been given the opportunity to vote in, the federal counterpart election. Therefore there will be no election of the QSU. Members may file a notice of objection with the Queensland State Industrial Registrar within 35 days from the publication of this notice.

KATHRINE NELSON - SECRETARY QUEENSLAND SERVICES, INDUSTRIAL UNION OF EMPLOYEES

Our Union membership fees will change from 1 July 2012 in accordance with the following:

Full time Adult Discounted for direct debit or credit $491.40Full time Adult Annual and payroll deduction $546.00Full time Junior Discounted for direct debit or credit $245.70Full time Junior Annual and payroll deduction $273.00

For a complete schedule of fees please visit www.theservicesunion.com.au

Membership Fees

REAL CHANGE | AUTUMN 2012 | www.theservicesunion.com.au

CONTENTS

BRANCH SECRETARIES REPORT

BEING PART OF A REAL CHANGEBY KATH NELSON & JENNIFER THOMAS

MEETING OUR OBJECTIVES - YOUTH SURVEY WINNER

TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL - HEARING LISTEDA three day hearing has been listed for arbitration between our Union and Toowoomba Regional Council from 11-13 July in Toowoomba. This is significant because we have never had to have an outcome arbitrated before in Local Government. Our Union has filed its case and we are optimistic about a positive outcome for members.

Our Union conducted a young worker survey during the month of April 2012. The survey ran across two work locations; Brisbane City Council, Brisbane Square and Energex, Newstead. Our aim was to establish what young workers value and what real changes they want to see take place in their workplace and community. Louise Lanza, from Brisbane City Council (above with David Swan from Union Shopper), was the winner of our survey prize and has won a Quick Beds voucher courtesy of Union Shopper to put towards a weekend getaway. Thank-you to everyone who participated in our survey.

We are writing to you today about a change in the trading name of our Union.

From July our Union will be known publicly as The Services Union. This change in trading name won’t affect your membership in any way. Legally we will still be the ASU or QSU.

Our Union has grown successfully over the past 100 years. We have come together from many smaller occupation or industry unions including the Federated Clerks Union, the Municipal Officers Union, the Railway Salaried Officers Union, the Social Welfare Union, the Queensland Services Union and the Australian Services Union.

Using our new name – The Services Union, allows us to unify under the one name and present to our industries, the media, government and the general community, the strength that comes with this unity.

To assist in this transition we have created a new website: www.theservicesunion.com.au.

This new website has been developed from the feedback of members about what you wanted. We have also created a new magazine and membership form. We hope that you enjoy these tools as much as we enjoyed creating them for you.

We remain committed to the objectives our members have given to us: to be more visible; to strive for excellence in representation; to deliver a better commitment to delegates, develop activists and to weave the engagement with young workers in everything we do. Through our strength in unity we will continue to make our workplaces a better place to be and our communities better places to live. If you have any queries regarding this change contact Services Connect on (07) 3844 5300.

Thank you for continuing to being part of our Union and being part of a real change.

BE PART OF A REAL CHANGE

BE PART OF A REAL CHANGE | AUTUMN 2012 | REAL CHANGE 03

WELCOME

Congratulations to member Phil Thomas, the first winner of our Do It Direct (DID)Campaign, who has taken home an iPad2 courtesy of our sponsor ME Bank. Phil decided to start paying his membership fees by direct debit during the campaign because he felt it made sense to make the switch and DID.“Saving 10 percent on my membership fees seemed like a great idea and going into the draw to maybe win an iPad2 was the sealer,” Phil explains.“I was thrilled when I heard the news that I was the first winner in the Do It Direct Campaign,” Phil says. “I had been thinking of getting one for the family for a while.” Phil was presented with his iPad2 by our Assistant Secretary Jennifer Thomas and ME Bank’s Business and Development Manager Peter Jones (pictured with Phil above) recently.“I have been using my iPad2 ever since Jenny and Peter kindly presented it to me.” Our DID Campaign has now been extended until 31 December 2012 and there are two more iPads to be won. Please visit our Union website for further details on how to make the switch and to find out more about ME Bank’s fairer banking.

MEMBERS OF THE ASU/QSU (TRADING AS THE SERVICES UNION) CAN BE ASSURED THAT ALL BOXES ARE TICKED WHEN IT COMES TO GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS.

Members of the Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union Queensland (Services and Northern Administrative) Branch (ASU) and the Queensland Services, Industrial Union of Employees (QSU), trading as The Services Union, can be reassured that our Union operates in compliance with the applicable government regulations and audit requirements.

The ASU/QSU operates under both the Industrial Relations Act 1999 (Queensland) and the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act. Both systems require an annual audit and financial reports which must be filed with the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) and Fair Work Australia (FWA) respectively. These audits are conducted in accordance with the requirements of those Acts and general audit standards.

The financial reports are available to members. The ASU National Union Financial Reports are also available on the ASU National Union website. Reports for both entities of our Union are available to members on the Services Union

website under Annual Operating Reports, at www.theservicesunion.com.au. All expenditure of the ASU/QSU is reported quarterly to the Executive. Expenditure is controlled through a number of checks and balances. Major items of expenditure are approved by the Executive. Cheques must be signed by both a fulltime elected official (Secretary or Assistant Secretary) and an Honorary Official such as the President or the Treasurer.

The ASU/QSU operates Purchase Cards for use by officials and staff for work purposes such as travel and accommodation. Fixed limits on the amount that can be expended for items such as accommodation and meals are in place. Tax receipts and the expense vouchers must be provided to support any use and for reconciliation with the account. Personal expenses must not be incurred on the work card for any reason.

Due to the outrageous behaviour which is alleged to have occurred at the Health Services Union (HSU), it looks highly likely that further controls on union governance will be required by the Federal Government.

Our Union will have no difficulty in meeting any additional financial reporting requirements because of the rigorous accounting arrangements already in place.

GOVERNANCE AT THE ASU AND QSU - THE SERVICES UNION

BY NEIL HENDERSON

IT PAYS TO DID

04 REAL CHANGE | AUTUMN 2012 | www.theservicesunion.com.au

SPECIAL REPORT

GLADSTONE PORT AND SEQWATER EBA UPDATEMembers at both Gladstone Port Authority and Seqwater have now completed their Enterprise Bargaining (EB) Surveys.

The surveys are being collated by our Union staf f to establish a Log of Claims for both workplaces, which will be endorsed by our members in the near future.

Members at Scenic Rim Regional Council have voted to endorse their proposed agreement at a recent ballot.Our Union is pleased with the result as it clearly showed most members were satisfied with the terms negotiated on their behalf. This result would not have been possible without the strength and density of membership at this Council.

GOING FOR GOLDGLADSTONE RC

Employees are set to transition back to their respective local governments on 1 July 2012. Our Union has been working through member grievances in relation to the positions of our members who have been transitioned to Gold Coast City Council. Members have received a Certificate of Entitlements for transition which protects all of their existing terms of employment.

ENERGY - OUR UNION ASSISTING WITH RESTRUCTURESOur members across the Energy Industry are experiencing a period of uncertainty and change with a number of Government Owned Corporations announcing major restructures across their organisations. Of particular concern is the Voluntary Separation Process instigated by Ergon Energy.

Ergon Energy have embarked upon a process where they are seeking expressions of interest from employees who would be willing to accept a voluntary separation. Predictions are that up to 200 employees will receive a separation package. Our Union is working with members at Ergon Energy to ensure that employees who remain are not adversely affected by the reduction in employee numbers.

Powerlink, CS Energy and Energex are also undertaking a number of different restructures and reviews which our Union are watching closely to ensure the correct process is followed.

CAIRNS AND MACKAY AIRPORTS

FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS AT BCC

Our Union is currently concerned about enquiries from members at Brisbane City Council (BCC) who are currently accessing Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs) and who have been advised by management that these arrangements are to be terminated. At this stage, our Union has received no formal advice that there is a proposal to terminate current flexible work arrangements. Members need to be aware that within their Certified Agreement (EBA7) it is quite clear in its intent concerning flexibility and work/life balance issues. To find out more information about what is actually contained in your agreement please visit the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission’s (QIRC) website at www.qirc.qld.gov.au

Members at Cairns Airport have voted to accept the latest Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) at a recent ballot, held on 1 May 2012. This is the second time workers have gone to ballot, with the first one voted down on 11 April. Management did increase its uniform allowance for staff and included a $500 one-off payment. The in-principle agreement has now been filed with Fair Work Australia (FWA).

Members at Mackay Airport overwhelmingly voted down a proposed EBA at a ballot recently due to management attempts to strip current workplace entitlements, together with a poor wage offer. Negotiations are continuing.

Negotiations still continue for members at Gladstone Regional Council for a replacement Enterprise Agreement (EA). The last agreement expired in September 2011 and workers at Council have now had no pay increase for 18 months. Council have indicated that they will not provide a wage increase which is retrospective. Council are also not willing at this stage to include a no-forced redundancy clause in the new agreement. However, members are committed to pursue a wage increase that reflects the cost of living in Gladstone and have endorsed to take protected industrial action to achieve this.

Members at Gold Coast City Council officially launched their 2012 Enterprise Agreement (EA) campaign in April 2012 and negotiations for their new agreement are now well underway. Entitled ‘Going For Gold’ to coincide with the Gold Coast’s fantastic win in securing the Commonwealth Games for the city in 2018, the campaign will focus on the importance of Council having a highly skilled, well paid, well resourced and secure workforce capable of delivering effective services. These industrial factors will be vital in determining the role Council will play in supporting its city to prepare and host the Games. The Gold Coast’s development, infrastructure needs, population growth and community service level expectations will grow rapidly in the lead up to the Games and the EA is the perfect opportunity to ensure that the Gold Coast community has a secure, well resourced and competitive workforce to meet those future challenges and demands. Members launched their campaign with paid members meetings and BBQ lunches at Council’s three major work locations in Bundall, Varsity and Nerang. Negotiations are now progressing with our members clearly indicating that enhanced employment security and fair and competitive wages increase the primary goals for the new agreement. ALLCONNEX

SCENIC RIM

ABOVE : GOLD COAST CITY COUNCIL LOCAL UNION COMMITTEE PRESIDENT

PETER CRUTCH OPENS THE GOING FOR GOLD CAMPAIGN

BE PART OF A REAL CHANGE | AUTUMN 2012 | REAL CHANGE 05

INDUSTRY NEWS

QUEENSLAND HAS ALWAYS HAD A STRONG TRADITION FOR CELEBRATING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF WORKERS PAST AND PRESENT EACH LABOUR DAY AND THIS YEAR OUR REGIONALLY BASED MEMBERS FLEW THE NEW FLAGS OF OUR UNION WITH PRIDE IN CAIRNS, ROCKHAMPTON, TOOWOOMBA, TOWNSVILLE AND THE GOLD COAST. LABOUR DAY WAS ALSO SIGNIFICANT THIS YEAR AS OUR UNION LAUNCHED ITS NEW TRADING NAME AND BRAND, THE SERVICES UNION.

Labour Day is very significant in Queensland as it is the only place in Australia (except for the Northern Territory) which celebrates with a worker procession. This Labour Day, our members celebrated our Union’s achievements by marching proudly in different regions throughout the State.

In Cairns, members marched up the Esplanade followed by a family fun day. Member of our

SACS Industry Divison Committee Bob Paten organised the celebrations for our Union in Cairns where everyone had a wonderful day.

“The march was very well attended and it was much bigger than last year,” Bob says. “The overall theme was one of solidarity and people were united in the desire to protect working rights.”

In Townsville, members marched along The Strand to Strand Park, which was followed by a family fun day with children’s rides, races and a live band. It was a great turn out of our members in Townsville this year and our Vice President Women, Ronnee Meachen says the atmosphere was electric.

“Our members were very excited with the new look of our Union,” Ronnee says. “The best bit was also seeing more individuals and families marching, with the children really enjoying signing along to the chants.”

In Rockhampton, members marched down Archer Street to Victoria Park, where they then enjoyed a BBQ and family fun day. Workplace Delegate Lucas Garretty says Labour Day is all about sharing it with family. “It was great to be able to educate my two sons about the importance of Labour Day and what unions have achieved for us.”

On the Gold Coast, members marched along Scarborough Street, Southport to BroadwaterParklands, whilst in Toowoomba our Union lead the well attended Labour Day march.

Toowoomba Member Troy Murray says members were enthusiastic about our Justice for Graham Campaign. “Social justice for Graham was the leading campaign and we chanted for the whole march which was great,” Troy says.“Labour Day is a reminder of the people power which has bought forward the conditions in workplaces today and the improvements still to be achieved.”

FROM TOP LEFT CLOCKWISE: MEMBERS FROM THE GOLD COAST, TOOWOOMBA, TOWNSVILLE, CAIRNS, TOOWOOMBA AND ROCKHAMPTON CELEBRATE LABOUR DAY 2012

MEMBERS OF THE SERVICES UNION UNITE FOR LABOUR DAY CELEBRATIONS ACROSS QUEENSLAND

MIDDLE: SINEAD MANN ENJOYS THE SACK RACES AT THE FAMILY FUN DAY IN TOWNSVILLE

06 REAL CHANGE | AUTUMN 2012 | www.theservicesunion.com.au

LABOUR DAY SPECIAL

WITH A FOUR PIECE BAND SINGING TUNES OF SOLIDARITY LEADING THE WAY, OUR MEMBERS IN BRISBANE CELEBRATED LABOUR DAY 2012 WITH MINDS ON OUR PAST ACHIEVEMENTS WHILST MAKING A CLEAR STATEMENT ABOUT OUR FUTURE.

With the launch of our new trading name and logo, The Services Union, members wore with pride their newly designed union t-shirts and hats whilst waving corflutes, flags, balloons.

Members of all ages and their families joined in the march which was followed by a family fun day and BBQ at the Royal Brisbane Showground.

Member Sonya Jaillet attended the celebrations with her children. “Labour Day was amazing and my boys (pictured above) and I had a really great day,” Sonya says. “I love our Union’s new brand and I am excited about being a part of a real

change whilst educating my boys as they grow up on the achievements and importance of our Union.”

Our Vice President Youth, Michael Hayworth (pictured right) says it was great to see so many children and young people participate in this year’s celebrations.

“It was fantastic to see so many children and young people marching at Labour Day this year; they are our future” Michael says. “Our younger members were demonstrating their commitment to the trade union community and their desire to have a say in the sort of change they want to see and the type of community they want to live in five or 10 years down the track.”

With Youth engagement being one of our Union’s current objectives, Michael says it is up to us all to encourage and educate the younger generations.

“Being a role model is important and when I first started work I was literally lost,” Michael explains.“While I am a bit older now, I still appreciate a senior colleague giving me some advice and a nudge in the right direction. For those who have seen their fair share of Labour Days take 20 minutes to ask a younger colleague what changes at work are important to them, talk about why the day and the union movement is important to you personally and ask them if next year you can count on them to come down and have a sausage for the movement next May.”

ABOVE: OUR UNION’S FUTURE

BRISBANE LABOUR DAY - CELEBRATING OUR PAST ACHIEVEMENTS AND FOCUSING ON OUR FUTURE

BE PART OF A REAL CHANGE | AUTUMN 2012 | REAL CHANGE 07

LABOUR DAY SPECIAL

Stephanie Dyer (daughter of member Roxanne Dyer) is one of the recipients of The Services Union bursary which was awarded recently. Stephanie is currently studying a Bachelor of Paramedic Science at the University of Queensland (UQ) and will use her $750 bursary to purchase her student paramedic uniform for placement as well as textbooks. Stephanie says she loves university. “I love the freedom and independence that comes from self-directed learning and I would eventually like to pursue a career in the Search and Rescue or Medical Retrieval Field,” she says. “By winning this bursary from The Services Union, some of the financial pressures that come with university study have been eased.”

LEARNING TO HELP OTHERS - STEPHANIE DYER WINS BURSARY

Damian Curran (son of member Stephen Curran) is also the successful recipient of The Services Union Bursary. Damian completed his studies at Bundaberg State High School last year where Maths, English and Graphics were his favourite subjects. Now at the University of Queensland (UQ), Damian is studying Biotechnology majoring in Nanotechnology.“ When I leave university I hope to be a Research Scientist maybe at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN),” Damian says. Winning the Bursary is certainly going to come in handy too. “It means I am able to focus on my studies; relieving some of the financial burden has also helped me greatly,” Damian says. “The money will be put towards text books and university needs.”

DAMIAN CURRAN - TAKING THE LEAD IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

ANNE WATT - WINS QUEENSLAND DELEGATE OF THE YEAR Anne Watt has been named Queensland Delegate/Activist of the Year by the Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) in the 2012 Labour Day Awards. Anne who has been a long time workplace delegate at Gold Coast City Council, was also named our Union’s Delegate of the Year in 2011. Anne has worked at Council for almost 32 years and during this time has and continues to be a real change maker. Anne was thrilled to win this Award. “I was totally surprised when our Union’s Secretary Kath Nelson phoned me with the news,” Anne says. “It was a great and unexpected honour.” Anne is busy in her role as Workplace Delegate at Council currently, especially since members launched their ‘2012 Going for Gold’ Enterprise Bargaining (EB) Campaign. “I am a member of the Special Bargaining Unit (SBU) team and I will be assisting our Union’s negotiator at collective bargaining meetings,” Anne says. “For the SBU team Meetings, I minute take, book meeting rooms, send out invitations and am collating the SBU’s Combined Log of Claims.” Anne loves her role as Workplace Delegate and believes real change can happen if you get active. “Sometimes when we are so busy we don’t look at the bigger picture,” Anne says. “It is very rewarding being a Workplace Delegate because you feel a sense of accomplishment when you have helped individuals in your workplace or influenced Council-wide changes for the betterment of staff,” she says.

Our Union has also won the 2012 Labour Day Award for Best Public Campaign for our Justice for Graham Campaign. Voted by the Queensland Council of Unions (QCU), this Award is presented annually to the Queensland union whose campaign has fought hard to achieve its goals and has gained extensive exposure in the media and the wider community. Our Union has run an extensive public campaign in the aim of attaining Justice for Graham, where we have utilised a diverse range of strategies to try and achieve our goal. Our membership has been engaged in the sending of online emails, participating in an online petition, letter writing to the Toowoomba Chronicle, holding ‘Go Gold For Graham’ Morning Teas and showing their support at rallies. The Justice for Graham Campaign has gained much online, print and broadcast media. Many Queensland unions as well as The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), showed their support by writing letters to Council about their dismay at Graham’s dismissal.At the most recent Labour Day celebrations, our Union lead the Toowoomba procession with a massive Justice for Graham banner. Graham also opened celebrations with a heartfelt speech where he said; “Our Union have supported and defended me right from the beginning of this attack and have continued to do so. There are no words that can really describe how I feel. I will never forget the effort put in by my Union. I will always remain a member and proud of it.”

JUSTICE FOR GRAHAM - BEST CAMPAIGN

08 REAL CHANGE | AUTUMN 2012 | www.theservicesunion.com.au

CONGRATULATIONS

PAUL ALVEY WITH UNIONISM IN HIS BLOOD PAUL SEEKS TO BRING ABOUT REAL WORKPLACE CHANGE.

NATALIE FARRELL

“I’ve worked in the non-government housing sector since returning from the Unites States in 2002, where I was made acutely aware of the lack of workers’ benefits, security, considerations, and conditions that as an Australian I’d long since taken for granted. Since my return, I’ve enjoyed the benefits that our Union has won for workers. In my role as Workplace Delegate, I’ve been involved in collective agreement negotiations where I’ve frequently sought invaluable assistance and advice from our Union, which has had an unwavering focus on workers’ interests. I believe real change is achieved through a long series of incremental improvements that consolidate and build upon union won working conditions. I feel I am a part of real change as I do my best to support a number of local housing and homelessness networks’ in collaborating, relationship building, and knowledge sharing, which are vital aspects in improving outcomes for both the public and front line services. I think it’s important we work collectively to grow union membership and strive for improvements in the SACS Industry. Change happens gradually through perseverance and consolidation. It’s more than just joining; it’s about taking an active part in our Union. I look forward to continuing to being a part of real change.”

PETER MENGEDEPETER IS A PASSIONATE SACS DELEGATE MAKING REAL CHANGE IN THE NON-GOVERNMENT HOUSING SECTOR.

“I’ve worked in the Energy Industry ever since I was apprenticed as an electrician in 1974 back in Britain. I came to Australia in 2006 to work for Energex. I now work for Powerlink where I am the Network Outage Coordinator for the Southern Region of Queensland. I have been a trade union member for 36 years and a representative of staff for most of that time. Unionism is in my blood and for me is about making changes for people; because people matter in life. I became a member of our Union when I arrived in Australia. The best thing about being a Workplace Delegate for our Union is the support from the full time officers and the dedication of other Delegates, it’s infectious. Real change is tangible and can be felt by everyone, thanks to people who challenge established procedures for the betterment of others. Being a part of real change is like the lottery; you have to be in it to win it. Being in our Union I know I have the support of professionals who know my business, giving me confidence to affect change in my workplace. My experience as a unionist has taught me to deal with companies, friends and family in a more empathetic way and to realise that compromise is not a failure or loss, merely a new starting place.” Please Note: We would like to apologise for the misspelling of Paul’s name in the last edition of Energy News.

“The best parts of my job at Townsville Regional Council are working with a team and with my awesome colleagues. We always focus on delivering the highest quality service standards to our local community. I have been a member of our Union for over 13 years after my supervisor on my second day at work signed me up. I love the benefits that you receive from being a member of our Union, especially the worker protection it provides. As a long time member of our Union, I have witnessed members working hard to achieve real solutions in our workplace. I am only new to the role as Workplace Delegate. I love being able to liaise with our other Workplace Delegates as well as getting to know them. I am now establishing a real rapport with people in my workplace and I want my colleagues to feel comfortable coming to me regarding any workplace issue they may have. Being a part of our Union helps to provide a stable working environment whilst protecting workplace rights. Being in a collective also means safer workplaces and working towards greater legislation that protects jobs. Real change is being a part of changing culture in the workplace. I hope to do this by leading by example. I hope I can be a role model for positive change and growth by increasing membership and representation.”

A ROLE MODEL FOR WORKPLACE CHANGE IS WHAT NATALIE AIMS TO BE IN HER NEW POSITION AS DELEGATE.

BE PART OF A REAL CHANGE | AUTUMN 2012 | REAL CHANGE 09

CHANGE MAKERS

INDUSTRY NEWS

OUR UNION SUPPORTING MEMBERS AT QUEENSLAND HEALTHOur Union has been involved in proceedings in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) in relation to the security of temporary workers at Queensland Health

(QHealth). Temporary contracts have been widely utilised and some members have been employed in this way despite being interviewed for permanent jobs. On-going employment is at risk and

any reduction in employment numbers will also negatively affect permanent staff. Our Union will continue to pursue an outcome that will see staffing levels maintained adequately.

RAIL- EAs CERTIFIEDOur Rail Industry members are very pleased to see the seven new Enterprise Agreements (EAs) they negotiated now certified. In addition to the obvious back-pay entitlement arising from the new EAs, there is a raft of changes in other conditions that will affect members throughout Queensland Rail (QR). Our Union has already met with management in several different work areas to discuss the implementation of those changes. In most EAs the implementation date for the various changes is staggered. This means that some have already become effective, some will occur over the next couple of months, whilst others are 12 months away from implementation. Regardless of when they are to be implemented, our Union will be keeping a watchful eye on QR to ensure that it complies with its full obligations. If any member is concerned that a particular provision in a new EA is not being adhered to, they should raise the matter with their Workplace Delegate.

ARMAGUARD - NQ

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW ASU VP ENERGY - CHRIS MELLERSH

FUNDING CUTS TO VITAL COMMUNITY SERVICES

The State Government has recently announced a cut to at least two vital community services. The Sisters Inside Program at Townsville Correctional Centre which provides counselling support to women who are making the transiton back into the community after time in prison, was first to have their $120 thousand funding cut. The Queensland Association for Healthy Communities, the State’s only gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender health and wellbeing organisation has had all its $2.5 million funding from Queensland Health cut also. Our Union’s concern is that the State Government is trying to save money by cutting the funding of vital front line community services, accessed by some of the most vulernable people in our communities and delivered by our dedicated members.

Chris Mellersh is a long time worker in the Energy Industry starting his career as an apprentice electrical fitter mechanic and completing an Associate Diploma in Electrical Engineering in 1987. Chris has worked in a variety of roles over the years and currently he is the Control Room Supervisor at Ergon’s Operations Control Centre in Townsville, where he supervises 25 staff. Chris has been a member of our Union since 1987. He has been a workplace change maker, ensuring the rights and conditions of energy workers are safeguarded and enhanced through the collective bargaining process and at the workplace. In his new role as Vice President of our Energy Industry Committee, Chris wants this Committee to have a greater involvement with electricity utilities and the Queensland Government in relation to where the Industry is heading. Chris is also passionate about taking a more proactive role around training for future electricians and para professionals coming into the Industry and around the issue of bullying and harassment. Chris says, “I am pleased about this new role in our Union because I believe the best way to predict the future is to help create it.”

Negotiations will soon begin for a new agreement at Armaguard in North Queensland. Members will be endorsing their Log of Claims in the next few weeks.

The members work in three branches: Mackay, Townsville and Cairns.

Our Union will aim to negotiate a fair deal. Our members work very work hard in the cash industry and deserve recognition for the work they do. Our Union will aim to negotiate a decent wage increase and an improvement of conditions.

CHANGES PROPOSED FOR QUEENSLAND INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMThe State Government has introduced a Bill to amend the Industrial Relations Act to “harmonise” the Act with the Fair Work Act. The Bill Introduces a requirement for the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) to consider the State’s financial position and fiscal strategy and the financial position of the particular public sector entity; Introduces the requirements for a secret ballot to be conducted before protected industrial action can commence; Seeks to alter the way in which Agreements are negotiated to limit the capacity of employees to be represented by their unions; Enables the Minister with Industrial Relations responsibilities

to terminate protected industrial action; and folds the Public Service appeals system into the QIRC. Our Union participated in the development of a submission about the legislation through the Queensland Council of Unions. In its submission the Local Government Association of Queensland has sought to include a provision which would require the QIRC to take the same approach for local government as it will be required to take for the public sector generally. This would mean that the QIRC would need to consider the financial position of the local government sector generally. The Bill and the various submissions can be found at www.parliament.qld.gov.au.

10 REAL CHANGE | AUTUMN 2012 | www.theservicesunion.com.au

MEMBER BENEFITS

Our members can benefit from the special rates and services offered by our Union Lawyers, Hall Payne.

As well providing The Services Union members with a free initial consultation and discounted legal fees, Hall Payne Lawyers offers a free standard Will to members and their spouses.

Many people incorrectly assume that Wills are necessary only for the wealthy. Making a Will is

the only way to ensure that your lifetime’s work is passed on to the people you choose. It provides security to those who are nearest and dearest to you.

Without a Will, your estate may be divided in a way that may not reflect your wishes. If you have children, a Will is all the more important and can ensure provisions are made for their guardianship, living

and education costs.

Hall Payne Lawyers has been a trusted partner of our Union for over 13 years, providing our members with a comprehensive range of legal services in more than 12 locations throughout Queensland relating to Personal Injuries, and all areas of the Law relating to Family, Employment, Discrimination, Wills and Estate, Superannuation and TPD, Conveyancing and Immigration.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKING A WILL

SAVE BIG DOLLARS ON YOUR NEXT CAR WITH UNION SHOPPERMembers of The Services Union can save time and money on new and used car purchases by buying through Union Shopper’s Motor Market. The Union Shopper’s network of reputable car dealers allows them to supply new and used cars at great prices, without the sales pitch. Union Shopper Motor Market makes the whole process of selling and buying a new car hassle-free and seamless. To be part of the savings, simply decide on the make and model of the vehicle you wish to purchase, then call Union Shopper Motor Market on 1300 368 117 with your preferences, prices and requirements.

HESTA: YOUR HEALTH AND COMMUNITY SERVICE INDUSTRY FUND

More people in health and community services choose HESTA than any other fund

Issued by H.E.S.T. Australia Limited ABN 66 006 818 695 AFSL No. 235249 Trustee of Health Employees Superannuation Trust Australia (HESTA) ABN 64 971 749 321. Consider a Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision about HESTA products, call 1800 813 327 or visit our website for copies.

For 24 years HESTA has focused on helping those in the health and community services sector reach their retirement goals. Hesta now has more than 730,000 members, 100,000 employers and more than $18 billion in assets.

HESTA’s size means they can offer many benefits to members of The Services Union. These include: low fees, a fully portable account, easy administration, access to low-cost income protection and death insurance, limited financial advice (at no extra cost), super education sessions and transition to retirement options. Hesta also provides access to great value health insurance, banking and financial planning.

For more information visit hesta.com.au or free call 1800 813 327.

BE PART OF A REAL CHANGE | AUTUMN 2012 | REAL CHANGE 11