Rally foR JoBS!

The Journal of TogeTher • 1800 177 244 • www.together.org.au

Union News

The chaos of the first few months of the Newman government has highlighted two things. The first is that Ministers and their advisers don’t yet understand what government is about – they see the public service not as a group of people working for Queenslanders but as an abstract concept.

The second is that this is the most ideologically driven government in Queensland’s history. You have to go all the way back to the Moore government of the depression era to find a government that has come close to the level of slashing and burning that this government has committed to.

It is often said that the Premier and Treasurer are operating a ‘Razor Gang’ but this undersells the damage they are doing to communities. They are taking a chainsaw rather than a razor to Queensland.

As workers our strongest defense is the support of each other. That is why I was so pleased to see the response of union members and community members at our recent statewide rallies, culminating in the massive event in Brisbane.

Talking to people in the crowds it was clear the Newman government has gone too far. For most of the people attending the rally in Brisbane this was the first time they had ever been to a protest.

Together members are not radical people, but we do know what’s important to Queenslanders and we are proud to stand up in support of our jobs and the services that we provide to the community.

So how do we change the minds of a government that is full on power and unwilling to listen? People power is the answer.

There are two things that we need to do if we are going to make an impact.

The first is to show power in our workplaces. For the core public service agencies bargaining at the moment this means taking industrial action.

The government changed the laws to try to silence the voice of workers across government. See page 5 for more information.

The second thing we need to do is continue to take our message into the community. That’s why the Working for Queenslanders (www.workingforqueenslanders.org.au) campaign is so important. With Working for Queenslanders we are starting a movement to support public services, and we already have thousands of people taking part. We need to be ready for a long fight, and Working for Queenslanders is the way that we will do it.

By sticking together, being active and all playing our part we have the power to move this government (or any government for that matter). When the people lead, our leaders have to follow.

For thousands of you this will be your first Together Journal. So far this year we have had more members join our union than during an equivalent period in our history. To those of you who are new to our union, welcome.

Never forget that by standing together we are much more powerful than we would be on our own. Together we will make a real difference. n

Together we winWe are in a struggle against an extreme ideology that would destroy public services. We will fight, and we will win.

By VIVIENNE DOOGAN Together President

ABOVE: Rallies for Jobs were held all over Queensland in July. At top is Cairns, then Brisbane, and Townsville

State finances have always been used as a guise to move unpopular economic agendas. The previous government used economic spin to justify the sale of Queensland Rail and other assets after the 2009 election. Now the LNP government is trying to find economic excuses to justify mass lay-offs and service cuts. As with most things if you cut through the spin, things are not always as they seem. The truth is that while we have debt, we are not broke.

Costello Commission – A political smokescreen to justify cuts

Immediately following the election the new government commissioned a review of the state’s finances by former federal Treasurer Peter Costello. Unsurprisingly the review determined that Queensland was broke.

To play up the magnitude of the problem Mr Costello used a couple of tricks that have since been discredited.

Trick one – operating balance vs. fiscal balance

Australian governments, state and federal, have an agreed framework for reporting budgets. This framework uses what’s known as an “operating balance” to define whether the budget is in surplus of deficit. The Costello report switches from using the agreed operating balance, to looking at the state’s balance sheet using a “fiscal balance” lens. This makes the state’s debt look much worse because it ignores that infrastructure that will be used over 30 years should be paid for over 30 years, so as not to burden one generation with the infrastructure that future generations use.

The reason why governments usually use the simpler operating balance in their calculations is that it’s awfully difficult to run a budget surplus under a fiscal balance scenario. If the State Treasurer continues to use the fiscal balance, the only way Queensland can ever reach surplus is by not building any infrastructure or by having the private sector build it and charge for it. Essentially if you want the Bruce Highway

upgraded the government would have to make it a private toll road.

The fiscal balance gives the scary $100bn debt number, but this is detached from the budgetary reality.

Trick two – take one-off events and assume that they will continue annually

In order to make it look like public sector spending is out of control the report takes the last five years of spending growth and uses that figure to model public sector growth into the future. The problem with this is that the growth over the last five years has been for specific, one-off purposes and is unlikely to be repeated.

Community recovery for floods and cyclones required growth in public spending, but this is unlikely to repeat every year. The Health Action plan took us from having a hospital system on the brink of disaster to having one of the most professional systems in the country. The last government introduced an extra year of schooling that meant a one-off growth in education spending.

If you take the Health, Communities, Police and Education spending out of the equation then public service numbers are about the same as they were in 2001 - hardly the case of a public service growing out of control.

Where do we really stand?

Queensland does have debt, but it’s manageable debt. In historical terms money is cheap for governments at the moment so it’s not a bad time to have debt. And the government knows this.

While the Premier and Treasurer have been telling Queenslanders that the size of our debt is unsustainable and puts our economy in danger, the Queensland Treasury Corporation has been telling foreign investors that our debt is among the lowest in the world for comparable state governments in other nations. In a document published on 30 June 2012 (at the same time as the government was

cutting over 3000 temporary jobs) the Queensland Treasury Corporation spruiks Queensland’s position as not only Australia’s leading economy but a world beater when compared to other states globally. The document also says that the public sector has shrunk since 2001/2002.

You can read more about the report at the Together Economics blog http://togetherqld.wordpress.com/2012/07/23/telling-qld-one-thing-foreign-investors-another/

The bottom line

There is a problem with our state’s finances, but it’s not on the spending side – it’s income. Australia has long battled with the fact that the federal government collects most of the cash but state governments do all of the heavy lifting in terms of running hospitals, schools, prisons and community services. Economists call it “vertical fiscal imbalance” – and it’s been around since World War Two.

This imbalance is why the sale of Queensland Rail and other assets were bad for Queensland. There is only one way to get coal from mine to port and that’s by train. The government used to receive hundreds of millions of dollars in dividends from the money made by QR transporting coal and other minerals When we sold rail we lost this ongoing revenue, while most of the sale proceeds washed away with the flood recovery.

If there is a case for spending cuts, it’s on expensive luxury items like the Commonwealth Games or the G20 meeting - but these generate publicity for government ministers. All in all, we are not broke and the government’s attempts to fix a spun-up, non-existent problem amount to nothing more than economic and social vandalism. n

Queensland finances: the truth The government is stressing to Queenslanders that we are completely broke and need to cut jobs but at the same time they are telling global investors we are the financial envy of the world.

Have you connected with Together on Facebook and Twitter? @togetherqld orwww.facebook.com/togetherqueensland

lIKE US oN faCEBooK & folloW US oN TWITTER

By ALEX SCOTT Together Secretary

The confusion and inability of agencies to determine what positions are “frontline” has been seen in many different areas, including Queensland Correctional Services, Child Safety, and the Queensland Police Service.

It has been the consistent position of Together members that arbitrary distinctions between “frontline” and “non-frontline” roles are harmful and do not reflect the reality of public sector service delivery.

People like correctional officers, police officers, emergency service workers, child safety officers, and health services workers rely on skilled administrative and support staff to ensure that they can protect and serve their communities.

Attacking the jobs and workloads of “non-frontline” staff simply means that services are less efficiently and effectively delivered – particularly in regional and remote areas of Queensland where the challenges are great.

One of the worst-hit areas under the government’s attacks to services has been the Townsville Hospital – the massive cuts in the Townsville Health Services District have been covered in the local media.

Positions have been left unfilled and vacant for huge periods, with a terrible impact on health services in the region.

A memo from Dr Andrew Johnson, CEO of the Townsville Health District, was sent directing staff to “redeploy the functions

necessary to be covered to an existing role”.

“It is the responsibility of the institute/service to determine what critical tasks/functions must be covered and determine non-critical tasks that will be temporarily suspended from the role,” the memo said.

Take up the fight by signing up to the Working for Queenslanders campaign using the link below. n

“Frontline” confusion hurts services and workloadsPublic services in many agencies have been hurt by the inability of government to determine what is a “frontline” service and what is not.

WATCH THESE VIDEOS AT www.workingforqueenslanders.org.au

“People like correctional officers, police officers, emergency service workers, child safety officers,

and health services workers rely on skilled administrative and support staff to ensure that they

can protect and serve their communities.”

Queensland has always been a state that has embraced public services. We have historically had an understanding that all of us do better when we all do better.

History has shown that when the union movement takes a positive message to the community we can make a real difference. This is what the Working for Queenslanders campaign is about – having conversations with Queenslanders about what sort of state we want to be.

Look at what we have achieved together over the last few years.

Postively Public – Together and United Voice members unite to fight contracting out of school services. We win.

Fight 4 Jobs – Thousands of public servants campaign to make sure that public service jobs are protected. We win.

Your Rights at Work – The Howard Government, high on power following the 2004 election bring in the most aggressively anti-worker laws in Australia’s history. Hundreds of thousands of workers stand together to fight back. We win.

In each of these campaigns we were told that workers could not win these battles, that we couldn’t turn back the tide of a strong government or powerful business interests. What we have learnt is that politicians have a weakness – they think that politics is about them. It’s not. It’s about the community.

We’ve already had thousands of people sign up to this newly launched campaign. We’ve held successful

events in communities in Toowoomba, Maryborough and Childers, with more to come across the state.

We have a great story to tell, in fact we have 250,000 of them. Every public servant makes a difference to Queensland. If we don’t tell our stories, someone else will tell them for us.

How do we win?

The first thing you can do to help build our movement is to go to the Working for Queenslanders site, watch and share the videos and join the campaign.

We will be launching a paid advertising campaign across the state – but this campaign will only be as

effective as our strength on the ground and in communities.

Talk to your family and friends about the importance of your job and the service that you provide the community and ask them to be a part of the campaign.

By standing together we can make a difference. n

Working for Queenslanders: a community movement to promote and defend public servicesWe are in an important battle, not just for jobs and wages but also for the very nature of public services themselves.

By KATE FLANDERS Assistant Secretary

www.workingforqueenslanders.org.au

Working for

Together members asked all major political parties in Queensland to commit to their public service policy in the Queensland election in March 2012.

Each of the ALP, LNP, Katter’s Australia Party and the Greens were offered the opportunity to set out their vision for the public service in detail.

All of the parties took advantage of this opportunity to give a detailed response with specific commitments on how they would deal with the public sector if returned to office.

The four party leaders each provided a written response as well as a video message to inform members what their policies were.

In addition to these materials posted to all Together members, the matter of job security and the future of the public service was the focus of media scrutiny.

The promises were repeated by the LNP throughout the campaign but particularly in the final few days, when the party released its official election costings and its policy for the public service on the same day, 22 March 2012.

On that day and immediately prior, Campbell Newman and Tim Nicholls both repeatedly stated that the LNP’s policies in government would be implemented by a 3% cap in overall public service expenditure growth, while maintaining no forced redundancies and maximising employment security and ensuring that “frontline” staff would have adequate resources to do their job.

In addition to the questions to politicians on job

security, Together delegates created a questionnaire that asked for a number of other specific guarantees, such as no privatisations or outsourcing of areas such as Pathology Queensland.

The responses to these were included in the mailout to members and posted on the Together website.

You can watch the videos and read the promises for yourself on www.together.org.au/buildingblocks n

Queensland Election 2012The election victory by the LNP on 24 March 2012 – the largest in Queensland’s history – was secured after they had given firm and repeated commitments to Together members and all Queenslanders that they would respect the public sector, ensure employment security, and offer fair wages in collective bargaining.

Authorised Alex Scott Together Secretary

1800 177 244 • www.together.org.au

Queensland politicians

Respond to ouR Questionsthe politicians Respond to

Questions by togetheR membeRs

the politicians Respond to Questions by togetheR membeRs (continued)

Individual rights and protection at work

Will you continue the long-standing commitment that there will be no forced retrenchments of public sector workers?

ALP: Yes. Labor is committed to all existing job security provisions including “no forced redundancy”. We will not introduce forced redundancy as the LNP did in New South Wales.

The Greens: The Queensland Greens provide a commitment not to support forced retrenchments of public sector workers. The Greens’ record in the Parliaments of other states demonstrates the veracity of our commitment. This has been shown most recently by the Greens strong opposition to the attacks on the working conditions and job security of public sector workers by the Liberal/National Party government in NSW.

LNP: Under an LNP government there will be no forced retrenchments in our first term but we have indicated the need to have a ‘right sized’ public service in the future to ensure that the structures of government do improve front line service delivery and Labor’s unsustainable budget deficit is addressed. We would value the views of Together members input in achieving a sustainable, affordable and productive public sector to achieve the revitalised frontline services a future Queensland requires.

Will you restore a criteria-based mechanism for conversion of long-term temporary employees to permanent status?

ALP: Yes.

The Greens: The Queensland Greens support such a mechanism. We believe that long-term temporary employees in the public sector should not be left in a situation where they are unable to convert to permanent status. The Queensland Greens policy supports reversing the trend of increased casualisation in the workforce.

LNP: The LNP is committed to a professional permanent public service which provides frank and fearless advice under a Westminster system of ministerial accountability. The LNP notes that the ALP abolished the criteria based process for transition for temporary employees that had been negotiated by Together members through a collective bargaining agreement and an LNP government would be happy to consider re-instating such a system as part of the broader public sector reform process outlined above.

Will you commit to a ensuring the Public Service Commission (PSC) plays an active role in protecting workers’ rights, including

issuing and enforcing directives that clarify and enhance their individual protections, provide fairer disciplinary processes, and more effective resolution for workplace disputes?

ALP: Labor will continue to actively protect workers’ rights. We will work with unions to provide fair disciplinary processes and to resolve workplace disputes, and would be willing to review the effectiveness of these processes if re-elected.

The Greens: The Queensland Greens believe the Public Service Commission can and should play such a role. The Greens believe this would not only provide better protection of workers’ rights and the other benefits outlined above, but would also better enable public sector workers to be able to perform their role in a non-partisan way.

LNP: The LNP values the work and professionalism of public sector workers and their unique employment arrangements. The LNP notes the current government has reneged on the agreement with Together as part of the last Core EB to reform the disciplinary processes with the public service and would constructively engage with Together on these issues. We see strong leadership from the Public Service Commission as essential to achieving the mutual need for a productive and good value public sector.

Wages Policy

Will you support wage increases that match increases in the cost of living?

ALP: Labor in Queensland has done more than match the cost of living - we have increased wages substantially more than the CPI. Over the last 10 years an A04(4) is now almost 10 per cent better off in real terms thanks to collective agreements negotiated by the Labor government. In this time Queensland public sector workers have gone from being some of the lowest paid in the nation to wages which are nationally competitive. We will continue to work with unions to deliver fair wage increases through collective bargaining. Labor is also committed to maintaining an independent umpire.

The Greens: Yes.

LNP: We support fair wage outcomes in return for fair productivity improvements. It is premature to flag specific outcomes prior to engaging in proper enterprise bargaining, but we will deal with public sector wage negotiations in better faith than has been displayed by the current Government. We won’t be trying to impose unrealistic and arbitrary outcomes that negate good faith bargaining as has been the recent experience in Queensland.

Continued over page

Organising rights

(1) Will you commit to maintain the existing rights of Together members as contained within collective agreements and commit to maintaining these provisions in their future collective agreements?

(2) In relation to the following specific provisions: 2(i) Will you commit to continue allowing Together members to collectively organise as a union?

2(ii) Will you commit to regular, structured consultative meetings between Directors-General and Together representatives?

2(iii) Will you uphold the rights of Together workplace delegates within the workplace?

2(iv) Will you allow Together office staff to conduct briefings at inductions and meet with new starters?

Yes. Labor will adhere to all conditions of existing agreements and will continue to include such provisions in future agreements.

Labor recognises the important role unions play in the workplace. We support consultative committees as forums for unions and management to raise and work together to address workplace concerns. Labor introduced regular meetings between union representatives and Director-Generals in 2002 and will continue to support interaction with Unions. We will also continue to hold regular Queensland Labour Advisory Committee meetings to allow unions to raise their members’ concerns directly with the highest levels of the government.

Labor supports the rights of union delegates as elected representatives of workers. We will continue to:

1. Recognise them in the workplace.2. Provide them with resources to perform their

role, including meeting facilities and notice boards.

3. Allow organisers into the workplace to meet with delegates.

4. Hold consultative forums between delegates and management at an agency and local level.

5. Allow delegates reasonable work time to attend to union business.

Labor supports union membership, including by providing information about unions at engagement, allowing officials to talk to new employees and inviting unions to address induction sessions.

Yes, Labor will continue to provide payroll deductions on request from union members. We will not seek to undermine unions by withholding or cancelling payroll deductions as LNP governments have done in the past.

Yes, Labor will maintain entry provisions for union officials.

Yes.

The Greens support upholding the rights of Together workplace delegates within the workplace, and ensuring that those rights are not weakened via legislative or administrative changes.

The Greens would both allow and encourage such briefings to occur.

The Greens support this provision being continued.

Mutually respectful consultation between senior management and unions is a practical and constructive way to do business. We respect the existing rights of the Together union and will agree to continue to include such rights in future collective bargaining agreements.

Collective Bargaining and the Independent Umpire

Will you support the existing right of workers to collectively bargain with respect to wages and conditions?

ALP: Yes. Labor is the party of collective bargaining. We believe pay and conditions are best determined by negotiating collective agreements with Unions. The LNP is the party of WorkChoices, individual contracts and non-union agreements. They will try to force Together members into agency level non-union agreements, just like they did last time they were elected.

The Greens: Yes. The Greens policy states that “the right to be a member of a union, to collectively bargain, to collectively withhold labour and collectively organise in the workplace is essential to achieving a sustainable and democratic future.” The Greens’ record in both federal and state Parliaments around the country demonstrates consistent support for and defence of the right of workers to collectively bargain with respect to wages and conditions.

LNP: The LNP acknowledges and respects employee’s rights to participate voluntarily in collective bargaining and respects the need for an independent umpire in the form of the QIRC.

Will you maintain an independent umpire in the form of the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, maintaining:

• Right to last resort arbitration; and• An interventionist role for QIRC in dispute

resolution?

ALP: Yes, we will not abolish the independent umpire as the recently elected NSW LNP government has.

The Greens: Yes. The Greens policy states that “effective processes of dispute resolution, including conciliation and arbitration before an independent tribunal are a necessary element in any fair and effective industrial relations system.” Our national policy specifies support for the maintenance of strong state, as well as national, industrial relations systems.

LNP: The LNP acknowledges and respects employee’s rights to participate voluntarily in collective bargaining and respects the need for an independent umpire in the form of the QIRC.The LNP values the QIRC having a role in effective dispute resolution. While an LNP government will collectively bargain with Together members there will remain a role for the QIRC as an independent umpire for those occasions where agreement cannot be reached.

QUESTION ALP RESPONSE THE GREENS RESPONSE LNP RESPONSE

2(v) Will you continue the provision of payroll deductions for Together union fees?

2(vi) Will workers have the right to meet with and discuss union business with Together office staff at their workplace?

Please note Katter’s Australia Party did not respond to these individual questions - but did provide a statement included in the accompanying brochure.

Yes, Labor supports the rights of workers to form unions and actively encourages them to do so.

Without question – this is fundamental to the Greens idea of a healthy workplace, as well as an effective workplace relations system. The Greens support Together representatives being able to avail themselves of such meetings whilst ever they find this to be of use.

Yes. The Greens support this right and will oppose any attempts to constrain it via legislative or administrative changes.

inside:the politicians Respond to youR issues: IndIvIdual RIghts and pRotectIon at woRk •wages polIcy • oRganIsIng RIghts • collective baRgaining and the independent umpIRe • Focus on seRvIces

pol_responses_Qs_A2.indd 116/1/12 10:53:38 AM

Every day, public sector workers are making a positive difference to Queensland’s communities. Now we are trying to make sure that politicians are focused on services too.

Public sector workers launched the Building Blocks campaign to ensure that their voices for a better state could be heard. Our contribution is about making sure the next state election is about real plans for Queensland’s future and how to best deliver quality services, not spin and slogans.

As members of Together, we know that being part of a union is about recognising the important role of public sector workers in making our state a better place to work, live and grow.

The Building Blocks campaign is about the tens of thousands of public sector workers getting on with the job of building a better

Queensland. It’s about the corrections worker wanting security and safety at work so that they can keep our communities safe; the child safety officer that wants fair caseloads so that they can protect kids; the worker that gets up early so that our schools are ready for kids; the health worker that deserves recognition for their role in keeping hospitals running; and the disability worker in our regions that wants to ensure regional communities have access to services; as well as thousands of other workers across Queensland.

Without these workers, we can’t build a better Queensland. That’s why working Queenslanders, their families and communities are counting on us as members of Together to take a stand for services. Through the Building Blocks campaign, Together members are continuing to help build a better future for Queenslanders.

Queensland politicians

outline tHeiR plans

Dear Member,

I hope that the year has got off to a safe and happy start for you and your family.

2012 is shaping up as really big year for Queensland and for the work that you do.

Nobody is more important than public sector workers when it comes to delivering services to our communities. To make sure your work is valued, Together members are engaging with politicians from all parties in the lead up to this year’s state election.

We’ve mailed their responses out to all Together members so that you can assess what the candidate’s positions mean for you and your family.

The Building Blocks campaign is a campaign driven by public sector workers wanting to ensure our politicians support the quality work that you do, and to ensure that politicians have plans to invest in the people that deliver services to our growing Queensland community.

You can join the Building Blocks campaign at www.together.org.au/buildingblocks

The reality of the state budgetary situation has been demonstrated in the past few months where we have seen around 3000 Voluntary Separation Packages (VSPs) in the public sector. Regardless of the election result, we know that any new government will be facing budget pressures and calls to cut public sector jobs that will hurt our communities. As a united group, with your ongoing commitment, we have the ability to hold politicians to their word.

There’s nothing more important to workers than having a job, that’s why we have pursued job security as a priority in the face of VSPs, because you can’t continue to do the great work that you do without this security.

I am pleased to say that we have received promises from every political party and their leaders that there will be no forced redundancies in Queensland’s public sector over the next term of Government. These are important promises that have been made as a result of your willingness to take a stand for the job security and stability for the families of public sector workers. Right now, these remain just promises, but they represent the standard that all of these politicians will be judged by our Queensland community.

Politicians will make plenty of promises to protect your working conditions and delivery of services; it’s your power as part of a union of tens of thousands of workers that will help ensure that these commitments are kept, no matter what the environment.

In 2009, union members shaped the election landscape. Faced with a threat to job security, they stood up, got active as a union group, and changed the election result.

We have the same power in different circumstances in 2012 to ensure that no matter who is elected, your communities, your work, and your vital contribution to Queensland remain the focus.

I’m confident that Together member can unite across workplaces and around our state to face these challenges and build better working lives in 2012.

Yours in union,

Alex Scott Together Secretary

As a group of workers we know that by acting together we can make change at work and throughout our communities.

Members have been signing up to the Building Blocks campaign and supporting others in their communities to share their story about the importance of public services in their lives.

Be part of it at www.together.org.au/buildingblocks

We have also provided the Australian Labor Party, Liberal National Party, The Greens and Katter’s Australia Party an opportunity to give an outline of their plans for Queensland which you can read in this publication.

Workplace delegates from across departments came together and voted on the key questions they had for politicians ahead of the next state election. In this publication you can see the responses from political parties.

Together delegates sought responses from politicians in relation to the following areas:

•Individualrightsandprotectionsatwork;

•Collectivebargainingandtheindependent umpire;

•Organisingrights;

•Wagespolicy;and

•Focusonservices.

In relation to these questions we received responses from the Australian Labor Party, Liberal National Party and The Greens. Katter’s Australia Party did not respond to the individual questions but did provide a statement which is included over the page.

This publication has been compiled for Together members so that you have a genuine opportunity to consider what politicians are saying about key issues that

impact on public sector workers, their families and the community. We have given politicians the opportunity to outline their plans for Queensland and respond to your questions.

Together members have been working hard to build a better Queensland; now it’s time to decide which politicians share the same commitment as you and have real plans build a better Queensland for all of us.

How we got HeRe

Public service management

Machinery of government

www.together.org.au Authorised Alex Scott Together Secretary

Services budget

Wages policy

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is refusing to implement protections for individual workers that were agreed to 3 years ago. The current PSC won’t protect individuals or issue directives about workers’ conditions. As public servants, do you think the PSC should have a role in protecting workers in the public service?

Many people have been saying that the current structuring of government

departments is a failure, introducing unnecessary levels of bureaucracy.

Do you think the current structure should change or should the

current structure be maintained?

Queensland’s communities expect quality public services. Those services are coming under increasing pressure thanks to mounting workloads. Budgets are stretched and workers are trying to deliver the same services with fewer resources.Do you believe that the top priority in the budget should be public sector service delivery?

Current government policy is that all workers must accept a 2.5%

wages increase - a cut in real wages. Government services are important, and

all public sector workers are important in building a healthy community.

At a time when prices are rising and people are

finding it hard to make ends meet, should

the government be attempting to cut

real wages?

Alex Scott, Together Secretary

Public sector workers are able to protect their working conditions through a strong framework of law, the independent umpire (the Industrial Commission) and arbitration. But these things are under the control of the state government and they could change in the future.Do you believe the state government should continue to uphold a strong framework for protecting rights at work?

Building blocks for a better public sectorEvery three years our community gets the choice to decide who is running Queensland through an election. In the past, our union has used elections to hold politicians to account for their promises. For this coming state election, we want to put pressure on all politicians for policies that will build a better Queensland public sector.What does a better public sector look like? To build it, we need to develop a framework to take to the politicians and the community.This is your chance to have your say on what this framework should look like and get involved in the campaign for a better public service.A blueprint for a better public sector should include:

•Abudgetthatisfocusedonfundingthe services that Queenslanders need.

•Effectivepublicsectormanagement•Strongprotectionforyourrightsatwork.•Wagespolicythatprotectslivingstandards for workers and their families.•Workablemachineryofgovernmenttoensureanefficient and effective public sector.This is a chance for us to shape what kind of a public sector Queensland will have.Please get involved in the movement for a better public sector and better public services for the people who rely on them.

Protection & rights at work

Get involved in the movement for a better public sector and better public

services for the people who rely on them.Visit www.together.org.au/

buildingblocks for more information

Get involved

intRoduction

Authorised Alex Scott Together Secretary

1800 177 244 • www.together.org.au

Email buildingblocks@together.org.au for more information.

12 jANuARY 2012

pol_responses_Statements_A2.indd 116/1/12 10:50:18 AM

Authorised Alex Scott Together Secretary

1800 177 244 • www.together.org.au

Queensland politicians

Respond to ouR Questionsthe politicians Respond to

Questions by togetheR membeRs

the politicians Respond to Questions by togetheR membeRs (continued)

Individual rights

and protection at work

Will you continue the long-standing commitment

that there will be no forced retrenchments of

public sector workers?

ALP: Yes. Labor is committed to all existing job security

provisions including “no forced redundancy”. We will not

introduce forced redundancy as the LNP did in New South

Wales.

The Greens: The Queensland Greens provide a commitment

not to support forced retrenchments of public sector

workers. The Greens’ record in the Parliaments of other

states demonstrates the veracity of our commitment.

This has been shown most recently by the Greens strong

opposition to the attacks on the working conditions and job

security of public sector workers by the Liberal/National Party

government in NSW.

LNP: Under an LNP government there will be no forced

retrenchments in our first term but we have indicated the

need to have a ‘right sized’ public service in the future

to ensure that the structures of government do improve

front line service delivery and Labor’s unsustainable budget

deficit is addressed. We would value the views of Together

members input in achieving a sustainable, affordable and

productive public sector to achieve the revitalised frontline

services a future Queensland requires.

Will you restore a criteria-based mechanism for

conversion of long-term temporary employees to

permanent status?

ALP: Yes.

The Greens: The Queensland Greens support such a

mechanism. We believe that long-term temporary

employees in the public sector should not be left in a

situation where they are unable to convert to permanent

status. The Queensland Greens policy supports reversing the

trend of increased casualisation in the workforce.

LNP: The LNP is committed to a professional permanent

public service which provides frank and fearless advice

under a Westminster system of ministerial accountability.

The LNP notes that the ALP abolished the criteria based

process for transition for temporary employees that had

been negotiated by Together members through a collective

bargaining agreement and an LNP government would be

happy to consider re-instating such a system as part of the

broader public sector reform process outlined above.

Will you commit to a ensuring the Public

Service Commission (PSC) plays an active

role in protecting workers’ rights, including

issuing and enforcing directives that clarify and

enhance their individual protections, provide

fairer disciplinary processes, and more effective

resolution for workplace disputes?

ALP: Labor will continue to actively protect workers’ rights.

We will work with unions to provide fair disciplinary

processes and to resolve workplace disputes, and would be

willing to review the effectiveness of these processes if re-

elected.

The Greens: The Queensland Greens believe the Public

Service Commission can and should play such a role. The

Greens believe this would not only provide better protection

of workers’ rights and the other benefits outlined above, but

would also better enable public sector workers to be able to

perform their role in a non-partisan way.

LNP: The LNP values the work and professionalism of public

sector workers and their unique employment arrangements.

The LNP notes the current government has reneged on

the agreement with Together as part of the last Core EB

to reform the disciplinary processes with the public service

and would constructively engage with Together on these

issues. We see strong leadership from the Public Service

Commission as essential to achieving the mutual need for a

productive and good value public sector.

Wages Policy

Will you support wage increases that match

increases in the cost of living?

ALP: Labor in Queensland has done more than match the

cost of living - we have increased wages substantially more

than the CPI. Over the last 10 years an A04(4) is now almost

10 per cent better off in real terms thanks to collective

agreements negotiated by the Labor government. In this

time Queensland public sector workers have gone from

being some of the lowest paid in the nation to wages which

are nationally competitive. We will continue to work with

unions to deliver fair wage increases through collective

bargaining. Labor is also committed to maintaining an

independent umpire.

The Greens: Yes.

LNP: We support fair wage outcomes in return for fair

productivity improvements. It is premature to flag specific

outcomes prior to engaging in proper enterprise bargaining,

but we will deal with public sector wage negotiations

in better faith than has been displayed by the current

Government. We won’t be trying to impose unrealistic and

arbitrary outcomes that negate good faith bargaining as has

been the recent experience in Queensland.

Continued over page

Organising rights

(1) Will you commit to maintain

the existing rights of Together

members as contained within

collective agreements and commit to

maintaining these provisions in their

future collective agreements?

(2) In relation to the following specific

provisions: 2(i) Will you commit to

continue allowing Together members

to collectively organise as a union?

2(ii) Will you commit to regular,

structured consultative meetings

between Directors-General and

Together representatives?

2(iii) Will you uphold the rights of

Together workplace delegates within

the workplace?

2(iv) Will you allow Together office

staff to conduct briefings at inductions

and meet with new starters?

Yes. Labor will adhere to all conditions of existing

agreements and will continue to include such

provisions in future agreements.

Labor recognises the important role unions

play in the workplace. We support consultative

committees as forums for unions and

management to raise and work together to

address workplace concerns. Labor introduced

regular meetings between union representatives

and Director-Generals in 2002 and will continue

to support interaction with Unions. We will also

continue to hold regular Queensland Labour

Advisory Committee meetings to allow unions to

raise their members’ concerns directly with the

highest levels of the government.

Labor supports the rights of union delegates

as elected representatives of workers. We will

continue to:

1. Recognise them in the workplace.

2. Provide them with resources to perform their

role, including meeting facilities and notice

boards.3. Allow organisers into the workplace to meet

with delegates.

4. Hold consultative forums between delegates

and management at an agency and local level.

5. Allow delegates reasonable work time to attend

to union business.

Labor supports union membership, including

by providing information about unions at

engagement, allowing officials to talk to new

employees and inviting unions to address

induction sessions.

Yes, Labor will continue to provide payroll

deductions on request from union members.

We will not seek to undermine unions by

withholding or cancelling payroll deductions as

LNP governments have done in the past.

Yes, Labor will maintain entry provisions for union

officials.

Yes.

The Greens support upholding the rights of

Together workplace delegates within the

workplace, and ensuring that those rights are

not weakened via legislative or administrative

changes.

The Greens would both allow and encourage

such briefings to occur.

The Greens support this provision being

continued.

Mutually respectful consultation between

senior management and unions is a

practical and constructive way to do

business. We respect the existing rights

of the Together union and will agree to

continue to include such rights in future

collective bargaining agreements.

Collective Bargaining and the

Independent Umpire

Will you support the existing right of workers to

collectively bargain with respect to wages and

conditions?

ALP: Yes. Labor is the party of collective bargaining.

We believe pay and conditions are best determined by

negotiating collective agreements with Unions. The LNP is the

party of WorkChoices, individual contracts and non-union

agreements. They will try to force Together members into

agency level non-union agreements, just like they did last

time they were elected.

The Greens: Yes. The Greens policy states that “the right to

be a member of a union, to collectively bargain, to collectively

withhold labour and collectively organise in the workplace is

essential to achieving a sustainable and democratic future.”

The Greens’ record in both federal and state Parliaments

around the country demonstrates consistent support for and

defence of the right of workers to collectively bargain with

respect to wages and conditions.

LNP: The LNP acknowledges and respects employee’s rights

to participate voluntarily in collective bargaining and respects

the need for an independent umpire in the form of the QIRC.

Will you maintain an independent umpire in

the form of the Queensland Industrial Relations

Commission, maintaining:

• Right to last resort arbitration; and

• An interventionist role for QIRC in dispute

resolution?

ALP: Yes, we will not abolish the independent umpire as the

recently elected NSW LNP government has.

The Greens: Yes. The Greens policy states that “effective

processes of dispute resolution, including conciliation and

arbitration before an independent tribunal are a necessary

element in any fair and effective industrial relations system.”

Our national policy specifies support for the maintenance of

strong state, as well as national, industrial relations systems.

LNP: The LNP acknowledges and respects employee’s rights

to participate voluntarily in collective bargaining and respects

the need for an independent umpire in the form of the QIRC.

The LNP values the QIRC having a role in effective dispute

resolution. While an LNP government will collectively bargain

with Together members there will remain a role for the

QIRC as an independent umpire for those occasions where

agreement cannot be reached.

QUESTIONALP RESPONSE

THE GREENS RESPONSE LNP RESPONSE

2(v) Will you continue the provision

of payroll deductions for Together

union fees?

2(vi) Will workers have the right

to meet with and discuss union

business with Together office staff

at their workplace?

Please note Katter’s Australia Party did not respond to

these individual questions - but did provide a statement

included in the accompanying brochure.

Yes, Labor supports the rights of workers to form

unions and actively encourages them to do so.Without question – this is fundamental to the

Greens idea of a healthy workplace, as well

as an effective workplace relations system.

The Greens support Together representatives

being able to avail themselves of such

meetings whilst ever they find this to be of

use.

Yes. The Greens support this right and will

oppose any attempts to constrain it via

legislative or administrative changes.

inside:the politicians Respond to youR issues:

IndIvIdual RIghts and pRotectIon at woRk •

wages polIcy • oRganIsIng RIghts •

collective baRgaining and the independent

umpIRe • Focus on seRvIces

pol_responses_Qs_A2.indd 1

16/1/12 10:53:38 AM

Every day, public sector workers are making a positive difference to Queensland’s communities. Now we are trying to make sure that politicians are focused on services too.

Public sector workers launched the Building Blocks campaign to ensure that their voices for a better state could be heard. Our contribution is about making sure the next state election is about real plans for Queensland’s future and how to best deliver quality services, not spin and slogans.

As members of Together, we know that being part of a union is about recognising the important role of public sector workers in making our state a better place to work, live and grow. The Building Blocks campaign is about the tens of thousands of public sector workers getting on with the job of building a better

Queensland. It’s about the corrections worker wanting security and safety at work so that they can keep our communities safe; the child safety officer that wants fair caseloads so that they can protect kids; the worker that gets up early so that our schools are ready for kids; the health worker that deserves recognition for their role in keeping hospitals running; and the disability worker in our regions that wants to ensure regional communities have access to services; as well as thousands of other workers across Queensland.

Without these workers, we can’t build a better Queensland. That’s why working Queenslanders, their families and communities are counting on us as members of Together to take a stand for services. Through the Building Blocks campaign, Together members are continuing to help build a better future for Queenslanders.

Queensland politicians

outline tHeiR plansDear Member,

I hope that the year has got off to a safe and happy start for you and your family. 2012 is shaping up as really big year for Queensland and for the work that you do.Nobody is more important than public sector workers when it comes to delivering services to our communities. To make sure your work is valued, Together members are engaging with politicians from all parties in the lead up to this year’s state election. We’ve mailed their responses out to all Together members so that you can assess what the candidate’s positions mean for you and your family. The Building Blocks campaign is a campaign driven by public sector workers wanting to ensure our politicians support the quality work that you do, and to ensure that politicians have plans to invest in the people that deliver services to our growing Queensland community. You can join the Building Blocks campaign at www.together.org.au/buildingblocks The reality of the state budgetary situation has been demonstrated in the past few months where we have seen around 3000 Voluntary Separation Packages (VSPs) in the public sector. Regardless of the election result, we know that any new government will be facing budget pressures and calls to cut public sector jobs that will hurt our communities. As a united group, with your ongoing commitment, we have the ability to hold politicians to their word. There’s nothing more important to workers than having a job, that’s why we have pursued job security as a priority in the face of VSPs, because you can’t continue to do the great work that you do without this security.

I am pleased to say that we have received promises from every political party and their leaders that there will be no forced redundancies in Queensland’s public sector over the next term of Government. These are important promises that have been made as a result of your willingness to take a stand for the job security and stability for the families of public sector workers. Right now, these remain just promises, but they represent the standard that all of these politicians will be judged by our Queensland community.

Politicians will make plenty of promises to protect your working conditions and delivery of services; it’s your power as part of a union of tens of thousands of workers that will help ensure that these commitments are kept, no matter what the environment. In 2009, union members shaped the election landscape. Faced with a threat to job security, they stood up, got active as a union group, and changed the election result.We have the same power in different circumstances in 2012 to ensure that no matter who is elected, your communities, your work, and your vital contribution to Queensland remain the focus. I’m confident that Together member can unite across workplaces and around our state to face these challenges and build better working lives in 2012. Yours in union,

Alex Scott Together Secretary

As a group of workers we know that by acting together we can make change at work and throughout our communities. Members have been signing up to the Building Blocks campaign and supporting others in their communities to share their story about the importance of public services in their lives.

Be part of it at www.together.org.au/buildingblocks

We have also provided the Australian Labor Party, Liberal National Party, The Greens and Katter’s Australia Party an opportunity to give an outline of their plans for Queensland which you can read in this publication.

Workplace delegates from across departments came together and voted on the key questions they had for politicians ahead of the next state election. In this publication you can see the responses from political parties.

Together delegates sought responses from politicians in relation to the following areas:

•Individualrightsandprotectionsatwork;

•Collectivebargainingandtheindependent umpire;

•Organisingrights;

•Wagespolicy;and

•Focusonservices.

In relation to these questions we received responses from the Australian Labor Party, Liberal National Party and The Greens. Katter’s Australia Party did not respond to the individual questions but did provide a statement which is included over the page.

This publication has been compiled for Together members so that you have a genuine opportunity to consider what politicians are saying about key issues that

impact on public sector workers, their families and the community. We have given politicians the opportunity to outline their plans for Queensland and respond to your questions.

Together members have been working hard to build a better Queensland; now it’s time to decide which politicians share the same commitment as you and have real plans build a better Queensland for all of us.

How we got HeRe

Public service management

Machinery of government

www.together.org.au Authorised Alex Scott Together Secretary

Services budget

Wages policy

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is refusing to implement protections for individual workers that were agreed to 3 years ago. The current PSC won’t protect individuals or issue directives about workers’ conditions. As public servants, do you think the PSC should have a role in protecting workers in the public service?

Many people have been saying that the current structuring of government departments is a failure, introducing unnecessary levels of bureaucracy. Do you think the current structure should change or should the current structure be maintained?

Queensland’s communities expect quality public services. Those services are coming under increasing pressure thanks to mounting workloads. Budgets are stretched and workers are trying to deliver the same services with fewer resources.Do you believe that the top priority in the budget should be public sector service delivery?

Current government policy is that all workers must accept a 2.5% wages increase - a cut in real wages. Government services are important, and all public sector workers are important in building a healthy community. At a time when prices are rising and people are finding it hard to make ends meet, should the government be attempting to cut

real wages?

Alex Scott, Together Secretary

Public sector workers are able to protect their working conditions through a strong framework of law, the independent umpire (the Industrial Commission) and arbitration. But these things are under the control of the state government and they could change in the future.Do you believe the state government should continue to uphold a strong framework for protecting rights at work?

Building blocks for a better public sectorEvery three years our community gets the choice to decide who is running Queensland through an election. In the past, our union has used elections to hold politicians to account for their promises. For this coming state election, we want to put pressure on all politicians for policies that will build a better Queensland public sector.What does a better public sector look like? To build it, we need to develop a framework to take to the politicians and the community.This is your chance to have your say on what this framework should look like and get involved in the campaign for a better public service.A blueprint for a better public sector should include:

•Abudgetthatisfocusedonfundingthe services that Queenslanders need.•Effectivepublicsectormanagement•Strongprotectionforyourrightsatwork.•Wagespolicythatprotectslivingstandards for workers and their families.•Workablemachineryofgovernmenttoensureanefficient and effective public sector.This is a chance for us to shape what kind of a public sector Queensland will have.Please get involved in the movement for a better public sector and better public services for the people who rely on them.

Protection & rights at work

Get involved in the movement for a better public sector and better public services for the people who rely on them.Visit www.together.org.au/buildingblocks for more information

Get involved

intRoduction

Authorised Alex Scott Together Secretary

1800 177 244 • www.together.org.au

Email buildingblocks@together.org.au for more information.

12 jANuARY 2012

pol_responses_Statements_A2.indd 1

16/1/12 10:50:18 AM

“Each of the ALP, LNP, Katter’s Australia Party and the Greens were

offered the opportunity to set out their vision for the public service in detail.”

LNP commitments to QueenslandersIn response to Together members questions, the LNP made numerous commitments to the people of Queensland in the lead up to the March election, setting out their public sector policies. You can see more detail of the LNP’s public statements at www.together.org.au/buildingblocks.

“What I’m saying is that the public service has nothing to fear from me”

– Campbell Newman, 4 April 2011

“Particularly, we’ve promised

no forced redundancies,

and we will not continue Labor’s

arbitrary and unfair 2.5% wages

cap”

– Campbell Newman,

video message to Together members, 27

February 2012

“All hardworking public servants in

Queensland should look forward to a

bright and rewarding future under the

LNP”

– Campbell Newman, video

message to Together members, 27 February

2012

“We would value the views of Together members input in achieving a sustainable, affordable and productive public sector to achieve the revitalised frontline services a

future Queensland requires.”

“The LNP wants a strong, valued and sustainable public service as part of an

accountableGovernment, which is focused on revitalising frontline services and getting

Queensland back on track.”

“(A)n LNP Government will ensure workers in all Government agencies have the right

to share their views and contribute ideas on organisational change.”

LNP statement to Together members, January 2012

“No forced redundancies”

– Tim Nicholls, LNP costings briefing 22 March 2012

“The LNP will work with unions

and the Public Service Commission

to ensure front line services will be protected and revitalised and

have the necessary support staff to

deliver services for Queenslanders”

– Official LNP costings document,

22 March 2012

“Public servants who work hard are entitled to have their wages at least keep pace with the cost of living”

– Campbell Newman, 22 March 2012

In valuing the experience and commitment of public

sector workers I want to repeat the pledge I’ve made

earlier – there will be no forced retrenchments under

an LNP Government.

“”Campbell Newman, letter to Together

members, January 2012

Temporary workers attacked by new governmentWorkers on temporary contracts were the first to be attacked by the new government, with an immediate freeze on renewals even for those workers who have been in the same position for many years.

Temporary EmployeesTogether members have been fighting for improvements in the rights of temporary workers for many years. In 2009 the then government made a number of commitments to improve the ability of people who were in long-term temporary jobs to get permanency. A large number of workers were able to get their permanent status recognised, but because of the legal loophole in the Public Service Act departments still continued to hire so-called ‘temporary’ workers on a long-term basis.

Concrete commitments made by the previous government in 2009 were handed over to the Public Service Commission (PSC) to implement. The PSC stalled on doing anything for two years, until finally announcing it would do nothing at all to implement them at the end of 2011.

The effect across government agencies was immediate – work in many areas ground to a halt and workloads increased dramatically as colleagues who were relied on to do work that is effectively permanent suddenly disappeared.

Union members and delegates fought hard for the rights of temporary workers – but in a climate of uncertainty, government departments continually failed to uphold their obligations under collective bargaining agreements to consult before making major changes.

Applications were filed in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission to force agencies to meet their formal obligations before terminating staff.

While this meant delays to mass sackings in some areas, in many areas people continued to lose their jobs without any effective warning or consideration of the impacts on workloads on services of those remaining.

‘Black Friday’ was 29 June, the last full work day before the end of the 2011-2012 financial year.

Large numbers of temporary contracts expired at the end of the financial year, and as a result Together estimated that on Black Friday around 3000 public sector workers lost their jobs.

On the day itself, the Premier wouldn’t say who was cut, what services were cut or what communities were impacted – he refused to give the number of jobs terminated, admitting that the government didn’t know.

Around two weeks later the Premier admitted publicly that the estimate of around 3000 jobs was probably correct, although the information Together members have provided following the day indicates that 3000 was a low estimate.

Our state didn’t just lose thousands of hard working public servants that day. Their families lost the pay cheque they relied upon for the rent or mortgage, their communities lost the services they delivered and local businesses lost their custom that they relied upon. n

‘Black’ Friday for public servants

BRISBANE TIMES June 29, 2012

Members showed, regardless of their designation as ‘front-line’ or otherwise, that their work matters by holding sticker days in their workplaces.

Admin Officers and Child Safety Officers alike sported “I Protect Kids” in Child Safety to demonstrate their reliance on each other to deliver the services that protect our state’s most vulnerable.

Members in schools wore “I Help

Kids Learn” stickers to show that all school staff contribute to creating a learning environment for children. In Hospitals members demonstrated their contributions to a healthy Queensland through “I Help Patients Recover” and “I Keep Our Hospitals Running” stickers. These demonstrations of solidarity show members willingness to fight together for services regardless of arbitrarily imposed ‘front-line’ distinctions. n

Members turned out in great numbers to

show Queenslanders the services they deliver are vital.

Sticker days held across Queensland

With the support of friends, family and fellow unionists they launched Working for Queenslanders - a community movement to protect services. As part of the campaign Jamie, Stuart and Angie shared their stories of being everyday Queenslanders working for their community in the public sector. Members heard about the impact cuts are having on services, communities and local businesses as workers losing their jobs cut spending.

Vivienne Doogan appealed to Campbell Newman to honour his election promise that public sector workers had nothing to fear from his government or face the

consequences. In light of the government’s attacks on job security, consultation and the vital services we support and deliver, members committed to holding 1000 protected action ballots in August.

This will begin the largest wave of industrial action the state has seen in a decade prompted by the government’s arrogant dismissal of workers concerns and legitimate bargaining claims. In order to win we need to bring the community with us - sign up to the movement at workingforqueenslanders.org.au and share our stories with your friends and family. n

Some of the first areas to fall victim were in the office of Climate Change and the Queensland Workplace Ombudsman, shortly after the government was sworn in on March 2012.

In June the Public Service Commission (PSC) government gazetted new directives which allow departments to forcibly retrench permanent public servants just four months after they decide they no longer want the position - an unprecedented attack on job security and a direct violation of the government’s repeated election promises.

The Directive relating to surplus employees was repealed and replaced and the Directive relating to redundancies and retrenchments was amended.

A new Directive was written to give the power to the Chief Executive of the PSC to set establishment numbers for each department and the Decentralisation Directive was repealed.

The PSC provided our union with only a few days to consider the proposed changes and have called this “consultation”. Together industrial staff and a committee of council delegates considered the proposed changes and provided extensive feedback to the PSC.

This feedback included a request for more time to adequately consult with members.

The vast majority of this feedback was ignored by the PSC and in fact the Directives were made worse for workers after feedback was provided. This is a significant breach of the principles of consultation which is very disappointing to say the least.

The Directives were published without a response to our union.

These changes enabled more cuts to permanent positions where offices were shut down. They occurred in large numbers in many departments, such as Public Works, where hundreds of permanent full-time equivalent positions were removed on a single Friday.

Long-serving, experienced public servants were put in a position where they were informed that their position would no longer exist then faced with a very short amount of time to make important decisions about their future.

Massive unannounced cuts came on top of the existing cuts to staff on temporary contracts. n

Massive rallies for jobs Members turned out in record numbers to

commemorate the loss of their colleagues jobs and commit to fighting

for services at Rallies for Job Security around

the state.

New directives fuel cuts to permanent positionsDespite the government’s “no forced redundancies” pledge large numbers of permanent jobs were cut from the public sector across many agencies.

“In June the Public Service Commission (PSC) government

gazetted new directives which allow departments

to forcibly retrench permanent public servants

just four months after they decide they no

longer want the position - an unprecedented attack

on job security and a direct violation of the government’s repeated

election promises.”

A plan for a better public sectorAfter the election on 24 March, the new government told its departmental heads to find savings, and they responded by putting a freeze on the renewal of temporary employees’ contracts.

This kind of indiscriminate freeze may produce savings on paper, but in reality the effect is devastating. Cutting long-term temporary jobs hurts many people. It hurts the workers themselves, it hurts the people who are forced to deliver services with less support, and it hurts the community as the quality of services is put under pressure.

This freeze was on top of other sweeping changes to departments, like a Machinery of Government (MOG) change and many other cost-cutting measures that harmed workloads and service delivery, especially in regional areas.

Together members have responded to these challenges by asking the government to commit to a nine-point plan for a better public service.

You can read the plan below, or visit www.together.org.au/betterpublicservice for more information. n

To achieve a better public service our union seeks that the government will guarantee that:

There will be no forced retrenchments of permanent public servants or long-term temporary employees.

There will be real and meaningful consultation with public servants about the new organisational structures for departments as part of the Machinery of Government changes.

Public servants will not have to re-apply for their positions as part of the organisational changes resulting from the Machinery of Government changes.

Public servants will be consulted prior to any decision to change the definition of functions or work groups to being non-frontline.

As a priority, the government will put in place a process for the audit of non-frontline positions and the creation of establishment numbers for these positions.

The Public Service Commission will issue a directive to better facilitate the voluntary transfer of public servants to priority positions which are vacant.

The Public Service Commission will issue a directive to facilitate merit appointment to fill vacant positions by way of promotion with applications limited to existing public servants.

The Public Service Commission will, as a priority, review the existing directives and guidelines relating to discipline, investigations and dispute resolution to reduce the bureaucratic red tape involved and provide a greater emphasis on workers’ rights and effective resolution.

As part of the Establishment Management Program:

a) Any decision not to fill a position will be accompanied by a decision that the remaining work will be reorganised, re-allocated or no longer performed.

b) The remaining staff affected by this decision will be advised and genuinely consulted.

c) Any decision not to fill a position will be accompanied by the use of the workload management tool.

1

7

9

3

5

2

4

6

8

The change of government saw

a wave of changes sweep through the

public sector.The government announced publicly that the 140-bed facility would be closed in a post-5pm media release, only after rumours suggesting the closure was imminent were made public via the media earlier that day.

The Department of Community Safety had not given union delegates any prior warning – the last communication by the department to Together staff was a request by the department the week prior to cancel a consultative meeting on the basis that there was nothing to discuss.

At time of printing it remained unclear how many staff would lose their jobs as a result of this closure, with an indication that staff would be offered redundancies if they could not be redeployed within four months.

Prior to its closure the facility was one of the few correctional farms still in operation – aimed at reintegration and transitioning low-risk inmates back into the community and productive work. It is also unclear what will happen to the inmates at the local facility.

The surprise closing is just one example of the devastating effect the government’s attacks on job security have had in regional Queensland.

Toowoomba Regional organiser Dennis Mullins said that the decision reflected ignorance in the government about anything that happened west of the Great Dividing Range. n

The last government commissioned an independent review into Queensland’s post-secondary education and training, quickly followed by a Ministerial Taskforce to ‘transform the TAFE Sector’ that failed to come up with a solution.

In Victoria money is being stripped out of the TAFE system after years of government funding fly-by-night private organisations that produce poor quality training, before being de-registered and leaving TAFE picking up the pieces for the students left in the lurch. Unless Queensland does something soon, TAFE in this state will be heading down the same path.

The Queensland government promised a review into the entire sector as part of its election platform.

It is vital this review genuinely addresses the issues confronting TAFE and listens to those who actually work in TAFE about the things that need to change. It’s time the Government decided once and for all what value it places on TAFE in the education system.

It’s time to ensure that TAFE is properly managed and funded so it can have a viable future that delivers quality training to Queenslanders.

That’s why Together is calling on the government to ensure this review is comprehensive, transparent and comes out with real solutions to the crisis facing TAFE. It needs to ensure the experience and knowledge of Together members is sought-after and valued – not ignored. TAFE can continue to be an important

part of the Queensland educational system if the government values and supports it.

TAFE Institutes are filled with passionate workers who care about the quality education they deliver to Queenslanders. They have a right to feel they have a secure future where they have the resources and support they need to produce a quality outcome.

If you want to be a part of a campaign to Build a Better TAFE system, email tafe@together.org.au and give us your contact details. The next six months are crucial to TAFE’s survival - play your part in making sure the government values the work you do. n

Staff told by inmates about prison closure

Time to shine a light on the future of TAFE

On 16 July some staff at Darling Downs Correctional Centre were told by prisoners that their centre would be closing.

The TAFE system in Queensland is at crisis point. The budget outlook is for a deficit in the millions and TAFE jobs are being cut around the State to try and make budgets balance.

Corrections members gathered at Darling Downs before work on 19 July to condemn

the Government’s action

The July 16 Rally in Brisbane

ABOVE: The 9 point plan was endorsed by members earlier this year.

Working for a better public service

The process of collective bargaining currently happens every 3 years.

The biggest collective agreement in our union membership area is the State Government Departments Certified Agreement – this agreement covers 52,000 workers.

The current Agreement expired on the 31st of July 2012, so negotiations for a replacement agreement have been underway for some time.

For the thousands of members who are covered by this agreement you would recall earlier this year that union members were surveyed about what you wanted to see changed or improved in this round of bargaining.

Your union delegates from across all government agencies covered by the Agreement then met in March, in Brisbane, and after reviewing the results of your feedback from surveys and phone polls, created our list of issues for negotiation or “log of claims”. This was then presented to government in April.

Negotiations then proceeded between union representatives including our Union President Vivienne Doogan and government who are being represented by the Public Service Commission.

There is a Steering Committee of delegates from across every Department covered by the Agreement who meet weekly after each negotiation to debrief on

how the meetings are going and direct the strategy in between meetings. Members then receive updates about negotiations via email and workplace meetings.

The Government have served their own ‘log of claims’ or “offer” and they emailed this directly to staff via Directors-General as well as presenting it at the negotiating table.

The government’s offer is appalling.

They are seeking to strip conditions like job security, workload management, consultation and other vital provisions out of the Agreement, offer a low wage rise of 2.2% per year, and also to implement a complete freeze on increments (see page 16 for more details) for all workers for the life of the Agreement.

This extreme offer was then voted on by thousands of members in meetings across the state. There was a near unanimous rejection of this offer.

Negotiations have continued and at the time of printing there was some movement from government on some claims in their offer being rolled back.

We have seen no movement from government on the big ticket items

of increments, employment security, consultation, and the protection of existing entitlements in Directives and government policy as well as other key employment conditions.

See www.together.org.au/bargaining for the latest updates as to the status of negotiations.

Time for Action!

Following the hugely successful rallies for job security the next step in the bargaining process is to undertake industrial action in pursuit of a fair deal.

Union delegates from across the state met in July to endorse a plan to lodge 1000 Protected Action Ballots in July and August so that union members can take action after the Agreement expired.

The process for lodging a Protected Action Ballot is explained on page 16 and at: www.together.org.au/pabs - and all members who are bargaining are

encouraged to hold a meeting with your colleagues and vote to undertake a ballot as soon as possible.

The more ballots lodged, the better the turn out for industrial action can be in the campaign.

We are stronger together and we know it will take thousands of members being involved in action to shift the Government to a position where they are making a reasonable offer. n

Collective Bargaining Update – State Government Departments Certified AgreementCollective bargaining for fair wages and conditions is one of the most important things that we do as a union group. This is a key way that union members stand together to build better lives.

TogEThERBaRgaININg

2012

AO1.1 -$1,101 -$2,180 -$1,412 -$4,693 worse off - 1.27AO1.2 -$1,055 -$262 $549 -$767 worse off - 0.49AO1.3 $816 $1,651 $2,504 $4,971 better off 2.25AO2.1 -$45 -$98 -$132 -$275 worse off - 0.10AO2.2 -$52 -$85 -$128 -$265 worse off - 0.09AO2.3 -$32 -$74 -$142 -$248 worse off - 0.10AO 2.4 -$41 -$108 -$285 -$434 worse off - 0.20AO 2.5 -$66 -$243 -$521 -$831 worse off - 0.36AO 2.6 -$175 -$452 $611 -$15 worse off 0.42AO 2.7 -$273 $794 $1,885 $2,406 better off 1.29AO 2.8 $1,073 $2,170 $3,291 $6,534 better off 2.25AO 3.1 -$861 -$1,696 -$2,483 -$5,040 worse off - 1.42AO 3.2 -$816 -$1,584 -$340 -$2,739 worse off - 0.19AO 3.3 -$750 $513 $1,803 $1,566 better off 1.03AO 3.4 $1,279 $2,586 $3,922 $7,787 better off 2.25AO 4.1 -$684 -$1,344 -$1,981 -$4,008 worse off - 0.97AO 4.2 -$645 -$1,266 $197 -$1,714 worse off - 0.10AO 4.3 -$607 $871 $2,381 $2,645 better off 1.17AO 4.4 $1,491 $3,015 $4,573 $9,079 better off 2.25AO 5.1 -$502 -$960 -$1,390 -$2,853 worse off - 0.60AO 5.2 -$447 -$865 $824 -$488 worse off - 0.35AO 5.3 -$408 $1,291 $3,027 $3,910 better off 1.30AO 5.4 $1,708 $3,454 $5,238 $10,400 better off 2.25AO 6.1 -$112 -$181 -$200 -$492 worse off - 0.08AO 6.2 -$67 -$83 $1,845 $1,695 better off 0.70AO 6.3 -$15 $1,914 $3,886 $5,785 better off 1.48AO 6.4 $1,929 $3,901 $5,916 $11,746 better off 2.25AO 7.1 -$194 -$344 -$442 -$980 worse off - 0.15AO 7.2 -$146 -$239 $1,919 $1,535 better off 0.65AO 7.3 -$90 $2,072 $4,281 $6,262 better off 1.45AO 7.4 $2,164 $4,375 $6,634 $13,172 better off 2.25AO 8.1 $271 $620 $998 $1,889 better off 0.31AO 8.2 $343 $714 $3,094 $4,151 better off 0.96AO 8.3 $364 $2,737 $5,161 $8,262 better off 1.60AO 8.4 $2,364 $4,781 $7,250 $14,395 better off 2.25

Pay level In 2012 In 2013 In 2014 Cumulatively after Annual average 3 years % difference

Authorised Alex Scott Together Secretary

FACT SHEET

This table shows how workers in the OO stream would fare on the government’s offer of a 2.2%

annual wage increase with the loss of increments, compared to no new agreement and 3 years of

continuation under the 2009 agreement conditions with no pay rises but retaining increments.

NB. These figures do not take into account increases in the cost of living.

OO 1.1 -$1,489 -$2,976 -$4,439 $8,904 worse off

OO 1.2 -$1,455 -$2,884 -$4,302 $8,640 worse off

OO 1.3 -$1,397 -$2,783 -$4,153 $8,333 worse off

OO 1.4 -$1,355 -$2,694 -$1,858 $5,907 worse off

OO 1.5 -$1,309 -$443 $442 $1,310 worse off

OO 1.6 $895 $1,810 $2,745 $5,450 better off

OO 2.1 -$100 -$199 -$276 $575 worse off

OO 2.2 -$97 -$172 $800 $531 better off

OO 2.3 -$73 $901 $901 $1,896 better off

OO 2.4 $975 $1,972 $2,991 $5,939 better off

OO 3.1 $159 $247 $302 $709 better off

OO 3.2 $84 $136 $1,188 $1,409 better off

OO 3.3 $50 $1,100 $2,174 $3,324 better off

OO 3.4 $1,049 $2,122 $3,218 $6,389 better off

OO 4.1 -$529 -$1,042 -$1,515 $3,086 worse off

OO 4.2 -$501 -$962 -$962 $1,246 worse off

OO 4.3 -$450 $741 $1,959 $2,250 better off

OO 4.4 $1,201 $2,428 $3,683 $7,312 better off

OO 5.1 -$630 -$1,249 -$1,834 $3,713 better off

OO 5.2 -$604 -$1,176 $154 $1,626 worse off

OO 5.3 -$558 $786 $2,159 $2,387 better off

OO 5.4 $1,356 $2,742 $4,158 $8,257 better off

OO 6.1 -$311 -$568 $910 $30 better off

OO 6.2 -$250 $1,235 $2,754 $3,739 better off

OO 6.3 $1,491 $3,015 $4,573 $9,079 better off

OO 7.1 -$179 -$323 $1,310 $808 better off

OO 7.2 -$140 $1,497 $3,169 $4,526 better off

OO 7.3 $1,640 $3,315 $5,028 $9,983 better off

LoSS oF inCrEmEnTS undEr THE

govErnmEnT’S propoSEd oFFEr: oo STrEAm

Pay level In 2012 In 2013 In 2014 Cumulatively after 3 years

Authorised Alex Scott Together Secretary

Pay level In 2012 In 2013 In 2014 Cumulatively after 3 years

FACT SHEET

This table shows how workers in the PO stream would fare on the government’s offer of a 2.2% annual

wage increase with the loss of increments, compared to no new agreement and 3 years of continuation

under the 2009 agreement conditions with no pay rises but retaining increments.

NB. These figures do not take into account increases in the cost of living.

PO 1.1 -$2,147 -$4,275 -$6,386 -$12,809

PO 1.2 -$2,081 -$4,143 -$4,912 -$11,136

PO 1.3 -$2,017 -$2,739 -$3,513 -$8,269

PO 1.4 -$677 -$1,407 -$2,433 -$4,517

PO 1.5 -$715 -$1,726 -$704 -$3,144

PO 1.6 -$995 $43 $1,103 $151

PO 1.7 $1,060 $2,143 $3,250 $6,453

PO 2.1 -$1,776 -$3,515 -$5,240 -$10,531

PO 2.2 -$1,699 -$3,385 -$5,054 -$10,137

PO 2.3 -$1,648 -$3,279 -$4,839 -$9,766

PO 2.4 -$1,595 -$3,117 -$5,082 -$9,794

PO 2.5 -$1,487 -$3,417 -$4,099 -$9,003

PO 2.6 -$1,897 -$2,545 -$3,159 -$7,600

PO 3.1 -$607 -$1,178 -$1,724 -$3,508

PO 3.2 -$557 -$1,090 $568 -$1,079

PO 3.3 -$520 $1,150 $2,858 $3,488

PO 3.4 $1,682 $3,401 $5,158 $10,242

PO 4.1 -$309 -$571 -$801 -$1,681

PO 4.2 -$255 -$478 $1,441 $708

PO 4.3 -$217 $1,707 $3,674 $5,165

PO 4.4 $1,929 $3,901 $5,916 $11,746

PO 5.1 -$194 -$344 -$442 -$980

PO 5.2 -$146 -$239 $1,919 $1,535

PO 5.3 -$90 $2,072 $4,281 $6,262

PO 5.4 $2,164 $4,375 $6,634 $13,172

PO 6.1 $271 $620 $998 $1,889

PO 6.2 $343 $714 $3,094 $4,151

PO 6.3 $364 $2,737 $5,161 $8,262

PO 6.4 $2,364 $4,781 $7,250 $14,395

LoSS oF inCrEmEnTS undEr THE

govErnmEnT’S propoSEd oFFEr: po STrEAm

Authorised Alex Scott Together Secretary

FACT SHEET

This table shows how workers in the TO stream would fare on the government’s offer of a 2.2% annual

wage increase with the loss of increments, compared to no new agreement and 3 years of continuation

under the 2009 agreement conditions with no pay rises but retaining increments.

NB. These figures do not take into account increases in the cost of living.

TO 1.1 -$2,147 -$4,275 -$6,386 $12,809 worse off

TO 1.2 -$2,081 -$4,143 -$4,912 $11,136 worse off

TO 1.3 -$2,017 -$3,513 -$3,513 $8,269 worse off

TO 1.4 -$677 -$1,407 -$2,433 $4,517 worse off

TO 1.5 -$715 -$1,726 -$704 $3,144 worse off

TO 1.6 -$995 $43 $1,103 $151 better off

TO 1.7 $1,060 $2,143 $3,250 $6,453 better off

TO 2.1 -$735 -$1,463 -$2,177 $4,376 worse off

TO 2.2 -$711 -$1,409 -$2,078 $4,199 worse off

TO 2.3 -$682 -$1,335 -$1,955 $3,972 worse off

TO 2.4 -$638 -$1,242 -$3,500 $5,379 worse off

TO 2.5 -$590 -$2,833 -$3,218 $6,641 worse off

TO 2.6 -$2,230 -$2,601 -$2,929 $7,760 worse off

TO 3.1 -$322 -$600 -$851 $1,772 worse off

TO 3.2 -$237 -$514 $941 $155 better off

TO 3.3 -$237 $1,224 $2,717 $3,703 better off

TO 3.4 $1,466 $2,965 $4,496 $8,928 better off

TO 4.1 -$725 -$1,400 $209 $1,915 worse off

TO 4.2 -$659 $966 $2,627 $2,934 better off

TO 4.3 $1,640 $3,315 $5,028 $9,983 better off

TO 5.1 -$586 -$1,146 -$1,663 $3,395 worse off

TO 5.2 -$547 -$1,051 $786 $813 worse off

TO 5.3 -$492 $1,358 $3,247 $4,113 better off

TO 5.4 $1,860 $3,761 $5,704 $11,325 better off

TO 6.1 -$292 -$534 $1,472 $647 better off

TO 6.2 -$236 $1,777 $3,833 $5,374 better off

TO 6.3 $2,018 $4,080 $6,187 $12,285 better off

LoSS oF inCrEmEnTS undEr THE

govErnmEnT’S propoSEd oFFEr: To STrEAm

Pay level In 2012 In 2013 In 2014 Cumulatively after 3 years

Loss of increments under the Government’s EB offer

These fact sheets are available at www.together.org.au/together-bargaining/core-offer-factsheet/

CollECTIvE BaRgaININg: ThE pRoCESS.

Campaign Action

Drafting & vote

If outcome of vote is

YES.

If outcome of vote is

NO.

EB Campaign & negotiations

Log of claims

+

Certification

A pay rise and new

conditions

Review and implementation

Core Conference

Campaign plan

Workplace meetings

Surveys

Delegate meetingsMembers decide what to ask for

3 wages 3 Workloads 3 Worklife/balaNce 3 Super

QIRC

WE aRE

hERE!

1,000 ballots for industrial action to pressure governmentThe attack on public services and jobs in Queensland galvanised members into action, with delegates launching a strategy for 1,000 ballots for protected industrial action across the state.

www.together.org.au/pabs

Under the state government’s new IR laws, a formal ballot of union members held by the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) must be held before industrial action can be taken.

Together was the first union to apply for a ballot to take industrial action under the new Act.

At time of print the 1,000 ballots are being prepared across Queensland to maximise the pressure on the government during negotiations for a new Core public service agreement. n

This matter was heard on Tuesday, 3 July. In this hearing, the Public Service Commission and Queensland Health stated that the offer put to Together Delegates in June was not a “take it or leave it” position, and that all matters were on the table for genuine negotiation.

In an attempt to move forward in this process we have agreed to intensive weekly negotiations for the next three weeks before reporting back to the Commission at the end of July. The first of these negotiations was held over 5

hours on Wednesday 11 July and again on Wednesday 18 July. At the time of going to print we are next week scheduled to spend a full day and a half in an attempt to move closer to an agreement.

We have had some indications that Queensland Health may be allowed to show some flexibility on matters they had previously stated were not negotiable. However it is not clear how far these will go and what concessions will be expected in return.

The next couple of weeks will be crucial in determining what kind of outcome is possible without arbitration of the agreement, so go to www.together.org.au/moca for the latest on the agreement and the progress of negotiations.

Please keep encouraging your medical officer colleagues to join the union – if you have any questions about the medical officers agreement please email health@together.org.au or call 1800 177 244. n

Negotiations at the Central Queensland University (CQU) have commenced, and a log of claims has been endorsed by members.

CQU has offered an annual wage increase of 3%, as well as increasing annual leave to 6 weeks (whilst withdrawing the 3 concessional days around Christmas), however the university is looking to expand its spread of hours.

Rockhampton campus members have been talking to their colleagues to ensure that the negotiating team are in a strong position at the negotiating table.

Griffith University’s general staff EB expires at the end of September. Members have completed a survey indicating the items that are most important to them, and the process of endorsing the log is underway.

A meeting has been held at the Gold Coast campus and organisers will be visiting the other campuses to ensure members across the university are able to have their say.

The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, James Cook University, and Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre will all be entering negotiations later this year.

Delegates have helped create a survey for members, which will be distributed soon, to help formulate their respective logs of claim. Members will be kept informed as these negotiations proceed.

Together will be holding a Planning Day in late August for all universities delegates and activists. For more information, please contact universities@together.org.au n

After a difficult bargaining process, QSuper delegates were successful in negotiating an improved EB for members. Bargaining meetings were often frustrating, and organisers faced difficulties in being able to speak to staff about their pay and conditions. One of QSuper’s initial claims was to increase the spread of hours (including Saturdays) without penalty rates – a major threat to work/life balance.

Hundreds of public sector members—as QSuper clients—emailed their dissatisfaction about this attack on working conditions to the CEO of the fund. This had a great impact on how negotiations proceeded, and highlighted the power of union members participating in collective action. As a result, the spread of hours was not changed. The QSuper negotiation team would like to thank all members who supported their fellow union members during these tough negotiations.

With the hard work and dedication of QSuper delegates and members, and their public sector colleagues behind them, a great outcome was achieved at the end of negotiations. n

Talks on Doctors’ Agreement continue

Universities agreements QSuper EB

After months of negotiations failing to deliver any reasonable discussion with Queensland Health, Together filed an application in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission for assistance to help make an agreement.

2012 and 2013 will be big years for members in universities, with all institutes renegotiating their agreements.

Australia’s industrial relations system is divided into state and federal jurisdictions. Many Together members, particularly state public sector workers, are covered by Queensland state industrial relations law and the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC).

Other members employed in the private sector or by government owned corporations or statutory authorities are coved by the federal jurisdiction.

The relevant tribunal for these workers is Fair Work Australia. In the federal system our union is a counterpart organisation to the Australian Services Union (ASU). Many members of Together are also members of the ASU.

The ASU national office co-ordinates the running of national campaigns like the recent campaign in support of equal pay.

Together staff members work for members in both the Queensland and Commonwealth jurisdictions. n

Prior to amalgamation the QPSU was an Associated Body of a federal union, the Community and Public Sector Union (“CPSU”) with the effect that prior to 2005 some members of the QPSU became members of the CPSU as a result of an arrangement between the QPSU and the CPSU.

Following the amalgamation this arrangement is no longer in place and Together does not have a relationship with the CPSU.

The CPSU as a federal organisation, as members are aware, provides representation in Fair Work Australia. It does not, and cannot, appear in the State Industrial Commission, the QIRC.

The financial arrangements that existed between the QPSU and the CPSU required a capitation fee to be paid by the QPSU to the CPSU but no fee to be paid by members of the CPSU. This situation, following the amalgamation, has changed and Together understands that the Queensland Branch of the CPSU SPSF Group now charges its members a fee.

Any members of Together who are also members of the CPSU can visit www.cpsuspsfgroupqueenslandbranch.com.au/ for further information.

Together’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday November 21 at the Brisbane Convention Centre.

All members are welcome.

Our Federal/State branch relationship

Together and the CPSU

The issues are so serious that the Federal Court has now ordered the de-merger of one Branch, and the removal of a number of elected officials.

Concerns arising out of this debacle have led to the federal government legislating changes which will apply to all unions operating in the federal jurisdiction.

Although unions at both the federal and state level are already subject to multiple layers of regulation and reporting, the HSU story has shown that there is room for improvement and at the recent ACTU Congress, the union movement agreed unanimously that this issue gives us the opportunity to review best practice processes and procedures so that members of all unions can be assured that their organisations are operating efficiently and appropriately.

The Australian Services Union, which is the counterpart body for Together (which operates in the state jurisdiction) will be covered by these changes. The ASU and Together operate as one organisation in Queensland, with services hosted by the state union.

Accordingly, Together’s Executive has closely followed the story and we have in fact been reviewing our internal policies and procedures for about a year now, due to the amalgamation process which required integration.

Additionally, we have formed a Governance Committee to review the pitfalls that arise from the HSU story, plus the recommendations of a special ACTU Taskforce that has been set up to review best practice for unions and NGOs, as well as the new federal legislation requirements which the

Together Executive has determined we should adopt.

The Governance Committee is a joint ASU/Together initiative so that we ensure consistency and clarity.

It is chaired by Peter Devey, our Treasurer. Other members are Vivienne Doogan, Julie Bignell, Paul O’Driscoll, and Mark Starkey.

All committee members have extensive experience and have set a program of work that will be comprehensive and provide assurance to our members that the operations of the union are pitched at the ‘best practice’ level.

Particular areas of interest for the Committee are:

Financial Governance – ensuring proper budgeting and audit processes and procedures.

Conflicts – ensuring all decisions are made free from any potential conflicts of interest.

Training – honorary officials will be required to undergo some level of training on responsibilities and duties as directors to be accredited.

Expenditure – rigorous appropriate controls on the use of credit cards and other purchasing processes.

Progress of the Committee will be reported to the State Council regularly. We have met several times now, and are well into the review process.

It is envisaged that the Committee will continue to meet for some time, so as to be in a position to review new information as it comes to hand from the ACTU, or federal government. n

Health Services Union scandal: a timely reminderMany members will be aware of the serious problems associated with one Branch of the Health Services Union.

This was the last Congress for outgoing Secretary Jeff Lawrence, who was replaced at the Congress by Dave Oliver, ex National Secretary of the AMWU.

Key Outcomes

Major topics dealt with included the adoption of proposed changes to the Fair Work Act to better deal with unfair behaviour by employers, particularly during the bargaining process, and the report back from the Independent Inquiry into Insecure Work in Australia.

This report made a large number of recommendations regarding legislative change and options for workplace campaigning to deal with the alarming situation that we find ourselves facing – around 40% of all Australian workers (around 4 million people) do not have secure and ongoing employment.

The problem of insecure employment spans both the public and private sector, and can only be tackled by a concerted and coordinated campaign across industries by all unions. For this reason, the ACTU

has elevated this issue as a priority and is in the process of finalising campaign plans for unions to consider.

In terms of bargaining processes, the conference called for compulsory arbitration for effective dispute resolution, greater commitments from employers regarding good faith bargaining, fairer flexibility arrangements, and strengthening the right to strike in line with ILO Conventions.

Other key resolutions dealt with government procurement, recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples in the Constitution, better industry policy (particularly in the services sector), and health and safety.

Congress also called upon the federal government to legislate to recognise the rights of union Delegates at the workplace level, and the important role that they play.

This Congress also saw the first Youth Congress, which made a number of recommendations to unions about the needs of young workers today and how

to engage them in their unions. Insecure work was a strong feature of this discussion particularly in the retail and hospitality industries where so many young workers are found.

Finally, it was agreed that current arrangements and strategies around Annual Wage Reviews by Fair Work Australia should be reviewed with the objectives of increasing real wages, restoring skills based relativities, and ensuring workers receive a fair share of productivity gains.

A specialist committee will be selected at the Executive in July, with recommendations going to the November 2012 Executive meeting.

Another major discussion which occurred at ACTU Congress was the response to the Health Services Union governance issues. See our story on this for further details about what this means. n

ACTU Congress 2012I attended ACTU Congress, which was held between 15th to 17th May in Sydney and I am pleased to report that the ACTU Congress proved to be extremely relevant and proactive on issues affecting Australian workers.

By JULIE BIGNELL Branch Secretary ASU Federal Branch

IR System Tribunal Union name Affiliation

Commonwealth Fair Work Australia ASU ACTU

Queensland QIRC Together QCU

AGM Notice

Together Queensland, Industrial Union of EmployeesNotice to Members - List of Positions

The Queensland Industrial Registrar has issued a Decision, pursuant to the Industrial Relations Act 1999, that the Electoral Commissionof Queensland conduct an election for the Together Queensland, Industrial Union of Employees. Nominations are called for the positionsof office shown in the schedule below.

ELECTORAL COMMISSION of QUEENSLANDLevel 6 160 Mary Street, Brisbane, Qld

GPO Box 1393 BRISBANE QLD 4001Telephone (07) 3035 8057 or 1300 881 665 Facsimile (07) 3221 5387

Email: industrial@ecq.qld.gov.au

ScheduleOffice No. of PositionsOffice No. of Positions

Executive OfficersPresident ......................................... 1Senior Vice-President ........................ 2Junior Vice-President ......................... 4Treasurer .......................................... 1Assistant Treasurer ........................... 1

Delegate to Council representingRegional ZonesThe Cape ......................................... 1Tablelands ........................................ 1Cairns .............................................. 1Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, ChartersTowers ............................................. 1Townsville ......................................... 1Mackay ............................................ 1Central ............................................. 1Rockhampton ................................... 1Darling Downs................................... 1Wide Bay ......................................... 1South West ...................................... 1North West ....................................... 1

Delegates to Council representingQueensland Health EB8Cairns and Hinterland ......................... 4Central Queensland ........................... 4Darling Downs................................... 4Gold Coast ....................................... 5Mackay ............................................ 2Metro North .................................... 21Metro South ................................... 13Sunshine Coast ................................ 4Townsville ......................................... 3West Moreton ................................... 3Wide Bay ......................................... 3Corporate Office ................................ 3Combined Torres Strait, North West,South West, Central West and CapeYork ................................................. 2

Delegates to Council representingQueensland Health - non EB8Cairns and Hinterland ......................... 3Central Queensland ........................... 2Darling Downs................................... 3Gold Coast ....................................... 3Mackay ............................................ 1Metro North .................................... 16

Office No. of Positions

Delegates to Council representingSub Divisions (cont)

Delegates to Council representingQueensland Health - non EB8Metro South ................................... 13Sunshine Coast ................................ 3Townsville ......................................... 3West Moreton ................................... 2Wide Bay ......................................... 2Corporate Office ................................ 1Combined Torres Strait, North West,South West, Central West and CapeYork ................................................. 1

Delegates to Council representingSub DivisionsDept of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanderand Multicultural Affairs ..................... 1Dept of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry(DAFF) .......................................... 10Dept of Communities, Child Safety andDisability Services ........................... 34Dept of Community Safety - QueenslandCorrective Services .......................... 19Dept of Community Safety (excludingQueensland Corrective Services) ......... 5Dept of Education and Training- Schools ....................................... 24Dept of Education and Training- TAFE ........................................... 14Dept of Education and Training - (notschools or TAFE) ............................. 11Dept of Energy and Water Supply ...... 1Dept of Environment and HeritageProtection ........................................ 7Dept of Housing and Public Works .... 14Dept of Justice and Attorney General(JAG) ............................................. 17Dept of Local Government ................. 1Dept of National Parks, Recreation, Sportand Racing ...................................... 2Department of Natural Resources andMines ............................................. 8Dept of the Premier and Cabinet ......... 3Queensland Police Service ............... 12Queensland Treasury and Trade ......... 3Dept of Science, Information Technology,Innovation and the Arts ...................... 7Dept of State Development, Infrastructureand Planning .................................... 2

Dept of Tourism, Major Events, SmallBusiness and the CommonwealthGames ........................................... 1Dept of Transport and Main Roads .... 18State Library ..................................... 2Queensland Art Gallery ...................... 1Queensland Museum ........................ 1Queensland Audit Office ..................... 1Commission for Children andYoung People ................................... 1Legal Aid Queensland ........................ 2Legislative Assembly ......................... 1Building Services Authority .................. 1Australian Agricultural CollegeCorporation ....................................... 1Translink .......................................... 1Queensland Institute of MedicalResearch ......................................... 1Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) .. 1Other Statutory Authorities .................. 3WorkCover ....................................... 3Sun Water ........................................ 1Energy GOCs ................................... 3QSuper ............................................ 1Brisbane City Council ........................ 4Queensland Urban Utilities ................. 1Mater Hospital ................................... 4Other Private Hospitals ...................... 2Private Pathology .............................. 2Other Private Health and Aged Care ..... 5University of Queensland .................... 4Queensland University of Technology ... 2Griffith University ................................ 2Other Universities .............................. 2Airlines ............................................. 7Private Sector General Clerical ............ 5Union Employees (other than Together) 4Private Sector Call Centres ................. 3Private Sector Transport and Logistics . 1Together Staff .................................... 2Members who have identified as beingof Aboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderOrigin ............................................... 3

Noms Open - Tue 7 August 2012Noms Close - Wed 5 September 2012

Tony Simpson had had a gutful. An avid rugby league supporter and passionate West Tigers fan he was ashamed by the continued lack of repercussions for players convicted of domestic violence.

The final straw was when ex-Tigers and current Cowboys player Robert Lui was convicted of assaulting his girlfriend following the Tigers exit in the semi-finals last year.

With the NRL sweeping it under the carpet he asked his brother-in-law who worked at change.org what he could do about it.

Within days 5,000 fellow fans had signed his online petition to the NRL demanding season suspension for players convicted of assaulting women and breakfast news programs were waiting on the line. Welcome to the world of online campaigning.

With the spread of social networks and almost universal adoption of email the move of campaigning for change online is a natural progression.

Social change always occurred where people were discussing and interacting whether at the kid’s soccer match or down the pub.

As more of our social lives and discussion move online so do opportunities to join with our community to make a difference.

By taking his campaign online Tony was able to reach 24,000 people around Australia in just two weeks as signers passed the petition on to workmates via email and shared with their friends on facebook.

New entirely online organisations are springing up to assist people make their

voice heard. GetUp! is an Australian online advocacy group boasting over 400,000 members who sign and spread campaigns to influence the government.

When the horrifying treatment of Australian cattle in Indonesian abattoirs came to light hundreds of thousands of GetUp! members signed a petition to cease live exports forcing the Minister to act. Change.org is another recent entrant that Tony used to start his NRL campaign.

He found the easiest part was getting started by heading online, creating the petition and emailing it to friends and family. The hard yards came when the media picked up the story and was calling for comment and appearances.

This was when change.org were able to assist by coaching him on the ins and outs of media interviews and connecting him with other passionate supporters to be co-spokespeople for his cause.

Tony’s campaign ended with the NRL taking action to ban the players with convictions for a season setting a precedent for the future and sending a clear message to players - Rugby League

does not tolerate violence against women.

“My kids can be proud of me that I stood up for something I believe in” said Tony.

On starting online campaigns he advised fellow Queenslanders to make sure it is an issue you feel strongly about and needs to be done.

“Once you’re going rely on your community to back you and rely on the support organisations can give you. Go all the way and win,” Tony said. n

Online Campaigning: changing how we make changeOnline Campaigning is sweeping the world. People are laying low corporate giants and forcing governments to listen to their citizens. How can you get a piece of the action?

Within days 5,000 fellow fans had signed his online petition to the NRL demanding season suspension

for players convicted of assaulting women and breakfast news programs were waiting on the line.

Welcome to the world of online campaigning.

Together Queensland, Industrial Union of EmployeesNomination Form

Nominations close at midday on Wednesday, 5 September 2012We, the undersigned eligible members of the Together Queensland, Industrial Union of Employees desire to nominate

Member No: Ms/Mr/Other: as

a candidate for election to position/s of - (Tick the box/es to indicate the position/s of office the nominee is standing for)

President Treasurer Delegates to Council - QH EB8

Senior Vice-President Assistant Treasurer Delegates to Council - QH non EB8

Junior Vice-President Delegates to Council - Regional Zones Delegates to Council - Sub Divisions

NominatorsPlease print clearly. Nominators who cannot be identified will be included in the tally.

Member No. Name Signature Member No. Name Signature

Consent to NominationI, a member of

the Sub Division / Regional Zone

accept nomination for election to the office shown on this nomination form.

Please show my name on the ballot paper as

Address

Postcode

Telephone Home Mobile

Work Facsimile

E-mail

Nominee’s Signature Date

Print the full name of the person you are nominating

Print your full name

Courtesy Title, If any

ELECTORAL COMMISSION of QUEENSLANDLevel 6 160 Mary St, Brisbane, Qld

Postal Address - GPO Box 1393 BRISBANE QLD 4001Telephone (07) 3035 8057 or 1300 881 665 Facsimile (07) 3221 5387

Email: industrial@ecq.qld.gov.au

Include Sub-division/Regional Zone Name for Delegate to Council Positions - See Notice to Members

Nominations close at midday on Wednesday, 5 September 2012Written nominations signed by the nominee and complying with the Union’s rules, must reach the office of the ElectoralCommission of Queensland (Commission) by no later than midday on Wednesday, 5 September 2012. Nominationsopen at midday on Tuesday, 7 August 2012.

Candidates must be financial members on the date nominations close and have been continuously financial for twelve (12)months preceding the closing date.

Nominations for an Executive officer position shall be signed by no fewer than twenty (20) financial members of the Union.Nominees for a Delegate to Council position must be employed in the relevant Sub Division or be allocated to the relevantRegional Zone and be signed by at least five (5) members of the relevant Sub Division or Regional Zone. All nominationsmust bear evidence of the nominee’s willingness to accept office. No member shall accept nomination to more than oneDelegate to Council position or nominate for more than one Executive Officer position.

Candidates and their nominators should verify their financial status and other eligibility requirements set out in the Union’srules before lodging a nomination form with the Commission.

Nomination forms are available from the Union and the Commission’s web site; www.ecq.qld.gov.au. Although these formsare provided for members’ convenience, any nomination form that complies with the Union’s rules is acceptable.

Nominations can be hand delivered or sent by email, facsimile or post (refer to the details below). Nominees should ensuretheir completed nomination form is received by the Commission and can be clearly read, before the close of nominations.

Candidates may withdraw from the election up to five (5) clear days after the close of nominations by giving written noticeof their intention to the Commission.

Acknowledgement correspondence from the Commission will be sent via email.Please ensure your email address has been provided on the nomination form.

Candidate StatementsEach candidate may lodge a statement (with a photograph of the candidate if desired) supporting their nomination. Thisstatement (including photograph) shall not exceed 200 words for Council Delegate positions and shall not exceed 1000words for candidates for Executive Officer positions. Statements will be copied and given to eligible members with theirballot materials. The Commission will accept statements up to five (5) working days after the closing date for nominations.

BallotWhere more candidates stand for election to any office than there are positions to be filled, the Commission will take asecret postal ballot of eligible members to decide the successful candidate/s, provided that one (1) Senior Vice Presidentand one (1) Junior Vice President shall be elected by and from the membership of the General Division only.

The ballot/s will open on Wednesday, 17 October 2012 and close at midday on Wednesday, 7 November 2012.

Voting is by optional preferential or optional proportional systems, as prescribed in the organisation’s rules, depending onthe position of office.

Members who were financial members of the Union sixty (60) days before nominations opened are eligible to vote. A roll willbe prepared at the close of nominations.

Ballot material will be sent to eligible members at their postal address shown in the Union’s records. However, any votingmember who will be absent from their usual address during the ballot may give the Commission an alternate address towhich their ballot pack can be sent.

JACINTA HYNESReturning Officer

3 July 2012

Together Queensland, Industrial Union of EmployeesNotice to Members - Candidate Information

The Queensland Industrial Registrar has issued a Decision, pursuant to the Industrial Relations Act 1999, that the Electoral Commissionof Queensland conduct an election for the Together Queensland, Industrial Union of Employees. Nominations are called for the positionsof office shown in the schedule.

ELECTORAL COMMISSION of QUEENSLANDLevel 6 160 Mary Street, Brisbane, Qld

GPO Box 1393 BRISBANE QLD 4001Telephone (07) 3035 8057 or 1300 881 665 Facsimile (07) 3221 5387

Email: industrial@ecq.qld.gov.au

Authorised Alex Scott, Together Secretary