AMWU News Australian Manufacturing Workers Union Summer 2019/20 Defence delegates target Canberra

INSIDE

Defence and Aero Committee targets Canberra decision-makers Women’s uniforms on the shelves at Getting our rail manufacturing sector back on track Build your future, now.

We’re here to help you sort your super now, so you can get the most out of it in the future.

See how AustralianSuper can help at australiansuper.com/amwu

Paul Bastian AMWU National Secretary since 2012 and AustralianSuper Board Member Director since 2013

Before deciding if AustralianSuper is right for you, read the Product Disclosure Statement at australiansuper.com. AustralianSuper Pty Ltd ABN 94 006 457 987, AFSL 233788, Trustee of AustralianSuper ABN 65 714 394 898.

2 Editorial CONTENTS

One of the key initiatives of the New Union Project was Victory setting up our National Industry Committees. In this for Visy edition, you’ll read about the great work of two of these delegates committees – Defence and Aerospace, and Rail – in 4 leading campaigns on the issues that matter to them. targeting Our train-builders had secured a Over in the West, Komatsu tried to get commitment from Labor to sort out out of paying its employees a ten per Canberra'S rail procurement if they were elected. cent performance bonus, claiming decision- When the Liberals won government it was a typo that should have read 6 makers in May, rather than rolling over or two per cent. AMWU member Philip throwing their hands up in frustration, Southgate took Komatsu to the our delegates immediately said they Industrial Magistrates Court in WA with WOMEN'S wanted to get down to Canberra and the support of the union, and secured talk to politicians about the importance back pay for all the affected workers uniforms on of rail manufacturing and what the at Komatsu. the shelves government should be doing to support 7 We’ve also included a feature on at Qantas it. You can read all about who they met asbestos in this issue. Our union has with and what they said on page six. always been at the forefront of the fight Our Defence and Aerospace against asbestos, and we’re proud to Getting our Committee held their annual face-to- support APHEDA-Union Aid Abroad’s face meeting in Canberra, and after a campaign: No Australian Money in RAIL back couple of days of industry planning, Asbestos: Not Here. Not Anywhere. Get 8 on track briefings, and training, they spent a day all the details on page nine and sign the in Parliament campaigning for TAFE online petition here: www.megaphone. funding, apprenticeships, training, and org.au/p/ADBasbestos. skills. You can read more about that We’ve also got stories on women’s The global fight on page eight. uniforms at Qantas, won by AMWU to eradicate Meanwhile, our legal team has delivered delegate Jeyda, another EBA win in the asbestos 9 the goods for delegates who were Victorian bus industry, and the story of wrongly sacked and workers who were three AMWU 50-year members. short-changed. I hope you enjoy the edition. Two Visy delegates in Victoria were AMWU In unity sacked after being accused of inciting Financial unprotected industrial action in Accounts 2017. After two long years of fighting 10 against the multinational, the Fair Work 2018/19 Commission decided in favour of the delegates, ruling that their termination had been unfair. The delegates were reinstated and paid six months Proudly printed by AMWU members back pay. This is a huge win for at McPherson’s Printing Pty Ltd these two workers and shows what you can achieve when Paul Bastian you stick together. Check out AMWU National AMWU News Summer 2019/2020 all the details on page six. Secretary AMWU News is the official publication of Manufacturing Workers’ Union, (registered AFMEPKIU) National Office, 133 Parramatta Road, Granville, NSW, 2142. Editor: Paul Bastian AMWU Communications Team: Donherra Walmsley, Cinzia Myatt and Charlotte Kennedy-Cox. All information included in this publication was correct at the time of publication, but is subject to change at any time. Please contact your union organiser for updates. © AMWU National Office

3 Victory for Visy delegates

All wins are sweet, but Commission, including “We’re so proud to have delegates for the AMWU Print and giving evidence at the like this within the AMWU and eight-day hearing. we look forward to having Packaging Industry One Visy worker many more years working with a recent win over the was asked by Visy’s these delegates.” unfair dismissal of two barrister why he Assistant State Secretary (Print and AMWU delegates was willingly gave up the Packaging Membership Area) Tony particularly sweet. overtime. In response Piccolo said it was a monumental he said: “Money is victory for the two delegates. In 2017, two Visy workers, who not everything. When were also union delegates, “They showed it doesn’t matter you've … worked 10, were terminated after being how large the box of money you 15, 20 hours straight, accused of inciting unprotected have, that you need to respect everybody was upset. industrial action. workers’ rights and workplace Because they put the laws,” Tony said. The problems began after an effort in for the company unpopular Drug and Alcohol For Beni and Fahim there was and then they get Policy was introduced. Two never a doubt that their union was Visy delegates Beni and Fahim with Assistant State Secretary spoken to like that and meetings were held where the backing them. (Print Membership Area) Tony Piccolo. called names like that.” policy was poorly communicated, "The AMWU was very supportive. In September, the Fair and workers were left feeling hurt Lorraine backed us through the Work Commission and agitated. “It was hard getting through it. whole process. Every time we'd call There was a lot of stress, but we overturned Visy’s decision, saying it The workers subsequently decided on her she was there - we know she had faith that we could get through had been unfair. they wouldn’t work overtime, had our backs through the whole it with the support of our families The two delegates were reinstated something which Visy claimed was process,” Beni said. and friends,” Fahim said. and were paid six months back pay. orchestrated by the two delegates. “We also want to thank organisers Following a botched investigation, Together with their union, the two “I am so proud of these delegates Mick Bull, Dean Griffiths, Lachie Visy claimed it had the right to sack workers took the cardboard giant that they took the risk to run the Wallace, Robert Gee and Tony the two workers. to the Fair Work Commission, case,” said Lorraine. “It could have Piccolo for their support through claiming they had been been a decision that didn’t reinstate For Beni Rustemi and Fahim this time. unfairly dismissed. them, but they stood firm from day Ahmadyar who were wrongly "It was great to get that result not one, and fought the injustice. dismissed, it was the start of a two “These delegates were welded only for us, but for the AMWU years and three-month emotional on to see this through,” said “They are two very loyal delegates and the workers of Australia. It's rollercoaster. Lorraine Cassin, Assistant National who had absolute faith in the advice been fantastic - we've cleared our Secretary (Print and Packaging they were given by the union. “It was tough because I was the names, we can walk back in with Membership Area). “They knew main breadwinner at the time. “I’ve had a long career - you don’t our heads held high.” there was an injustice and they It was just a big shock at the start, get too many reinstatements. This “It was also about setting the record wanted to see it through and put it but after that thought I'd turn is on all accounts an exceptional straight and setting a precedent for on the record.” around and fight it,” Beni said. outcome and we’re very pleased of workers in the future.” AMWU members also supported this precedent. Fahim said he knew they needed the delegates through the to stick together. Albury mill rolls out its final page

Workers may have seen it “Some workers will be taking an early retirement, production of cardboard, as Norske Skog has coming, but that doesn’t make but for many others it will be a challenge to find sold the plant to packaging giant Visy. other jobs. Visy is reportedly conducting feasibility studies on the closure of Norske Skog’s “The mill is a big employer in the Albury region, so a number of options for the site. newsprint mill at Ettamogah, there will be a knock-on effect to suppliers and to Dave Corben is optimistic that Visy will bring the near Albury, any easier for local businesses.” mill back to life in a new capacity. the 183 workers who have The viability of the mill had been under question “The fact that Visy has bought the mill gives us lost their jobs. for some time due to the decreasing demand for cause for hope. It may take a year or two, but newsprint across Australia and Asia. there’s definitely a good prospect that the mill The mill was scheduled to close by the end of Norske Skog will now consolidate its Australian could be retooled for making cardboard or other 2019, leaving many long-standing employees out operations at its mill in Boyer, north of Hobart, packaging products.” of work as the year ends. which produces newsprint, book grade and light- In the meantime, the AMWU is keeping in AMWU Organiser Dave Corben said the closure weight coated paper. touch with Norske Skog workers to make sure would have a significant impact on the Albury- The 37-year old newsprint mill at Albury was the they are supported through the closure of the Wodonga region. largest of its type in Australasia, with an annual newsprint mill. “It’s a difficult time for the workers and their production capacity of 265,000 tons. “We’re here to help our members in families, particularly coming into Christmas. While the Albury site will no longer produce whatever way we can,” said Dave. newsprint, it may yet have a future in the

4 Komatsu slammed for ‘typo’ excuse Employers across the country had been “varied” to reduce the bonus dished out another $2,000 fine to the are trying every trick in the down to two per cent – even though the company’s Human Resources Manager. book these days to get out of only way to legally vary an Agreement is Western Australian Branch Secretary their legal commitments to pay through the Fair Work Commission. Steve McCartney said that Komatsu’s workers correctly. They then sent a letter to all employees behaviour was not only disrespectful to naming and shaming the workers who workers, it was against the law. But multinational mining equipment were owed the bonus. supplier Komatsu probably takes the “Komatsu is a big international cake for the most pathetic excuse for The AMWU made every effort to talk to company, who chose to spend the underpaying workers, after claiming the the company about the situation, and money on fighting the union and legal ten per cent performance bonus clause to resolve it amicably, but company fees rather than just paying its workers in its Enterprise Agreement was a “typo”. management refused to play ball. what they were rightfully owed. According to Komatsu bosses, the ten Eventually the union and AMWU “Companies like Komatsu think that the per cent figure in the final Enterprise member Philip Southgate decided to terms of Enterprise Agreements are just Agreement (that they agreed to) was take the matter to the WA Industrial a stick to use against workers, and don’t actually a mistake, and it should have Magistrates Court. apply to them. But this case shows that been two per cent. Also, the dog ate their In court, the company’s excuses fell bosses are not above the law, and they homework, and their Twitter accounts flat. Magistrate Martin Flynn noted must abide by the same rules we do. must have been hacked. that, "it is surprising that the company Steve McCartney said the court win Komatsu supplies and maintains a did not, itself, independently check the reinforced the importance of being a fleet of trucks, loaders and shovels contents of the proposed employment member of your union. at the KCGM Super Pit gold mine, and agreement document at any point “Big companies try to bank on workers the Enterprise Agreement covers 17 before the Fair Work Commission being too scared, or not having enough maintenance workers at the site. formally approved … [the] agreement." resources to come after them when they At first, the company tried to get out Magistrate Flynn then fined the do the wrong thing,” he said. of paying the performance bonus by company $12,500 for not complying “Being in your union means you’re not declaring that the Enterprise Agreement with the Enterprise Agreement, and alone. Your union has your back.” Moranbah awards night celebrates long-serving members Long-serving AMWU Norm first joined the Boilermakers At the dinner, Norm members from & Blacksmiths Society of Australia Gosley reflected in 1969, which then became part of on his career in the coalfields in the AMWU in1973. the coalfields, and Queensland’s Bowen “I started off in the Mulgrave advised younger Basin have been Sugar Mill up at Gordonvale as an members to pick their honoured at a dinner in apprentice,” Norm said. battles. Moranbah. “Then I came down to Moranbah “There are some fights you’ve got to Awards were distributed for 30-year when they were getting to the win, and some you and 40-year members, but the tail end of building Peak Downs, shouldn’t be involved most special awards, presented and I ended up being the first boilermaker on site for the Utah in,” he said. by AMWU Queensland/NT Branch AMWU Queensland/NT State Secretary Rohan Webb with long-term members Secretary Rohan Webb, were Development Company, which built “But it’s always Norm Gosley, Jeff Campbell, Rob Willey, Brian McCormack and Gavin West. reserved for three members who the mines. important for members have clocked up 50 years with “When there was a downturn in to get in behind their the union. 1999 I bought a truck and did a union representatives, support It’s also important to remind them and help them. One day people that you can be still be a part Norm Gosley, Rob Willey and Brian courier run between Moranbah and they’ll be the leaders, and they’ll of the AMWU through the Retired McCormack not only have 150 Mackay each day, but I stayed with need the same support.” Members Division even after you’ve years of trade union membership the union because I thought ‘this finished working. between them, they are also isn’t going to be forever’. Former Goonyella Riverside great mates. “In 2004 I went back to Branch Convenor Mark Johnstone “It really was a great night, with said the awards dinner was very over 100 people there – including “We’ve known each other for boilermaking, so I was Johnny successful, and could become an members, families and friends – virtually the whole time,” said Norm. on the spot when BMA needed a couple of boilermakers, and I annual event. and everyone had a good time.” Rob and Brian have been active stayed there until 2014. “The awards were about For more information about joining members of the union, while Norm recognising workers who have the Retired Members Division, also spent a number of years as a “I’m still here working as a trainer at been part of the union for a contact your State Branch. workplace delegate in the 1990s. Goonyella, and I’m still a member.” long time.

5 Defence and Aero Committee targets Canberra decision-makers In a targeted strike, the AMWU Defence and Aerospace Committee landed in Canberra during October to highlight the threats and opportunities facing the sector in Australia.

The delegation made it clear to politicians “The key issues we discussed were “You often hear about the so-called ‘valley that Australia needs to be playing a long apprenticeships, training, and the skills of death’ after a major project winds down, game when it comes to defence and needs for the defence industry as a whole,” so there needs to be better coordination aerospace – looking ahead to make sure Hilton said. of projects so that workers are not lost to that our local labour force has the right “We also talked about the general decline the industry.” skills for the advanced manufacturing jobs and underfunding in TAFE, and stressed South Australian Branch Secretary Peter of the future. the importance of technical and further Bauer was also part of the delegation, and The group of eight delegates and four education and training. he said defence and aerospace was a crucial officials received briefings from senior “Skilled labour is absolutely crucial for area for growth – particularly in his state. public servants before doing the rounds of advanced manufacturing. So if companies “If the right policies are not in place, the Parliament House, conducting meetings can’t access people with the skills they need opportunities created by projects such as with Senator Louise Pratt, Senator in Australia, then there is a real risk they’ll the construction of new naval frigates and Kimberley Kitching, MP, Matt look elsewhere.” submarines will be missed.” Keogh MP, MP, Shayne Hilton Gumbys said skilled workers are not Neumann MP, Graham Perrett MP, Ged Peter Bauer said that while Labor politicians created overnight, so careful planning is Kearney MP, Tanya Plibersek MP and were prepared to open their doors to required to not only train new workers, but Tim Gartrell (Chief of Staff to Anthony workers, no representatives of the Liberal or ensure workers with existing skills are not Albanese MP). National Parties made themselves available lost to the industry. to speak to the delegation. The Co-Convenor of the AMWU Defence and “With defence, it can take a long time for a Aerospace Committee, Hilton Gumbys, said “Considering the urgency of the issues project to actually get up and running. But the main purpose of the trip was to educate and what's at stake, in relation to skills then when it is operational, you need people politicians on the challenges facing the and the capability of the country to straight away. If the workforce isn’t there sector in Australia. maintain its defence sovereignty, I think and isn’t available, it’s a major problem. it's very disappointing that Federal Government MPs weren’t willing to engage with us,” Peter said.

6 Women’s uniforms on the shelves at Qantas Women aircraft maintenance engineers and aircraft appearance staff can finally wear uniforms designed for women after a successful campaign by workplace delegate Jeyda Archbold. The new uniforms have been trialled and tested, and are now on the shelves, which means women engineers no longer have to wear baggy, ill- fitting threads. Jeyda got the idea for the campaign – and the confidence to execute it - at an AMWU delegate training session. “I was doing my first block of delegate training, and I was asked just a simple question: what size From left: Elizabeth Sharp, Vicky Caetano, AMWU delegate Jeyda shirt do I wear?” she recounted. Archbold, and Elaine Tang with the new women's uniforms. “I said ‘is it male or female sizing?’ and the trainers Another sticking point in the negotiations was the kind of thought it was funny that I was asking provision of smaller socks. that question. That triggered a discussion about Jeyda said the argument over socks lasted for what we wear at work, and how it was not right a year – during which time she staged her own that women should have to put up with wearing personal protest by only wearing AWMU-branded men’s clothing. ‘every step of the way’ socks! “So when I went back to work, I sent a couple of “During this last hurdle I made it clear to my “That triggered a emails off, and that led to me having meetings managers that I did not want them to fund the with the uniforms department and with project until I was happy with the final product discussion about management. The more I spoke to people about being provided,” she said. what we wear at it, the more they realised they should get behind “Once the uniforms managers realised they me because it should have happened a long needed my approval to ‘go live’, they met my final work, and how it time ago.” demand to provide smaller sized socks and made But despite growing support from colleagues, them available.” was not right that Jeyda did run into some resistance. The final uniforms – which includes shorts, pants, women should “There were a few times where I had to push a boots, tailored shirts and socks - have now been little bit,” she said. “In particular, when I first had a distributed to workers at Qantas’ Australian sites have to put up meeting with the uniforms department, they tried and its facility in Los Angeles. to tell me this sort of change would happen over Jeyda became a workplace delegate after being with wearing years, and that it was very difficult to do. told that she was virtually doing the role anyway, men’s clothing.” “Then they claimed the uniform was already so she might as well do the training and make unisex. So I took my vest off and I was just it official. standing there with my shirt tucked into my pants Coming from a union family, where her father and I said, ‘with all due respect, does this look was a workplace delegate, taught Jeyda that unisex to you?’ sometimes it takes a ‘squeaky wheel‘ to achieve “They were just looking at each other - they didn't change. Jeyda said that her experience in fighting know what to say because it was pretty much for women uniforms has also taught her about the past my belly button.” value of persistence. Jeyda was also made to go through the hoops She also hopes that the success of the campaign of getting letters signed by senior managers will encourage more women to speak up about authorising the project to go ahead. This could their needs in the workplace. have resulted in long delays, so Jeyda took Finally, Jeyda said she would like to thank advantage of a work social event to lock in the everyone who gave her a helping hand along support she needed. the way. “I went along to a staff sausage sizzle and saw There are women’s committees operating one of the managers, so I just went up to him in front of a group of workers, told him what we in NSW, Victoria, and South Australia. These were doing, and asked him if he would sign up,” committees are open to all AMWU women. If Jeyda said. you’re interested in getting involved, call your State Branch. “He was put on the spot, and wouldn’t dare say no!”

7 Getting our rail manufacturing sector back on track

“We have work up until June-July next year - but The story of Australia’s going past that we don’t actually have any work multiple rail gauges is the at all, so the likelihood of the shop closing at that classic cautionary tale of point is extremely high.” Keith and Ash told the politicians that Labor what can go wrong when should not back away from its previous promises, people (or governments) including its commitment to develop a National Rail Procurement and Manufacturing Strategy. don’t talk to each other. “We wanted to make sure the Labor Party Different gauges are far from the only inconsistency keeps the national platform around the rail industry, between states when it comes to the rail networks. that they committed to before the election,” Keith said. Each network has developed its own standards and specifications. What’s more, the states also go their own way when it comes to ordering new trains, leading to sharp peaks and troughs in demand. All of this makes it hard for local suppliers to build up the economies of scale to make them competitive with overseas rivals. That’s why State and Federal Governments not only need to talk to each other, they need to work hand-in-hand if rail manufacturing is to deliver on its potential for the Australian economy. The Co-Convenors of the AMWU National Rail Committee, Keith Lang and Ash Mabbitt, went to Canberra during September to chew the ears of Federal politicians, and press home the need for action on rail manufacturing. They had a busy schedule, meeting with Senators Tim Ayres and Glen Sterle, and MPs Murray Watt, Brendan O'Connor, Catherine King, Ged Kearney, Louise Pratt and Tanya Plibersek. Keith, the NSW Branch President and a worker at Trains, said that he and Ash had two clear messages for the politicians. “One was that we wanted a national approach to rail procurement, because the current way that the states currently manage it is ad hoc, and that creates a whole heap of peaks and troughs that the industry can't sustain,” Keith said. “And the other message was around skills: keeping the skills that we've got, bringing on apprentices, fixing up TAFE and making sure that Australia has a sustainable rail manufacturing industry into the future.” Ash, who works at Alstom Rail in Ballarat, said the boom-bust nature of the industry meant workers had little security of employment. “Alstom Rail is in a little bit of crisis at the moment,” Ash said.

Top: As (left) and Keith out front of Parliament. Clockwise from left: Keith and Ash with Ged Kearney, Tim Ayres, Murray Watt and Louise Pratt.

8 The global fight to eradicate asbestos Australians are well aware of the deadly dangers posed by asbestos, but the fight to end the use of this toxic substance is far from over.

Asbestos is still being asbestos cement sheeting. this year, when a number found in imported This means that victims of African nations such as of natural disasters can be Cameroon pressed for a goods as diverse sheltered under roof sheeting breakthrough. But really this “At the recent conference as pre-fabricated contaminated by asbestos. is years away from any sort of in Bangkok, no Australian housing, locomotives, We’re asking every AMWU solution.” Government representative and even crayons. member to support the The determination of countries was present. APHEDA campaign by signing such as Russia, Zimbabwe, “We really need the Australian Developing countries are still the No Australian Money Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and playing catch-up when it comes Government to step up, not in Asbestos: Not Here. Not Ukraine to block the global step back.” to recognising the risks of Anywhere petition calling on regulation of White Asbestos asbestos and putting in place the Treasurer to make sure though the Rotterdam Leading the Way laws and regulations to protect that no Australian money Convention has made it all the But while politicians dither, workers and their communities. finances asbestos in Asia more important for countries organisations like Union Aid AMWU National President by closing the loophole that like Australia to stay vigilant. Abroad-APHEDA and the Andrew Dettmer sits on allows for asbestos products The AMWU successfully AMWU are busy working on Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA’s to contaminate humanitarian proposed at ACTU Congress the ground. Committee of Management aid and development. You in 2018 that we campaign for a Andrew Dettmer said that and has been closely involved can sign it online here: stand-alone treaty on asbestos. AMWU members should take in the Asbestos: Not Here, Not www.megaphone.org.au/p/ “This would be modelled on the pride in the role their union Anywhere campaign. ADBasbestos Minimata Treaty which deals has played in bringing the The campaign has been Rotterdam Convention with mercury in all its forms,” scourge of asbestos to the running for several years and Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA Andrew said, world’s attention. has focused on countries in is also continuing to push for “It would mean that this deadly “The AMWU led the way in the south-east Asian region White Asbestos (also called substance would finally be ensuring people who are including Indonesia, Vietnam, Chrysotile Asbestos) to be listed controlled by a UN Treaty, affected by deadly asbestos Cambodia and Laos. on the Rotterdam Convention signed up to by all of the diseases can get access to Now the campaign is stepping – the multilateral treaty which countries which ban it (over 60 specialists to help and be up the pressure on the Asian guides countries on the currently), and be a foundation properly compensated. Development Bank to make regulation and importation for the final eradication “The second thing we did was to sure that no development of hazardous chemicals and of this deadly substance get the Australian Government funds and no Australian pesticides. from use, manufacture and to ban asbestos. money supports asbestos If a chemical is listed on Annex construction.” “And the third thing we did products. Australia provides III of the convention, then it Andrew is concerned, however, was to hold James Hardie to over $12 billion to the Asian can only be traded with “prior that the Morrison Federal account for its failure to protect Development Bank, which informed consent” from the Government has lost interest in workers from its asbestos- in turn provides tens of importing country. pursuing international action based products. billions of dollars in loans and Progress, however, has been on asbestos. grants in Asia. “But we can’t stop now. We’ll slow – to say the least. “It seems to us that the continue the international fight, This money is not properly “This issue has been raised at Australian Government has because until it’s regulated regulated to ensure that no the Rotterdam Convention dropped the ball in a quite internationally, we’ll still get asbestos products are used for the best part of 17 years, significant way, and that gives asbestos-containing materials in development and aid and they have yet to deal the pro-asbestos lobby a coming into Australia.” projects. Currently, the Asian with it in any conclusive way,” chance to say ‘oh asbestos isn’t Development Bank prohibits Support the campaign by Andrew said. a problem any more’. investments that include raw jumping online and signing the asbestos, but it does not prohibit “There was a glimmer of hope petition today!

9 AMWU Financial Accounts 2018/19 Please find below the Union's We have strict controls around credit cards, In addition, the Union has a 49 per cent share in financial summary for 2018/2019. purchasing, conflicts of interest, and gifts and Wageguard, an Income Protection firm, to ensure The Union's full accounts can be found hospitality. Our Union's Officers also attend Union that these policies operate in the best interest of Governance & Financial Training. members. All income from this investment is used on the internet at http://www.amwu. to fund products and services for members. org.au/ the union/rules_policies What happens to your Union dues? and_elections. If you would like a All AMWU membership dues are paid to the How does the Union make decisions free printed copy of the full Financial National Union and money is allocated to the State on investment? Reports, please call the AMWU Branches according to budget policy. Your Union dues are listed as Contributions in our accounts. All investment decisions are taken on the Helpdesk on 1300 732 698 or email recommendation of the Audit, Risk & Investment amwu@ amwu.org.au A significant portion of membership dues go to Committee which engages professional, external support the Organisers and Staff whose job it is advice and support. The investment portfolios How are these financial reports to provide industrial and bargaining support to comply with the United Nations Principles of prepared? members and to build the Union by encouraging Responsible Investment and all Officials and new members to join. The Union also employs Our financial year ends on the 30 September. At this Officers are subject to the AMWU Conflict of a number of legal, education, communications point, the Union's external auditors scrutinise our lnterest Policy. and policy specialists to defend the interests accounts and provide a report on their compliance of members and a range of people to keep with Australian accounting standards and the Fair Is the Union in a good the union functioning in finance, IT and asset Work (Registered Organisations) Act. Following financial position? management etc. their adoption by the National Council, they are The Union is in a good financial position, made available to members and lodged with the Your dues also support a range of direct member despite significant decline in some of the major Registered Organisations Commission. The same services and products including the Helpdesk manufacturing industries and a subsequent process applies to the accounts in each state. for industrial support, AMWU Care for 24hr loss of members in recent times. Your National counselling, and a range of insurances such as Council has been making prudent investment What information is included in emergency transport and journey cover where and expenditure decisions appropriate to the these reports? it's needed. circumstances. The reports include: Income and expenditure; The Union also allocates $2.10 per quarter for An operating surplus of $3,263,660 for the 2018/19 commercial relationships; the members of our each member to the Political Fund to ensure that financial year was achieved. In support of a governing bodies; your representatives on the we engage in national and state political debate significant restructure of the Union over the past industry superannuation funds; the salaries of on behalf of our members and to maintain our two years, the National Conference authorised a our highest paid officials and significant detailed affiliation with the . deficit operational budget for 2018/19. Despite this, information on the accounts of the Union. Does the Union make money in any the overall financial position of the Union improved during the year due to better-than-projected other way? How are my dues protected? membership dues income, an increase in external We have a proud tradition of good governance and Yes, our Rules provide that when an Officer rental income, and the payment of a higher-than- financial management, supported by solid policies represents members on an external Board, average investment dividend from Protect which and procedures, and overseen by the National Directors fees are paid directly to the Union. is a redundancy trust covering a number of our and State Councils, the Audit, Risk & Investment The Union also earns money from financial members working in construction in Victoria. Committee and the Union's external auditors. investments in shares and property.

AMWUAMWU Expenditure Expenditure 2018/19 2018/19 National Union Snapshot 2018/19 Income from Members $33,953,212

Other Income $14,608,499

Total Income $48,561,711

Expenditure $45,298,051

Assets $195,685,317

Highest Salary Paid $121,521

Union Agreements in 2018 338

Employees – Industrial and membership support 43 Building Expenses 7 Employees, Administration, Finance etc 13 Other Member Services 6 State Council Expenditure 13 Communications 4 Speci c Project Funds – Strategic Plan, Aliation Fees 1 Education, Hardship and Political 5 Other Expenses 3 Depreciation 5

10 First EA puts Cranbourne Transit mechanics in the passing lane

The small group of mechanics “They've now got a set spread of hours, and any shift outside of that spread will attract a at Victorian bus company shift loading, which they've never had before,” Cranbourne Transit have secured Vince said. their first ever Enterprise “The loadings give them an extra 12.5 per cent in Agreement, with some help from the morning, or 18 per cent in the afternoon, on top their union. of the increases to base pay. The agreement will deliver a substantial pay rise “And we were also able to negotiate an and improved conditions. improvement to their break down allowance for AMWU Organiser Vince Pepi says discussions being on-call.” over an agreement started in March 2019, and Cranbourne Transit is owned by the Pulitano members voted to endorse it six months later in Group, which also owns Mansfield Mt Bulla Bus October. So while it took some time, the result was Lines in Victoria, and Bus Queensland. In Victoria, well worth the effort. the bus industry is dominated by bgger players AMWU members at Cranbourne Transit are happy with their first “The increase in pay works out at about 19 per cent such as Ventura, Transdev and CDC. ever Enterprise Agreement. in total, over the life of the agreement,” Vince said. But under their new agreement, the mechanics at He said the agreement also delivered clarity around Cranbourne Transit will have wages and conditions “We’ll keep working across the sector to bring the defined hours of work for the mechanics. that are comparable to their counterparts in the wages and conditions at these smaller companies larger companies. in line with the industry standards,” Vince said.

IN BRIEF Community Kitchen AMWU women dishes up ten years represent at WIMDOI of good deeds

From left: Jessica and Steph (NSW), Tracey AMWU WA State Secretary Steve McCartney helped (Victoria) and Jo (SA). Peel Community Kitchen celebrate ten years.

Rank and file AMWU women “I think it’s really important that as The AMWU Western The AMWU has been a proud Jessica, Steph, Jo, and Tracey many women members as possible Australian Branch is a supporter of the Peel Street attended the Women in get to go to things like this, because proud supporter of the Kitchen since 2016. In fact, Male Dominated Industries I learnt so much that I could take Peel Community Kitchen AMWU Kwinana delegate Shane and Occupations (WIMDOI) back to my factory. When we – a community-based Williams is on the kitchen’s Conference in Devonport in were discussing the super gap I organisation dedicated to Committee of Management (good November. WIMDOI provides realised that everyone who works providing food for people on you Shane). part-time in my workplace is a an opportunity for women to and families in need in the The Kitchen recently celebrated woman, because they’ve got caring come together and discuss the its tenth anniversary, so responsibilities not just for their kids Mandurah area. WA Branch Secretary Steve issues facing them. but often for their ageing parents as The Kitchen serves up around McCartney and local members Jessica, who works at Simplot in well. So when I got back, the first 130 healthy meals from 9:30am joined Mandurah Mayor Rhys Kelso, near Bathurst said it was a thing I did was bring all the women to 1pm, Monday to Friday, from its Williams to help out. They even great experience to meet women together and said, ‘alright, what are home base in Mandurah’s Sutton turned up with some cake and from all around the country and you doing to sort your super out’, ” Street Hall. It even provides free steak for the occasion! learn about a range of issues from Jessica said. haircuts once a month, enabling the superannuation gap through to patrons to get a trim with family and domestic violence. their tucker.

11 CONTACTS DELEGATE PROFILE

AMWU National Office Hilton Gumbys Level 4,133 Parramatta Road, Granville Postal: PO Box 160, Granville, NSW 2142 Union to the Hilt. (02) 8868 1500 After nine years as a workplace 2nd Floor, 251 Queensberry St, delegate at BAE Systems in Adelaide, Carlton South, VIC 3053 Hilton Gumbys says it’s the things that (03) 9230 5700 happen behind the scenes that show NSW Branch the power of trade union membership. Location: Level 3, 133 Parramatta Road, Granville On one hand there’s the cycle of negotiating Enterprise Agreements and representing workers Postal: in the workplace, and on the other hand there’s PO Box 167, Granville, NSW 2142 the task of political campaigning and mobilising (02) 9897 4200 workers so that they can have a louder voice on the Albury/Wodonga (02) 6024 1099 national stage. Newcastle (02) 4954 3215 Hilton has had plenty of experience with both sides “It's mounted on warships, so it actually talks to of that equation, but in the past few months he’s the threat and attracts it away from the ship. It was Wollongong (02) 4229 7611 had a first-hand view of the way unions operate at developed after the Falklands War where Exocet VIC Branch the political level – volunteering on the Change the missiles were a problem, and it's Australia's longest Rules campaign during the Federal election, being running and most lucrative defence export program. 1st Floor, 251 Queensberry Street, nominated as Co-Convenor of the AMWU’s Defence Carlton South, VIC 3053 “And to my knowledge, it's still the only foreign and Aerospace Committee, and participating in that (03) 9230 5700 munition deployed on U.S. warships.” committee’s delegation to Canberra. Albury/Wodonga (02) 6024 1099 In between enterprise negotiation cycles, Hilton and Walking the halls of Parliament House and holding his fellow workplace delegates at BAE Systems have Ballarat (03) 5332 2910 meetings with politicians and senior public servants been trying to increase awareness of the Agreement Bendigo (03) 5442 5101 showed Hilton that being part of a union really does within the workplace. open doors. Dandenong (03) 9701 3044 “We're slowly empowering the members here to “The AMWU gives you these opportunities,” Geelong (03) 5229 9358 know their own Agreement. It means that people are Hilton says. more likely to recognise when something is not right, Latrobe (03) 5134 3306 “I mean, you can be a rank and file member, but and they’re also more prepared when they come to Portland (03) 5523 2525 there’s also the potential to pursue things a little us, which we’ve found really helpful.” Shepparton (03) 9230 5700 bit further. For me, to be on a committee like the Hilton and his wife Ros, who is a teacher and active Defence and Aerospace Committee, and then to go member of the AEU, enjoy life in the great outdoors QLD Branch to Canberra and actually spend the day in Parliament - camping, bushwalking, snorkelling, fishing and 366 Upper Roma Street, Brisbane House is a real privilege – and an eye-opener.” cooking good food. QLD 4003 Hilton has worked in defence manufacturing for over (07) 3236 2550 Having recently become empty nesters, they should 30 years - machining and assembling components probably be looking forward to spending more time Gladstone (07) 4972 5319 for programmes such as the F35 Joint Strike Fighter out in the bush. Mackay (07) 4953 0550 and the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile among others. It’s the Nulka Active Missile Decoy, however, that “I’m definitely looking forward to it,” says Hilton, “but Rockhampton (07) 4927 1487 Hilton says he’s most proud of. work’s just ramped up here, and we're doing a lot of overtime, so the outdoors might have to wait.” Townsville (07) 4771 5960 “The Nulka is a hovering rocket,” he explains, “that SA Branch actually talks to an incoming missile threat. 53 - 61 Dale Street, Port Adelaide 5015 (08) 8366 5800 Whyalla (08) 8645 7115 WA Branch 121 Royal Street, East Perth, WA 6004 (08) 9223 0800 Bunbury (08) 9721 7933 Karratha (08) 9185 4078 TAS Branch 28 Station Street, Moonah, TAS 7009 (03) 6228 7099 Devonport 0407 059 362 0408 773 900 ACT Office Canberra (02) 6273 2412 NT Office 1st Floor, 38 Woods Street, Darwin, NT 0800 (08) 8941 1511

www.amwu.org.au email: [email protected]

12