We are yet to get a response to the submissions that were submitted back in May to the Garnaut Climate Change Review (as well as the Victorian Government Climate Change Review) as reported on in the Winter Journal.

 

In early August a letter was sent off to the Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Gavin Jennings MLC seeking his assistance in obtaining a response on the submissions, as well as seeking the opportunity to meet with him to discuss the issues further. To date we have had no written response, but have been advised (by a senior adviser of the Minister) that there is a reply in the system.

 

So watch this space for more news on that.

 

August 6^th saw a Training Day of elected Delegates and O H & S Reps at our Port Melbourne office.  We were able to get the reps cleared with paid leave from their respective companies. The topics covered by the various presenters provided and reminded the group of the vast amount of resources available to them as elected representatives and to the members that they represent.

 

2009 will come around quick enough.  Most of our “Industry” Enterprise Agreements are up for negotiation, so the opportunity exisits for us to to establish an “Industry Standard”. The order for those negotiations are Gasnet (APA Group), currently happening, Bilfinger Berger Services, March. Comdain, March. Tenix Maintenance Services, August and last but not least, Champ Constructions  (Thiess- Services) nominal expiry date in February 2010. I believe we will start discussions prior to the end of 2009.

 

Throughout any ‘Union/Company’ negotiation process, the input from members in the development of the claim is critical. The need for them to have knowledge of the Union’s policy and where that sits in regards to the claim is also important. That will all fall into place in the lead up to your respective agreements nominal expiry dates by yard meetings and the development of the claim.