The Conciliation in the Magistrates Court in Hobart for our four members that worked in the Gas Industry in Tasmania, from 2005 until January 2007, was held on Tuesday 4^th December.

 

The four TWU members were initially employed a trainees.  They did not get to complete their training to Certificate II, and some finished up working as Crew Leaders.  All four worked and carried out duties beyond the scope of trainee.

 

Mr. Richard Grueber from Ogilvie Jennings Lawyers represented them in the underpayment of wages claim (Higher Duties Allowance). We were able to successfully negotiate a ‘confidential’ financial settlement through the Magistrates Court.  This occured after taking the matter into the Australian Industrial Relations Commission on two occaisions and failing to reach settlement early in 2007.

 

The Members should have their settlements in the Bank prior to Christmas.

 

The Branch has received a response from the Environment and Climate Change Minister, Gavin Jennings. His response after investigation suggests that current emissions from the gas network are substantially under what the Commonwealth Government’s Green Paper on its proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme would require Gas Distribution Businesses to reduce emissions.

 

 

In closing the Minister advised that he would forward copies of his correspondence to the Minister for Energy and also the Treasurer.

 

So that sees us heading back to the Minister of Energy in 2009.

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all and to your Families. Travel Safe.