Huge win for RMS and TFNSW, and nominate your colleague for union award! Read on for more.
SIGNIFICANT WIN IN PARLIAMENT
NO FORCED REDUNDANCIES AND NO PRIVATISATION
The NSW Government has been caught out trying to sneak in legislation that would lead to outsourcing, privatisation and regional job cuts at Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) and Transport for NSW (TfNSW). And we stopped them.
The NSW Government is merging the RMS agency into TfNSW. The new agency will be responsible for all transport and legislation is required to transfer assets and liabilities.
In the NSW Parliament, the ALP, Greens and cross-bench members of the Legislative Council listened to union members and successfully moved amendments including:
No forced redundancies protecting current workers from forced redundancies for four years.
No privatisation or outsourcing of RMS or TfNSW work for at least four years following the merger.
No reduction of staff in regional areas (Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Newcastle and Central Coast).
RMS Awards will not be merged. For the next four years, all current RMS awards will be retained.
The Government also agreed that they will continue to consult with workers and unions about the merger. Ben Franklin, the Government’s spokesperson, even proclaimed “I love consultation!”. We’ll be sure to take him up on that.
The Government tried to sneak in changes that would have made our jobs insecure – thanks to ASU members, we have stood up for job security – and won.
NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
BARRY RULE AWARD
Every year we celebrate the union achievements of an ASU member within our Transport Division who has shown what it means to be union. We honour this member by awarding them the Barry Rule Award, named after the legendary former Transport Division President.
This Award recognises outstanding commitment, dedication and leadership to the ASU and the Transport Industry. Past recipients include John Maher, Natalie Noyeaux, Martin Davis, John Briggs, Peter Van Brink Vicky Bosevski and David Barber.
Do you know an ASU member who proudly represents ASU members, loudly speaks about the importance of being Union and deserves to be recognised for their union activity?
Nominate an ASU member for the 2019 Barry Rule Award today.
Nominations close at 5pm Friday 1 November 2019.
PRIZE WINNING DELEGATE
CONGRATULATIONS ANDREW!
Andrew works at State Transit Authority and is officially a prize-winning union delegate. Today Andrew was awarded deluxe movie tickets by Ben Kensington on behalf of the Transport Committee of Management for signing up the most new union members!
Andrew knows all the reasons for being in the union – and he’s happy to chat to people about joining because Andrew knows that we are stronger together.
Congratulations Andrew!
RIPPED OFF
wage theft in the community sector
200 Family Violence support workers in North Queensland have had $200,000 stolen from their wages. Their employer won’t go to jail - instead they’ve been given a year to pay their workers back.
The Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said the organisation “has not only breached workplace laws, it has let down committed employees that form the backbone of its organisation and fallen short of community expectations.”
Our Civil Society campaign demands that organisations in our sector treat workers with respect – and that includes being transparent about wages and classifications of all positions. Add your name to the Civil Society campaign.
NEED TO TALK?
BOOK A RETURN CALL ONLINE
Do you need to talk to someone about an issue at work?
Use our new online form to book a return call and our team will be in touch.
For urgent matters you can always call the ASU on 02 9310 4000 for assistance.
You can also find a copy of your pay rates, Award or Agreement on our website. There are some useful fact sheets up there too which may answer your questions.
RAISE THE RATE
ANTI-POVERTY WEEK 2019
As part of anti-poverty week ASU legend and community worker Lisa Smajlov joined Anna Bacik, Director and Policy and Research at NSW Council of Social Services to speak about increasing the rate of Newstart.
Despite the increasing cost of living, Newstart has not been increased in 25 years. $40 per day is too low to give people the support they need to get through tough times and into suitable paid work.
Add your voice to the campaign to Raise the Rate and get Newstart working.
NEW ADDITION TO THE FAMILY?
PARENTAL LEAVE KITS NOW AVAILABLE
Are you expecting a new addition to your family? Get in touch and we can help with all you need to know about taking parental leave and returning to work.
If you’re taking unpaid parental leave we can put your union subscription on hold (don’t worry, you continue to access your member discounts and savings for the whole family!).
Our new Parental Leave Kit includes fact sheets, links to useful online courses, tips for your superannuation and more. Plus – the Kit includes a cute bib for the newest member of the ASU family!
Book an organiser visit!
Organisers can come visit your workplace to talk with members and non-members about campaigns and hear about what's going on at your workplace.
Contact your delegate or the union office to book a visit from your organiser.
DELEGATE TRAINING
This week five new delegates from the NSW Council for Intellectual Disability, Nature Conservation Council, Sydney Water and Sydney Trains attended delegate training at our Redfern office.
Delegates are the face of the ASU in their workplace - they keep everyone up to date with ASU news, represent members and build our union.
Delegates are provided with comprehensive induction packs and can access fact sheets about issues at work to give advice and support to their members in the workplace.
If you're interested in becoming a union delegate, activist or contact get in touch with your Organiser or call the ASU on 02 9310 4000, or email [email protected]