The Harris Reports
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February 1999
MEU OFFICIAL
INDUSTRIAL BRIEF
>From The General Secretary - Brian Harris
February 1999 -Industrial BriefNo. 2
Electric Poles - A NSW Workeover study, endorsed by the MEU, has
shown chemicals used to treat wooden poles can be harmful to
workers, if their arms, legs or chest come into contact with the
poles. MEU members at Electricity Distribution undertake the work
of Pole Inspectors and are also in jobs that are responsible for
transport and handling storage and delivery to sites. MEU Energy
Manager, Paul Marzato, has contacted the NSW Electricity
Association to develop standard procedures for workers to develop
a safer working environment. Workcover has already recommended
that trucks carry soap, mild detergent and water for cleaning
contaminated skin immediately. This was introduced to Local
Government Weed Inspectors and similar some time ago.
MEU - Electricity Recognition. The MEU Branch, through the
National Office, has been recognised a key player for the
development of 'Level IV' training packages. This is the training
recognition for sub-station construction, supply system design,
including all work from planing a new system to its completion. We
are a key Union in this process recognising the role of members in
construction and planing - NSW Assistant National Secretary Greg
McLean will represent the Union's Branch.
Transmission & Distribution Training Package. Whilst the
Electricity Generation, Gas and Water Industry packages have been
endorsed. Transmission and Distribution is not finalised yet due
to Union concerns. Again the MEUIASU as principal Electricity
Union is involved in this review, for the benefit of members.
National Party/Liberal - Still pushing Electricity Privatisation
if you can't keep banks in your towns, how can you keep privatised
electricity jobs in rural NSW.
Compulsory Competitive Tendering - costs to-increase by 6% ftom
all councils in NSW if Federal Government gets its way - ever
heard of a G.S.T.
Lobbying Pays Off - Big Win!! The Hon Emic Page MP, issued a media
release dated 27 January which 1 quote, states "there will be no
forced amalgamations of local Councils in the next term of a Labor
Government and Councils will retain the flexibility to keep their
business local, protecting jobs in regional communities. There
will be No Compulsory Tendering for Council's in NSW; Labor's
policy puts jobs first. The Opposition Shadow Minister (Mr Duncan
Gay) said yesterday (28 January) that CCT is not in our (Liberal
Party) Policy, even comments in 1997 by the then Liberals fell a
long way short of CCT, but even if it was on our agenda, then its
not on our agenda now? The Union will continue to effectively put
the issues of CCT to the Government to ensure that a successful
return of a Labor in NSW will mean the removal of CCT.
Local Government State Award 2000 - Whilst the current Award does
not expire until October next year, now is the time for us all to
turn our attention towards the first award for the 2 1 ' century.
Members are encouraged to start thinking of ways in which your
Union can improve the current award and your working lives. Pass
any thoughts onto your local MEU Delegate, remember only your
Union is able to improve your award. In the coming weeks, 1 will
be calling together the Union's Award Restructuring Committee to
consider any submissions from members and the negotiation strategy
for the next award.
It is my intention to ensure that the next award- is finalised
well before the current one expires, thereby protecting and
advancing member's interests.
Community Language Allowance Update. The Union's application for a
community language allowance to cover Local Government workers has
now been listed for mention on two occasions before the Industrial
Commission. The Industrial Parties, being the MEU and LGSA, have
agreed to a timetable for the preparation of information to assist
the Commission in conciliation.
In accordance with the timetable, the MEU and LGSA have both
conducted surveys to obtain an industry "snapshot" of how
community language skills are rewarded presently. The Industrial
parties are now comparing the results of conciliation discussions.
On the basis of the survey and other information compiled by the
Union's Industrial section, we believe that there is an
overwhelming case in favour of the granting of a fixed allowance.
Further discussions are scheduled with the LGSA for mid February
with a further mention before the Commission on 17th February
1999.
It would he appreciated if this Industrial Brief could be
attached to all Council 'Notice Boards'
Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union
end
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