INS

IDE

SUMMER 2012

A new chance at HoldenMembers defend wage claimsAustralian mining and The Real Story

Graphic visionThe print industry in the 21st century

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AMWU News is the official publication of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, (registered AFMEPKIU) National Office, 133 Parramatta Road,

Granville, NSW, 2142.

Editor: Dave Oliver

AMWU Communications Team: Tim Chapman, Dash Lawrence and David Gibney

Design: dcmc Design, Melbourne

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

Made in Australia by AMWU members

Dave Oliver’s editorial ........................................................................................ 3

Qantas engineering jobs .................................................................................... 4

Jobs Forum delivers win for manufacturing ........................................................ 5

Printers layout the future ................................................................................ 6-7

Members mount defence ................................................................................... 8

Graduates with new future at Holden ................................................................ 9

Radar technicians pay and conditions ...............................................................10

Book giveaway: ‘The Spirit Level’ .......................................................................11

Delegate profile ................................................................................................12

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SUMMER 2012

“Our messages are clear: Manufacturing must be the base of a diverse economy.

It trains our tradespeople, it pays for the research and development and it delivers innovation.

EDITORIAL

Twelve months ago the AMWU began a battle

over funding for the auto industry that turned into a broader fight about policies to support manufacturing across all sectors. A fight to help local manufacturers benefit from the mining boom. A fight about why government defence and infrastructure contracts should be awarded locally. A fight about whether we could use the challenge of climate change as a game changing opportunity to build a clean technology industry in this country.This is a hard fight to win because economics and politics have been dominated by neo-liberalism for the last 30 years with the belief that the market is always right and government should get out of the way. The AMWU has always led the opposition to this and argued that government has a duty to guide the market in the national interest.

By the end of 2011, we had major victories or shifted the debate in our favour on all the key issues. Through the hard work of our members and

activists – at work and in the community – our campaigns began telling the story Australia needs to hear about manufacturing.

The Manufacturing: Australia’s Future campaign makes plain the simple but obvious truth about why Australia needs an industry based on skills, innovation and technology, not just services or natural resources.

Our messages are clear: Manufacturing must be the base of a diverse economy. It trains our tradespeople, it pays for the research and development and it delivers innovation. It anchors other industries and creates jobs downstream. It directly employs one million people.

We should be proud of the difference we made in 2011. The WA Jobs and Queensland Jobs campaigns, the Build Them Here campaign in NSW and the broader manufacturing campaigns in all states carried the message that manufacturing must be Australia’s future.

In each state we achieved results. Nationally, we had two significant outcomes which we need to build on this year. These are:

• The new requirement for all projects which receive government funding to submit local industry participation plans or face losing that funding.

• The $14.8 billion funding to create a clean technology industry as part of the price on carbon.

In 2012, our union will continue this campaign to build on the successes of last year. There is much more ground to be made on the local content and clean tech issues and there will be other battles to fight.

And the going will be tough. Despite a booming economy, the manufacturing sector shed jobs last year. Nonetheless, our union again increased the recruitment of new members thanks to the hard work of our organisers, delegates, activists and members. Manufacturing workers recognise the fact that we have a vision of what the manufacturing industry should be like.

We can be proud of the outcomes we achieved across the board last year. I hope all AMWU members gave themselves a pat on the back and got a good rest over the end of year break, because as a proud, campaigning union with a lot to fight for, we’ve got another big year ahead of us in 2012.

Let’s campaign to win again in 2012

Dave Oliver

AMWU National Secretary

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Unions combine to secure Qantas engineering jobs

The AMWU is part of a powerful new alliance

between the three major maintenance and engineering unions at Qantas.The partnership, launched in October, brings the AMWU, AWU and ETU under the banner of the ‘Qantas Engineering Alliance’ – to begin a campaign to secure the future of maintenance jobs within the company.

AMWU Assistant National Secretary, Glenn Thompson, said the alliance was formed to fight for commitments from Qantas management on key issues including ongoing Qantas maintenance in Australia, investment in the skills and training of the workforce, investment in maintenance infrastructure and taking advantage of opportunities to service the Asia Pacific region.“There are big issues confronting

the sector and our unions took the view that the alliance was a good opportunity to work collectively on these.

“Qantas has a number of aircraft types that will be retiring in the coming years, around one third of its fleet in fact. This brings with it a whole new set of challenges for the sector, for jobs and skills.”

Mr Thompson said the airline’s future in Australia was dependant on a strong maintenance and engineering base.

He said AMWU members had unanimously supported the collective approach.

“This has been an 18 month process in which we’ve conducted two and three day delegates’ meetings as well as workshops on specific issues.”

Mass meetings in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne were held in early November to ratify the new

alliance.

Stuart Cook, an AWMU delegate from the heavy maintenance hanger in Brisbane, said the new collaborative approach had been welcomed by members.

“There are definitely benefits. We have a bit more pull coming together, Qantas will show more respect for three unions working as one.

“In the past they have always played one union off against another, it’s been part of their strategy. If they can see three unions working together it goes against the way they bargain.”

Mr Cook said the retirement of the fleet remained a major sticking point for Alliance members.

“It seems Qantas has no intention of doing any of the heavy maintenance on the new aircraft, so we need to put pressure on them to change that view.” ■

Plastic makers stick together to demand a better workplaceWorkers at a plastic

manufacturer in Melbourne’s south, have created a better-paid, fairer and safer workplace after securing their site’s first AMWU collective agreement. The workers, who make pot plants, snorkels and other plastic products for Palamont Rotor in Dandenong, joined the union on mass in 2010, after the company tried unsuccessfully to push individual contracts.

Site delegate, Anil Mannapperuma, said despite attempts by management to thwart union activity, workers remained determined to improve conditions.

“We wanted job security and better rights. We had a lot of bullying, there was favouritism and our hourly rate wasn’t very high. They could push us anyway they liked.”

Despite fears of retaliation, Mr Mannapperuma urged workers to stick together.

“I said to the guys, ‘Being together is

the only way to win this situation. If you break up, they will crush us anyway they want. Once we sign their agreement, we will have no rights.’”

With the assistance of AMWU regional organiser, Craig Kelly, the workers took their plan for collective action to FairWork Australia, after the company refused to recognise the AMWU.

Mr Kelly said the united front shown by workers sent a clear message to management.

“They were a collective and they were

ready to exercise their strength. The members made it clear to the company they would be facing not one or two union activists - but every union member on site.”

Following an extended period of negotiation between the company’s management and the AMWU, major improvements on wages and conditions were won.

As well as a pay rise of 14% over three years, the members significantly improved their long service leave and

redundancy entitlements and won a new clause providing a pay out of all sick leave after ten years of service.

But the major win for members, according to Mr Mannapperuma, came through the development of a fairer and safer workplace.

“With the AMWU we now have a structure where all bullying issues that arise are quickly addressed. Before, bullying between superiors and the workers was a common occurrence.”

He said health and safety was now an integral part of our workplace.

“We have now trained five health and safety delegates to oversee the standards. We’ve also identified and removed the use of chemicals that weren’t suitable or safe for the workplace.”

Craig Kelly said he couldn’t be happier with the result achieved at Palamont.

“It’s heartening because we’re always trying to convince new shops to take the step and join on mass. This is a shining example of that. It reaffirms our beliefs.” ■

Delegate Anil Mannapperuma together with members at Palamont Rotor.

Alliance members meet for the first time under the new banner.

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Jobs Forum delivers win for Australian manufacturing

A decision by Prime Minister Julia Gillard to require

local content statements from companies in receipt of more than $20 million in government funding will mean a major boost for local manufacturing. The announcement came at the conclusion of a one-day Jobs Forum in Parliament House that brought government, unions and business groups together to discuss the challenges faced by the sector.

In the lead up to the Forum, the AMWU lobbied hard for an outcome on local content procurement.

“This decision will give us and Australian manufacturing firms the ability to test the claims made by resource sector companies that they are contributing to the community and buying local. This is an excellent result,” said AMWU National Secretary Dave Oliver.

“This decision will allow us to name and shame anyone not providing a fair go in a transparent process.”

Under the plan, companies that receive more than $20 million in government grants will be required to fill out Australian Industry Participation plans and make them public. This will

allow manufacturing firms who have been missing out on work to scrutinise tendering processes.

“Manufacturing workers have been missing out because mining and gas companies have been importing their fabricated steel and components like conveyor belts, pipes, refrigeration units and even footpaths on worksites.

“Despite this, resource companies have spent millions of dollars on advertising campaigns exaggerating their commitment to supporting local jobs.

“The Prime Minister’s announcement will mean that taxpayers no longer subsidise companies that aren’t prepared to put their commitment back to the Australian community on the record.”

The AMWU will continue to work with the government to ensure Australia’s manufacturing sector achieves its full potential in resource sector and clean technology projects.

“Australia’s one million manufacturing workers have a lot to be pleased about in the outcomes from the Future Jobs Forum.

“We would expect the same rules to apply to grants funded from the $14.8 billion Clean Energy Future plan.” ■

AMWU National President Paul Bastian speaking in Canberra before the Jobs Forum

The mining industry is booming – but manufacturing is not benefitting. This hilarious new website reveals the real story behind the mining industry’s advertising campaigns

and lets you email your local MP to ask for support for manufacturing jobs.

Check it out at thisistherealstory.com.au

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Printers lay out the futureAustralia’s printing and

graphical industries have always been dynamic. Changes in technology over the last 100 years, from silkscreen printing to the photocopier and the digital press have kept workers on their toes. The fifth floor of a high-rise office building in the middle of Melbourne’s CBD is where you’ll find the next generation of graphical and printing workers. High visibility jackets and the sound of heavy printing presses have been traded in for casual outfits and the tapping of keyboards.

And whilst there might not be a plate making workshop or a bindery room in sight, these workers lay out, design, proof read and edit advertisements for webpages - just as was once done for paper.

Starting ten years ago, in the then small online production department of directory service, Sensis, long time AMWU delegate Chris Breen is one worker who has witnessed the incredible rise of online graphical work.

“When I started, online was a tiny part of the business. There were maybe 20 or 30 of us, while the print production had hundreds of staff. Now we have around 150 staff working in online production.”

The online medium has now become a key part of the modern graphical worker’s job. And there are some compelling reasons why.

In 2010, online advertising revenue grew 21% to $2.26 billion in Australia, and the sector is expected to grow by 15.4% every year for the next four years. While the same forecast for print growth is 1.9% and for free TV it is 3.9%.

Though the demand for online advertisements may bring change to traditional printing jobs, the evolution of online is also creating new jobs.

Former AMWU Print Division Secretary, Steve Walsh – now the

departmental head for international printing and graphical union UniGlobal – is witnessing the trends elsewhere in the world. “If you look at the major printers internationally, such as Donnelley, Quad Graphics, you’ll see that

everyday they’re announcing moves into logistics and going into providing a total communications package. That means online advertising as well.“I think there are new opportunities (for our members) in digital printing, webpage design and multimedia. I don’t tend to talk about print work these days. I talk about graphical work. “It’s a subtle change of language, but as a former print worker, we’re in the communications business. And just because the substrata has changed from paper to a screen– it still requires the same skills.” Although Steve predicts job insecurity will continue to be a major challenge for traditional printers, as they respond to the emergence of digital media. He says there is still a future for jobs in the traditional printing sector.

“I was interested to read recently that the Trading Post is going back to producing their printed copy. That’s an interesting development. “I think people are coming back to quality. They want quality publications. They still need and

want printed materials. I don’t think that will ever change.”Books, he says, are another example, “Not everyone wants to read stuff electronically, some of us still want to hold a book in our hands.”

““I think there are new opportunities (for our members) in digital printing, webpage design, multimedia. I don’t tend to talk about print work these days. I talk about graphical work.

McPherson’s remains a key part of Maryborough’s economy and the biggest employer

Major clients such as Penguin and Pan Macmillan have kept business ticking over

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Three hours north of Melbourne in the

Central Victorian town of Maryborough, sits one of the icons of the printing industry, book manufacturer McPherson’s. The high Australian dollar, global economic downturn and the rise of electronic communications including e-books has placed significant pressure on McPherson’s in recent years.

As a senior delegate, Robert Jackson, feels the sense of uncertainty from workers better than most.

“We’re probably lucky we’re still running at the rate we are. We’ve had a couple of redundancies, but really it hasn’t hit that hard. It could have been worse.

“Across the board, the printing industry is down. You’d be a fool not to know its e-books and changes to technology that are having an effect.”

He says the company’s core customers (such as Pan Macmillan, Penguin and Allen & Unwin) have kept business ticking over in recent years.

“The company has customers who keep us going. And you still pick up the good news from management that they’ve got a new contract or major customer.

“But then you hear we’ve lost other contracts, so in the end you win some and you lose some.”

The ‘game changer’ for McPherson’s could come in the form of its own new technology. The company is awaiting the arrival of state-of-the-art digital inkjet printing equipment, expected to be up and running by early 2012. It will be the fastest digital machine in the country – bringing the much-needed ‘print on demand’ element to one of Australia’s oldest print manufacturers.

Robert says it shows the company is still committed to the future of Maryborough, though he acknowledges the new printer is unlikely to deliver

new jobs on the floor.

“(But) if you don’t keep up with the new technology, your opposition will just eat you.

“I believe it (digital inkjet printing equipment) is the way they’re going to go. I’d like to see (management) maintain the status quo with the number of people. If they did that with the new technology, then that would mean we haven’t lost jobs.”

AMWU National Print Division Secretary, Lorraine Cassin, is also optimistic about the future of McPherson’s, particularly after the handing down of the Federal Government’s Book Industry Strategy Group final report in November, 2011.

“The report recommended the overhaul of book distribution in

Australia, which if implemented correctly can benefit the country’s printing workers in the long term.

“If we can improve our distribution of books, make the supply chain more efficient and work towards a turnaround goal of 48 hours for reseller orders, then it will encourage publishers to print books in Australia.”

She says Australia’s book industry has never been more united about their collective future.

“All stakeholders have an interest in making the book industry a vibrant industry and one that has a future. They (publishers, book sellers, printers and government) now have a respect for each others positions and are very keen to work closely together.

“The printing and graphical sector will continue to change and evolve as it has done for well over a century. Changes in technology will create new jobs for some of our members, but some areas will struggle.

“There’s always going to be jobs in print. In today’s world, it’s about whether we have the technology here or if other countries jump on those opportunities first.”

Back at Sensis, a busy lunchtime spells a chance to take a break from the desk. As workers head downstairs to cafes and eateries, some linger to chat with colleagues, others play with their mobile phones or digital devices. But for others, lunchtime is about sitting down to read a good book. ■

“ The ‘game changer’ for McPherson’s could come in the form of its own new technology. The company is awaiting the arrival of state-of-the-art digital inkjet printing equipment, expected to be up and running by early 2012.

Alex Loke, part of the new breed of AMWU graphical members at Sensis

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Hostile mining company leaves union officials waiting in the rain

When it comes to weather, Western Australia can be

a state of extremes. Blistering hot summers and wet, cold winters. AMWU Bunbury organiser, Alister Robinson, knows that better than most. Together with officials from the CFMEU and the CEPU, Alister Robinson has been forced to spend many a working day over the last 18 months waiting for members at BHP’s Worsley Alumina project in rainy, wet or boiling hot conditions.

“The waiting room the company provides doesn’t fit the three of us. For a couple of years now, we’ve been asking to use the bigger crib room nearby.

“We’ve been flatly refused every time - with no explanation. So we’ve been left with little choice but to wait outside.”

It’s emblematic of the contempt union organisers face from many resource companies in Western Australia - where entry on site is

strictly controlled and monitored by Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) representatives.

“We have to arrive an hour prior to our meeting to be drug and alcohol tested. We’re followed everywhere we go on site, we cannot raise our flags, we’re forbidden from talking to our members unless they’re on a break.”

The way BHP and CCI treat officials highlights the hostile anti-union atmosphere that exists at some major projects.

“We’ve had access to a common room at other large projects. In fact this would never have been an issue at other workplaces. It’s intimidation on behalf of BHP and the CCI, it’s as simple as that.”

Alister said members working at BHP’s nearby Marradong site were forced to meet in a confined outdoor space covered with a temporary shade cloth.

A space rendered inhospitable during days of extreme heat, yet deemed to be suitable by the CCI.

According AMWU WA Secretary, Steve McCartney, it’s a tactic not uncommon to sites that feature CCI representatives.

“They seek to control access to members and potential members. They’ll do anything they can to frustrate our attempts at organising, issuing our organisers with threats, then checking the law later.

“We’ll continue to fight these kinds of stand over tactics to ensure our members have full access to our officials.” ■

Union officials at BHP`s Worsley project waiting to meet members

AMWU members mount defence of wages

AMWU members in the Department of Defence

have forecast further industrial action across the country unless Department heads return to negotiations on a new workplace agreement.

During late 2011 union members in

metropolitan and regional Australia

united for four-hour stoppages to

protest the Department’s continuing

refusal to consider a wage rise above inflation.

AMWU TSA National Secretary, Mike Nicolaides, predicted industrial action would intensify into 2012 if the Department continued to stonewall negotiations.

“Nothing has changed from our position. Our members still see the offer of a real wage cut as unacceptable.

“The Department has not moved from their position of 9% over three years. If

anything, they seem determined to continue down that path. Well…it won’t fly with our members.”

The Department’s offer of a new agreement, to cover 22 000 civilian positions within the Department of Defence, was overwhelmingly rejected in June by 72.5% of those who voted.

Mike Nicolaides said a united campaign between members of the AMWU and other unions had the support of the bulk of the engineering and scientific workforce.

“Three years ago during the GFC, workers in Defence were asked to accept an average of 3.1% a year for two years, which they reluctantly agreed to given the economic circumstances. Now the Department has offered even less. Our members wonder where the bottom is.

“We’ve calculated what it would cost the Department to agree to an acceptable wage increase and the difference from their offer is a very small percentage of their overall wage budget. The Department probably spends more on biscuits.”

Peter Leggatt, an AMWU delegate and Radiographer based in Port Wakefield, South Australia said members felt insulted by the attitude of the Department going into negotiations.

“Those who were around at the last negotiations will remember that there was a commitment on both sides to take the hurt then, and look after the workforce with a wage increase in the next agreement.

“Defence has reneged on that commitment. They now seem to be holding out for our members to cave in, but we will not. We believe we have good grounds to maintain our position. We’re not asking for a huge increase.” ■

AMWU delegate Tracey Davis leads a rally in Melbourne in September

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One small mistake – losing his driver’s license – was enough for

Blair’s working life to come unstuck. With a job ferrying cars around Adelaide for a car auction company, a disqualified license spelled the automatic loss of his employment and the start of a twelve-month stint on income support.For a young father, unemployed and unable to drive, it was a demoralising experience.

“It was really hard living on Centrelink, having a little girl to look after.”

Blair left high school early. Without a trade or qualification his options were limited especially in an area with a dearth of job opportunities.

“I was applying for jobs flat out in the papers, the internet and through my job services provider but I wasn’t getting anywhere.”

His job service provider suggested he apply for a newly established pre-employment training program at car manufacturer Holden, in the nearby northern Adelaide suburb of Elizabeth.

The program, specifically targeting the long-term unemployed in Adelaide’s north, came from a unique collaboration between the AMWU, Holden, the State and Federal Governments and the local TAFE.

Blair became one of 40 successful applicants who took part in the program’s first intake earlier this year.

The program included a 10 week long intensive TAFE course with classes five days a week, in which participants learnt the skills critical to employment at Holden - literacy and numeracy, occupational health and safety, teamwork and equipment operation.

Participants made frequent site visits to the Holden plant and experienced life on the shop floor through Holden’s simulated assembly line and dexterity tests, before concluding with an intensive two-week work experience placement.

It was an opportunity also relished by 32-year old Shane.

“I think it was brilliant. It gave us an insight into the automotive industry – into what life was like on the assembly line.”

Like Blair, Shane was long-term unemployed and struggling to find a regular, permanent job. His decision to make a career move from concreting to hospitality faced setbacks.

“I applied for 28 jobs at 28 different hotels but I didn’t receive one response. So when this came up - I wanted it. I wanted it 100%.

“I was really positive about it, although I was a bit worried about the numeracy side of things - I hadn’t touched maths for a long time. But after the classes I went home or went to the library, studied and re-educated myself.”

Ray Sara, the AMWU labour adjustment officer who assisted with the operation of the program, says

the experience – though intensive – quickly changed their lives.

“You could virtually see it in their faces. In only a short matter of time they became happier and more confident people.

“They knew that if they worked hard and committed to the course, an employer would consider giving them a go.”

Program Co-ordinator, Tim Hutchison, from the State Government’s SA Works agrees.

He says the social and economic impact of securing employment at Holden cannot be underestimated.

“There are four suburbs in northern Adelaide that are in the top 10 most disadvantaged suburbs in Australia, based on long-term unemployment, people on income support, and literacy and numeracy results.

“We’re just about into the fourth generation of disadvantage. Employment has a ripple effect on a person’s psyche, on their family and on their children.

“There is plenty of research that shows it is a genuine contributor to the mental and physical well-being of an individual, a family and a community.”

He says too often elements of the community misunderstand the experience of long-term unemployment.

“They (course participants) are not bludgers or loafers. They’re people like you and I who want to work and who deserve a fair go.”

Now working in Holden’s body shop building the under bodies for the VE model Commodore and the new fuel efficient Cruze, Shane and Blair hope to make life at the plant permanent in 2012.

“I love my job here. It’s a good network of people and I have a good team. I love everything about this company,” Shane says.

“(Being unemployed) my confidence did get shattered, but now with a steady income coming in, the family life is more relaxed – not so stressed.”

AMWU SA Secretary, John Camillo, says the employment of 25 of the program’s participants is proof of its success.

“This is a tremendous result. We’ve been able to give long-term unemployed people the opportunity, skills and knowledge to gain employment at Holden.

“The AMWU were proudly involved from day one. The program is proof that we go one step further, we’re committed to helping the community in the long term.

“SA Works and Holden should be congratulated for their commitment to making the program a success. It’s a great example of unions, government and industry working together.”

He called on other employers to consider similar initiatives.

“If this can be done at Holden, then other employers should consider it as well. No matter how small the initiative, they can achieve a positive outcome that will change lives.”

Now running its second round program, all stakeholders are hopeful of a new batch of successful participants joining Blair and Shane on the shop floor.

Shane has some simple advice for them:

“Be confident and stick to it. Don’t let negativity beat you down.“ ■

The AMWU wishes to thank Senior Shop Stewards at Holden, particularly Leanne Orbanic and Michael Etherington for their support and guidance of the course graduates.

Program graduates make their new future at Holden

Blair and Shane benefitted from the pre-employment training program at Holden

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Technicians keep pay and conditions on the radarIt is the eyes and ears of

northern Australia. An over-the-horizon radar network that monitors air and sea movements across our remote coast line. Called JORN (Jindalee Operational Radar Network) it’s maintained and serviced by a small but dedicated team of AMWU members, 40 kilometers outside of Alice Springs.AMWU delegate Rick Kinsel has been working at JORN for the last nine years, an opportunity that came up by accident.

“I was in the navy for 23 years with a background in radar. I then operated a small business in Brisbane and one day I got an email from a friend who was working out here. He said a job had come up and I should look into it.

“I’m a radio fitter mechanic by trade. It’s not just electronics, you’re a person who pulls things apart and works out how things work. This radar is a developmental radar. It can break and we’re the ones who’ve got to try and fix it.”

In an age of super powered radars capable of picking up small movements thousands of kilometers away, Australia’s JORN is still regarded as one of the best.

“Many countries have radars,

what makes us stand out is we were the first to do it. Once we did it other countries jumped on the bandwagon.”

So powerful are the radars that defence enthusiasts believe JORN could comfortably track aircraft taking off and landing in East Timor - although many speculate the range goes further to North Korea and China.

Not only does the network (which includes radars in Longreach Queensland and Laverton WA) provide 24-hour military surveillance of Australia’s northern approaches, but it also serves civilian purposes such as weather forecasting and the

prevention of smuggling and unlicensed fishing.

Rick says technicians working on JORN are constantly challenged by the variety and complexity of tasks.

“The changes are phenomenal, it’s just amazing the enhancement in technology.

You get to work on a huge variety of electronic equipment. All the way from extremely dated equipment, through to cutting edge technology, every nut and bolt.”

In May, the technicians secured their latest union collective

agreement with management BAE Systems - including a wage rise and improved site allowances.

“The negotiations ended and we did well, we’re all pretty happy about that.

The company had attempted to change the starting time for employees – without compensation. However Rick and his fellow AMWU members successfully defended their existing conditions.

“We’ve always had quite a good working relationship with management, we’re pleased everything is back to where we were.” ■

AMWU delegate Rick Kinsel (left) with member Jeff Robinson (right)

Thousands of AMWU Victorian members will

be better off after securing pay rises and income protection in the state’s latest bargaining round. AMWU Assistant Victorian Secretary, Leigh Diehm, described the bargaining, which centered on several hundred of Victoria’s largest fabricators, construction and manufacturing companies as long and arduous but ultimately successful.

“We surveyed our members and key delegates back in February to find out what they wanted out of their new agreement.

“We began meeting with employers in March. The key priorities for our members and delegates were an increase in wages, increases to redundancy payments and assuring income protection

provisions were in place.”

Pay rises, in particular, were fiercely fought for by the AMWU.

“The employers weren’t enthusiastic about the pay rises, but certainly in the fabrication and steel industries they eventually acknowledged (5%) was a reasonable standard.”

With most major agreements secured,

Mr Diehm paid tribute to the role played by delegates in the bargaining process.

“Delegates from the respective companies were invited to be involved in negotiations. They had their input and they gave their views.

“To me, they are always key players in any negotiation. They can give an overview on what is happening on the job and what will be accepted by the members.

“What’s coming back from the organisers since the negotiations have finished, is that our members and delegates are very happy with what we’ve been able to achieve together. Very happy to secure income protection and the pay rises.”

Mr Diehm, who previously oversaw significant growth as a regional organiser at the AMWU Wodonga Office, replaced former Assistant Victoria Secretary, Gary

Robb, in October.

“Gary did a great job over the last six years, but there’s always room to grow our union. Recruitment will now be a key focus for us.

“I’d love to see us get more members, new factories, more agreements and improved conditions.

“There is a lot of growth potential in parts of regional Victoria and Melbourne. I’m ready for the challenge.”

Mr Diehm also highlighted occupational health safety as an issue that would receive renewed attention.

“We’d like to see a more diligent approach to safety from employers and a greater awareness of the dangers in our manufacturing and fabrication workshops, as well as a more focused approach to keep our

members safe on site.” ■

Victorian metals welcome big win in latest bargaining round

Newly appointed AMWU Assistant Victorian Secretary, Leigh Diehm

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The Spirit Level, Book Giveaway

The leader of an Indonesian trade union that increased the number

of women in leadership roles has encouraged the AMWU to adopt a similar goal. Vonny Diananto, Senior Vice President of FSPMI (Indonesia’s largest union for workers in the metal industries), told a gathering of AMWU members in Melbourne in October how an entirely male dominated union leadership was transformed into a more representative body.

“When we started this campaign in 2004, 50% of our union’s members were women, but under the leadership structure, there were no women.

“With the support of the IMF (International Metalworkers’ Federation), we initiated a strategy to increase the participation of women in leadership positions to 30%.”

However, as Mr Diananto described, the campaign was not without its challenges.

“At first we faced much opposition to this plan from within our union. Many men did not believe that women had the ability and time to do the leadership jobs.

“After the decision was made that we would increase participation, the discussion was over.”

An action plan was drawn up that included mapping of workplaces with strong female membership.

This was followed in April, 2004 by a women’s directorate, created to work solely on the campaign. With a heavy emphasis on training and education,

women members were turned into activists and

potential leaders.

By 2011, all but one sector within the FSPMI had

achieved the target of 30% of women in elected

leadership positions.

Mr Diananto said FSPMI was proud to be leading the

way amongst Indonesian trade unions.

“To have achieved this number and to be the only

one in Indonesia with this level of women leadership makes us very proud.”

AMWU National Secretary, Dave Oliver, said the experience of the FSPMI showed greater representation of women could be achieved at the leadership level.

“The FSPMI started from a very low base. Yet in five years they were able to significantly improve the place of women in their union.”

Mr Oliver acknowledged actions needed to match words.

“At conferences in years past we’ve formed nicely-worded resolutions about women’s participation. But unfortunately we haven’t always been able to achieve this.

However, he said within the last 12 months the union had made significant progress on goals to increase women participation and leadership.

“This year alone we’ve seen three state women’s conferences (in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria). These conferences are an excellent opportunity for women to learn more about taking on leadership roles.”

“The national leadership group is also looking at initiatives to help women become more active in our union.” ■

More women, better outcomes says visiting Indonesian unionist

It could be the boss of a multinational company

considering pay rises or a rich mining magnate opposing the super profits tax. When it comes to major reforms designed to make us more financially equal, they always decry the same thing: business can’t afford it, it’ll slow down investment and growth. Now is not the time. And yet as The Spirit Level powerfully illustrates, people are happier, healthier and function better when there is greater income equality.

Sampling some 23 of the richest countries (including Australia), British social researchers Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett, chart

everything from childhood obesity and mental illness to imprisonment rates. They find that on each count, it is the nations with the highest levels of income inequality (the US, UK and Portugal) who face the gravest social problems.

Conversely, those living in more equal countries (Japan, Sweden and Norway) live longer, enjoy better mental and physical health, are less likely to be victims of crime and their children are more likely to achieve greater educational outcomes.

Laying the blame for complex social issues on a simple explanation (income inequality) may sound superficial but the evidence, as presented by

Wilkinson and Pickett, is hard to refute. And although the charts, tables and statistics won’t appeal to all readers, no one could argue The Spirit Level lacks substantive data.

In the UK, the book has won praise from a broad range of economic observers. Even David Cameron, the Tory British Prime Minister has acknowledged the importance of the book’s findings. Read it and you’ll understand why.

We have 50 copies of ‘The Spirit Level’ to give away to financial AMWU members. Email: news@amwu.asn.au with your membership number or write to AMWU News, Level 2, 251 Queensberry St, Carlton South, Victoria 3053.

Vonny Diananto speaks to AMWU members in Melbourne in October

AMWUNEWS12

AMWU National OfficeLocation: Level 4,133 Parramatta Road, Granville Postal: PO Box 160, Granville, NSW 2142 ............................................. (02) 8868 15002nd Floor, 251 Queensberry St, Carlton South, VIC 3053 .............................................. (03) 9230 5700

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PROFILE“I began my apprenticeship

as a plate maker in Ireland in the 1970s. I worked in a strong union workplace - if you weren’t a member you didn’t get a job.When I came to Australia in 1987 I joined the Printing and Kindred Industries Union and transferred into the Perth Branch.

My first few jobs in Australia were with some really bad employers without much union activity. When I got the job at Western Australian Newspapers – a unionised workplace – I wanted to get

involved as a delegate and make sure we kept the strong pay and conditions.

In 2007, I was elected Father of the Chapel (Senior Delegate) which is a full time position. We have a very good structure in place with an executive committee and delegates in each department. It would be impossible to do my job without their support. The delegates work really hard.

When we have a win – no matter how big or small – we celebrate it. We know that we’ve moved things forward or held our ground. I feel good going home at the end of those days. It is a really satisfying job, but it can also be a very hard one.

In my position I’ve got to know a lot about unions and manufacturing and I’m on a number of state and national councils. It’s been great to hear the experiences of other unions. We know we’re not alone.

Unfortunately nobody knows what the future will hold for newspapers. We have very good pay and conditions here and we’d like to maintain and increase them. We won’t let management use the threat of technological change against us.

Hopefully when I leave here I’ll leave behind a very strong chapel like the one I inherited. ■

Pat JudgeWest Australian Newspapers, WA

ESSENTIALCONTACTS

www.amwu.org.au email: amwu@amwu.asn.au