AUGUST 2022
A REPORT TO THE MEMBERSHIP FROM
CHRISTY CAIN INFLATION SOARING AT 15% IN THE UK. BY CHRISTMAS, IT WILL BE 8% IN AUSTRALIA! Members, Delegates and fellow trade unionists, I need to be very clear about where the CFMMEU sits regarding the massive increases to inflation and the soaring cost of living. In Europe and the UK, inflation will be around the 15% mark by the end of the year and here in Australia, it is going to be around 7-8%. Not many leaders are saying much about this, but I am! Below are some examples of why working men and women in this country should fight for wage increases, that at least match the costs of living. The examples are as follows: • By Christmas this year, depending on size of mortgage, repayments will have gone up $1,000 a month; • Utility bills such as electricity have gone up around 20% depending what State you are in and gas a whopping 48%; • Council Rates are up around 2%; • Rent has risen on average 10%; • Petrol has gone up 13%; • Groceries are up on average 6%.
My answer to any union that whinges about Construction or Maritime industry wages is simply this – If you are not prepared to fight for your own members, then don’t whinge about what we achieve for ours, and believe me, we are going to do whatever it takes to deliver decent outcomes for our growing membership. No EBA should be signed off without a clause being put in the document relating to the cost of living increases versus stagnant wage growth, whatever is greater. We need to lead the way, because if we don’t, then who will?
TION “INFLA
TING!”
CKE SKY RO
“NOW WE NEED TO FIGHT TOGETHER!”
ORGANISE!
ORGANISE!