AGM Newsletter 2018

AGM

Apprentice Program

Industrial Updates

Training Updates

20

18

Organiser Reports

SECRETARY’S REPORT - PLUMBERS UNION AGM 2018

Secretary’s Report This report is produced annually to coincide with the Annual General Meeting of the Plumbers Union and is designed to summarise events and activities of the Union over the past year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the hardworking and loyal staff of the Plumbers Union for their commitment this year.

State Secretary Gary O’Halloran

BUSSQ 1800 657 216

CONTENTS

BERT 1300 261 114 CBUS 1300 361 784 CIPQ 1300 261 114 Integrity Funerals (24 hrs)

1800 446 834

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers

1800 810 812

Mates in Construction

1300 642 111

ME Bank

13 15 63

Skylight

1800 759 544

QBCC 139 333 QLEAVE 1800 803 491 Russo Lawyers

1800 558 533

TSTC 07 3255 5698 Union Shopper

1300 368 117

Work Cover

1300 362 128

PLUMBERS UNION QLD ORGANISER STATE SECRETARY Gary O’Halloran I 07 3844 8433 Kieron Cundy I 0419 771026 kieron@plumbersunionqld.com gary@plumbersunionqld.com

APPRENTICE MENTOR Justin Maxwell I 0488 556 222 justin@plumbersunionqld.com

ORGANISER (North Queensland) ASSISTANT STATE SECRETARY Jim White I 0448 880720 Mick Wiech I 0422 831 175 michael@plumbersunionqld.com jim@plumbersunionqld.com

APPRENTICE COORDINATOR Rian Kelso I 07 3844 8433 rian@plumbersunionqld.com

LEAD ORGANISER Robbie Gould I 0448 822 048 robbie@plumbersunionqld.com

ORGANISER Luke Barden I 0438 949 295 luke@plumbersunionqld.com

ORGANISER Andy Blakeley I 0447 743 764 andrew@plumbersunionqld.com

INDUSTRIAL OFFICER MEDIA Shannon Fogerty I 07 3844 8433 Inez Penrose I 07 3844 8433 shannon@plumbersunionqld.com media@plumbersunionqld.com

TRAINING Office I 07 3844 8433 office@plumbersunionqld.com

41 Peel St, Sth Brisbane 4101 Qld I PH: 1800 653 118 I FAX: 07 3844 8233 I office@plumbersunionqld.com

A message from your PresDavid White I President

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elcome to the 2018 AGM newsletter. I hope you enjoy reading this edition which includes member’s news and important updates.

It will address current issues within industry and our trades and the length our Union goes to, to secure quality training, safe job sites, access to members and ensuring decent wages and conditions are adhered to.

This year we have seen Union’s across all industries building a powerful movement to Change the Rules. This is a welcome relief to us at the PPTEU. Our Union stands 100% in solidarity with this campaign.

Thanks to laws introduced by the rotten Liberal One Nation Government and potentially a decline in strong union membership, rights for workers are worse off.

With the reintroduction of the ABCC and the Registered Organisation Committee (ROC) power has shifted to the big end of town resulting in flat wages, high company profits, high levels of tax evasion and growing inequality. Not to mention extremely poor health and safety standards (we have gone backwards 10 years) and casualisation of the workforce. Labour hire companies are rife and we’re seeing large building projects being awarded to anti worker, anti-union incompetent subcontractors. The Change the Rules Campaign has well and truly gained momentum, with hundreds of thousands of people across Australia rolling out to vent their anger.

In Brisbane we saw huge numbers 50 000 plus turn up to the May Day celebrations and over 100 000 unionist rally in the streets of Victoria. We all need to keep our finger on the pulse as our work is far from over and I urge our members to all do their little bit. It may be as simple as liking or sharing a Facebook article, turning up to our rallies, talking to your friends and family but most

importantly voting out this rotten federal government once and for all. Labour Government was formed by “workers for the workers” providing a voice when workers felt that they had none.

By changing the government, changing the rules and being active in the union movement you, your family and our future generations will be better off.

Let’s not be the generation of workers that gives it all away.

I just want to touch on the large construction projects that are being built by anti-worker, anti- union subcontractors.

It’s been a focus for our union for some time now with meetings being held at our office with contractors and the Master Plumbers Association with only a handful of contractors willing to further negotiate. So a different approach needed to take place. Our organisers are focusing heavily in this area ensuring the wellbeing of our members and giving these sites a much needed hair cut along the way. Rest assured it’s not the ideal situation our union wants to be in. We see it as a race to the bottom!

I ask all our members to keep their chins up there is light at the end of the tunnel. Don’t give up on your beliefs and try educating those blokes along the way. It won’t be long before you will be earning the wage you deserve and working in conditions you deserve as decent human beings.

In closing I want to thank our members for their ongoing support and commitment. Thank you to all the staff for your tireless work ensuring we get a ‘fair go’ and last but not least the Committee of Management which operates in their own time representing the rank and file members of this proud union. Stand Tall, Stand Proud and help us Change the Rules.

In Unity Whitey.

RECOVERY OF UNPAID WAGES AND ENTITILMENTS

The Union continues to recover significant amounts of money for members who have been unpaid or underpaid their wages and entitlements. Since the 1st January 2018, the Union has recovered over $1,800,000 This is all thanks to the hard work of our Organisers and Industrial staff. If you think you might not be getting paid correctly, please check with your delegate or organiser who will be able to assist you in the first instance.

It’s always best to try and sort the issue out on the job first as pursuit of a claim may involve lengthy and expensive court proceedings.

SECRETARY’S REPORT - PLUMBERS UNION AGM 2018

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Gary O’Halloran I State Secretary

Comrades,

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t has been an enormous time for our Union, despite doing more for our members than ever, we are under constant attack from the Turnbull Government.

It is in the DNA of Turnbull to attack workers. He made $130 million (that’s right!) and bought his Sydney Harbour $50 million mansion off the back of ripping off working people.

He first did it by being a lawyer to the mega-rich. Then when he joined

them as a banker (what a shock) at Goldman Sachs (which paid a $7 billion fine in the US for its role in the GFC!!!)

But that’s not enough for him!

He attacks us with his laws. He suppresses our wages. He tries to abolish our RDO’s. If it were up to him we would be working 24/7 on an award wage.

Turnbull doesn’t care about safety.

Turnbull doesn’t care about you.

THIS IS WHY WE HAVE TO CHANGE THE RULES: • Abolish the ABCC • Abolish the ROC • Get rid of the Building Code This will cut out the subcontracting that is trying to kill our industry and our trade.

This is all happening while the Union is doing more than ever before: • More site visits • More Agreements • More training positions

Australian Building and Construction Commission In late-2016 federal legislation was passed re-introducing the ABCC, a glorified witch-hunt paid for by taxpayers. This construction industry regulator is an anti-worker and antiunion watchdog placed to strip back workers’ rights. The ABCC has substantial powers of oversight and coercion, as well as the ability to impose costly penalties for breaches.

Almost two years later, the ABCC is still causing unnecessary problems in our industry and needs to be dismantled. If you want more information about how the ABCC might impact you, please contact the Union.

• More apprentices We know that it’s a tough climate out there with little work. There is a boom coming with over $10 billion of infrastructure to be built, mainly starting in 12 to 18 months. But that is cold comfort for people struggling now.

Our Union is doing everything it can to look after you. Getting out to site, keeping your entitlements protected and helping members with training.

Contact your organiser or the Union Office if you need a hand.

It is only by sticking together that we can look after each other. Protect what we have and continue the gains we have fought so hard for!

Breaking from solidarity will only cost us all! Whether it be against the Government or against the boss your Union stands with you!!!

In solidarity.

2016 Building Code Alongside the ABCC legislation the federal government introduced the 2016 Building Code which came into full effect late-2017. The Union has been working to vary existing enterprise agreements to ensure they meet this Code, without resulting in any reduced entitlements for our members. This has been a long process. Thank you to all the members who provided helpful feedback in the early stages helping us to put together the necessary changes to comply with the Code, without sacrificing important entitlements we’ve fought for so long to put in place.

BUSSQ INTRODUCES NEW INITIATIVE TO HELP WORKERS Skylight Financial Solutions is an initiative that will assist workers and their families in building and construction to make the most of their finances, by providing them with better financial solutions.

It’s called Skylight because sometimes help is needed to light the way, while other times the sky’s the limit.

Best of all, profits go back into running and building the organisation to deliver for families in the industry, to make their hard work, work even harder for them. It’s about helping people live a better life today while building their biggest and brightest tomorrow.

The team at Skylight can help at every stage of life.

Whether you’re just starting out, or helping a family member who is, having access to the right tools and information at the start of their financial journey helps to build a strong foundation for the future. Skylight can help with budgeting, first home deposits or starting a business.

Once you’ve got the foundations in place, the focus moves to growing a financial base and meeting your unique financial and lifestyle goals. Skylight can help with insurance, estate planning and wealth creation.

When looking to retirement, planning ahead and making the most of your working years will help you achieve a more comfortable retirement lifestyle. We can help you with budgeting, cash flow, business planning, buy-sell agreements or a Transition to Retirement strategy.

Once you reach later life, Skylight can assist with aged care, estate plans, funeral planning, philanthropy and counselling, so you can take comfort in knowing your

plans are on track and your final arrangements are taken care of.

Skylight has now partnered with BERT, so that eligible union members are able to receive assistance with budgeting and financial advice at no cost.

Let Skylight Financial Solutions shine a light on what’s possible. To find out more go to skylight.com.au or call 1800 SKYLIGHT (1800 759 544).

The information supplied in this article is general advice only and does not take into account or consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information to your individual needs or seek independent advice from a properly qualified professional. BUSSQ owns Skylight Financial Solutions Pty Ltd (ABN 46 076 835 848, AFSL 450139), the company that provides financial advice to BUSSQ members. For more information go to skylight.com.au. A copy of Skylight’s Financial Services Guide may be downloaded from skylight.com.au or you can request a copy by calling 1800 SKYLIGHT (1800 759 544). BUSS (Queensland) Pty Ltd (ABN 15 065 081 281, AFSL 237860) as Trustee for BUSSQ (BUSSQ Fund, ABN 85 571 332 201).

EMPLOYMENT REGISTER

The Plumbers Union has an employment register for members who are struggling to find work in the industry; we endeavour to give members on the register the opportunity to connect with relevant employers and find work as quickly as possible. If you are a member and are currently looking for work please fill in your current details and attach a resume Via our website; www. plumberunionqld.com. Applications remain active for three months, after which you will need to reapply or contact the office.

SECRETARY’S REPORT - PLUMBERS UNION AGM 2018

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R E C I F F O A I D ME I have recently started in the brand new position of Media Officer, and it has been good to hit the ground running. The biggest goal will be creating innovative content to help, especially younger members, get the information they need from the Union but also to help promote the work the Union does. Easily accessible information for members and non-members alike is so essential in helping with the transparency of the Union and highlighting what we stand for as a group.

Firstly, I have had the aim of streamlining the social media to be more informative and engaging, with already a significant increase in post engagement and a 5.7% increase in followers. It has been terrific to see members get around the content and campaigns.

Soon we will be embracing other social media platforms to help push through our campaigns and information.

We have also created a Youth Crew facebook group that you can find through our Facebook page which is a group for our members that are under 30. Soon we’ll be using this to help keep these younger members in the loop but also so they can have a place to ask questions or seek advice if they need to.

The ‘Just say NO, don’t w ork your RD encouraging O’ is our firs people of the t campaign, b enefits of taki calendar. Too with the aim ng your RDO many times th in as scheduled e Union has go the rights, we as per the RD tten to the ne have already O gotiation table won like RDO scheduled RD , only to defen s because so Os off. This ca d many people mpaign will b RDO calenda d o not take their e visible befo r. We want to re b a n upcoming R e this time for DO on the themselves. W showcasing how crucial it is for people e will be doin member inte to be having g this through rviews and m ore. informative im ages, videos, The second campaign which will be the biggest is the campaign to stop the ABCC. This will be our biggest campaign, and this will be about fighting be the deliberate attack on workers and the union movement. We will of focusing on clearing up the facts about the ABCC, showing every part how this commission is an outright assault on workers. The ABCC needs n. to be included in the debate as we slowly head towards a federal electio that ces We have been working on creating engaging and interactive resour can help individuals learn more about the ABCC, so we can help keep them protected and so that we can get the ABCC abolished. For more info please see: https://stoptheabcc.com

t the Change the have all heard abou u yo w no by , lly fu and effective Hope ign aims to be as big pa m ca is th , ign pa m crucial in Rules ca mpaign and will be so ca k’ or W at ts gh Ri in the as the ‘Your ers rights and safety, rk wo in n sio es gr re ange the Rules helping fight the e gig-economy. The Ch th or ity tiv uc od pr of ABCC, Labour name hting things like the fig at ed ct re di is bers campaign wage theft. The Plum d an n tio sa ali su ca hire, increased through the media, shing this campaign, pu to d te ca di de is n mpanies.

Unio e activism that it acco th d an ia ed m l cia so through om e enros ersunionqld.c P z e In b @plum media

Workplace injury specialist lawyers Maurice Blackburn have recently settled a claim for a union member’s wife and family after he suffered a fatal heart attack on a worksite.

In the days leading up to Rob’s accident in Burleigh he had been tasked with the awkward and heavy lifting of 4 x160kg bath tubs for use on a residential unit development. Following this, Rob complained to co-workers of feeling unwell and that his shoulder was hurting. Everyone assumed that Rob had injured his shoulder lifting the bath tubs but four days later, Rob suffered a heart attack whilst working on the fifth level of scaffolding.

Rob performed in the days prior to the accident were a key factor in his heart attack and resulting death. Despite Rob’s employer refusing to accept the incident was workrelated, Maurice Blackburn continued to fight hard on behalf of Rob’s wife and dependants and were successful in reaching a settlement that included ongoing economic support for the children and a substantial lump sum payment as well as funeral expenses.

If you or anyone you know has been injured in the workplace it’s important to obtain advice immediately by contacting the Plumbers Union 1800 653 118 for more information or to get a referral to Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.

His co-workers sprung immediately into action and started CPR. The Ambulance arrived shortly afterwards, but he never regained consciousness.

Sadly, Rob, a 37 year old father of two young children and in the prime of his working life, died four days later. The heart attack had starved his brain of oxygen and he died.

Following Rob’s death, we provided a lot of support to his wife Morgan and her children. We also referred her to the workplace injury experts at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers to get the assistance they needed to provide for their future. Maurice Blackburn used their expertise and extensive resources to determine that the work activities

“If it wasn’t for the help and support of Luke, our Union Organiser, and Anna, from Maurice Blackburn, I think I would have given up trying to fight WorkCover for this settlement. It was not an easy case for them, but they never gave up on us. I could not recommend Maurice Blackburn or the QLD Plumber’s Union more. I couldn’t have gotten through it without them.”

EUREKA IS BACK! The foolish decision by the ABCC to ban the Eureka flag was overturned resently by the Fairwork Commision.

The Eureka Flag has stood as a symbol of Australian democracy and our right to protest, since its founding in 1854 during the Eureka Stockade. It represents what workers well before our time have had to endure to make our conditions better and our kids futures brighter.

We cannot allow this attack on workers to go on. The ABCC is trying to remove our bargaining rights by making workers voices weaker, all to profit the employers. Making it harder to join unions and by making it come at the cost of being treated guilty until proven innocent by the ABCC. We need to stand up, fight back and change the rules!

SECRETARY’S REPORT - PLUMBERS UNION AGM 2018

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Organiser’s Reports Mick Wiech I Assistant State Secretary South Brisbane, West End, Gladstone & Rockhampton

I

t’s been a busy start in the 1st half of the year. There is a 4 yearly review of both sprinkler and plumbing apprentice training packages that has been challenging to say the least. Your Union both state and national have been fighting the changes and at this stage we have been able to restore fairness to the fire protection working group and get a balance back so as not to water down the qualifications for fire sprinkler fitters.

We have put forward a proposal in the plumbing area that will be acceptable and will not reduce our qualifications to obtain a plumbing licence in Queensland. Thank you to all the fitters that attended the consultation meeting and also those who filled out the surveys as to why the qualifications should remain to both install and test fire systems the responses were outstanding and had to be listened too.

Change the rules Many of you would have witnessed and experienced the unfair advantage that employers have in our current industrial relations system. The constant attacks from the Liberal Government on both workers and unions are non-stop. There is only one way forward - to get a federal Labor Government elected and hold them to account and CHANGE THE RULES. If we can get volunteers at election time it will be much appreciated and spread the load.

The Queensland Government has made commitments to bring workforces back in house throughout all the departments and reduce the contracting out. Again this has been a constant battle in Health and Building Asset

services (QBuild) HR departments we will continue to demand this to happen and ensure members have available full time jobs and not just the contractors creaming money from taxpayers.

Councils The councils are all now taking strong positions on reductions of both worker entitlements and wages. E.G lower call outs from 4 hours minimum to 2 hours minimum, reduction in live sewer allowance, reduction in RDO’S, and even one council proposing a $1000 payment on signing the agreement and no wage increases for the next 3 years.

There are currently 4 council EBA negotiations underway in central QLD. If our members stay strong we will win and fight these unfair proposals.

WorkCover claims Every day we see that claims are being knocked back. It is important if this happens to you that you contact the Union. This can be appealed and quite often the decision reversed. Don’t make the mistake of responding to the appeal before you make contact because if rejected again there is no more opportunity Non-EBA Last of all, if you are working on non-EBA jobs, that does not mean you should resign from the Union this is the area we see the employers exploiting workers the most. We are committed to look after both your safety and award entitlements at a minimum. If you have any concerns contact your organiser or the office and we will get the concerns addressed.

Robbie Gould I Lead Organiser Northside, Sunny Coast and Fortitude Valley

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t’s been an extremely slow start to the year & this only seems to be getting more quiet as the year progresses on the north side of town. Most of my major projects in the area have come to completion with sites like Newstead Series, BRC Ascot & Stage 1 of the Sunshine Plaza completed.

Jobs on the go at the moment are Herston Quarter, which is a Watpac project. It’s a major redevelopment with the old RCH demolished & 2 tower cranes up already with major works set to continue. This project will see good numbers of members & will continue for 2-3 years.

Sunshine Plaza is moving along well with works set to be completed at the end of the year. Sunshine Coast Airport is still in talks with a possible major redevelopment in the planning. Sunshine Coast Uni (Petrie Campus) has finally seen the last of the demolition works completed, civil works (storm water & sewage infrastructure) is still ongoing with the major development set to start later this year.

While works have been slow our team of Organisers

have focused our attention on the health & safety of our members & potential members out in the Tier 2/3 works that is in operation throughout SEQ. We have achieved major inroads with basic site amenities/first aid facilities & a general awareness of health & safety. Mind you this has not been an easy feat with the Building Trades Group

working tirelessly to achieve this goal, but this is just the start with a lot more work to be done in this sector.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page to stay updated with numerous posts being generated naming & shaming dodgy builders & unsafe work practices.

Kieron Cundy I Organiser Brisbane CBD, Spring Hill, Kelvin Grove, Western Suburbs, Ipswich and Toowoomba

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or the last four years I have been an Organiser for the Plumbers’ Union looking after Brisbane CBD, Milton, Toowong, Indooroopilly, Kelvin Grove, Ipswich and Toowoomba areas.

Brisbane CBD work has slowed down with a few jobs finished up, but looking to steadily increase in the future with some new jobs coming out of the ground. Looking further into the future, work is also set to increase once the Queens’ Wharf project construction kicks off. Queens’ Wharf will become the biggest job in Queensland, creating jobs for many of our members.

Safety is always top priority for Union Officials. Over the last twelve months, Organisers have been focussing especially on safety failures and breaches at non-EBA sites, to get unsafe, anti-union contractors in-line, making sure that workers get home in one piece.

I

Union membership on site is everyone’s responsibility.

The Organisers need your help in promoting proud Union membership to non-members. Please contact your Organiser if you have any concerns or questions.

As part of my role in looking after Toowoomba areas, I’ve been involved in the Toowoomba Regional Council Certified Agreement negotiations. After a period of industrial action by Union members, we’re now close to finalising negotiations and rolling out a new Certified Agreement.

Finally, last year Andrew Blakely and I started developing a youth crew for members under thirty years old, with a plan to educate the next generation on Union values.

We’ve held our first meeting which was a success and we’re looking at doing another in a month or so.

Luke Barden I Organiser Gold Coast, Logan South, Springfield and Amberley

n the past year, we have seen construction on the Gold Coast plateau somewhat. With the Commonwealth Games in April this year a lot of scheduled construction jobs were put on hold. With the games now over, construction on the Gold Coast looks set to increase towards the end of this year with a number of jobs scheduled to start. Gold Coast Airport, Jupiter’s Casino Tower 1 (55 Stories), Spirit (old Illuka $1 Billion Site), Tweed Hospital and Ruby Stage 2 (60 Stories). With the Meriton project (79 stories) in Surfers Paradise, Vue Apartments (Hutchies) Broadbeach, and Pavilions (Hutchies) Palm Beach already started.

With the ok from the NSW Plumbers Union, our Union has spread its wings into Northern NSW. I will be looking after this area with a lot of work happening from the border to Grafton. Grafton Jail is the biggest construction job in NSW at the moment and there will be 2000 construction

workers on the job at its peak.

Also Lismore Hospital upgrade is another big job in this area.

Fixed Industry Gold Coast City Council is still continuing the fight for a fair EBA. These members led by Delegate Mike Parkinson have been fighting with the City for over 20 months now. Overall they have spent over a week on strike, a huge effort from our members at Gold Coast Council. Well done lads.

Our members and delegate Tim Anderson at Logan Council have been negotiating now for over 12 months and have just endorsed taking Industrial action.

SECRETARY’S REPORT - PLUMBERS UNION AGM 2018

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Organiser’s Reports Andrew Blakeley I Organiser South Brisbane, West End, Amberly and Springfield

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t has been a busy year so far, with a few larger jobs coming to an end.

South Point A South Brisbane, Uni Lodge in Buranda, Amberley Air base Stage 1 and West Village Stage 1, just to name a few. Projects starting up in the coming months are West Village Stage 2, Brisbane 1 South Brisbane, Amberly Stage 2, Griffith University extension in Nathan Campus and Lume Apartments in Kangaroo Point. With several more major projects to start demolition in South Brisbane, West End, Kangaroo Point and the Gabba by the year end. Of late myself along with the other organisers have been focusing on tier 2 building sites and non-union jobs, improving safety and conditions as well as gaining a Union presence in that space of our industry. We are working alongside other construction Unions to coordinate and execute these ventures and have been getting some great outcomes for workers and members who are in these areas.

Over the past few months, I have been working on getting into the POD’s factories, understanding that area of

industry is key given that POD’s are now being used in our major commercial sites and built in factories. This is new to me and to our Union; however we need to make sure we are present in this space to represent our membership and potential members. The long-term goal is to shore up work for our members and ensure best practice and best rates for the workers that will be affected by these PODS both on and off site. I have recently started working within the Fixed Industry, visiting some of the Depo’s and getting to know how to best service the fixed industry membership where we have a solid membership base but with the potential to always grow and have representation.

This year Kieron Cundy and I have launched our Youth Crew with the intention to have quarterly meetings with the under 30 membership, educating them on the Union history, our values and what is important to maintain a future for generations to come. All in all it has been a big year so far with a lot of different challenges, I am looking forward to continuing to kick arse for the working class as the rest of the year unfolds. If any members require any assistance or support, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Jim White I Organiser Mackay, Townsville, Cairns & Moranbah

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airns Cairns has a number of major projects in full swing at the moment with six tower cranes up. There are some EBA contractors on these projects; Cairns Performing Arts Centre (FKG $53mil), Rydges Tradewinds (Prime Construction, $100mil), Bellview (Prime Construction, $120mil) and Abbott Street (Prime Construction, $100mil). Safety on these projects has drastically improved since Union Organisers have made the builders accountable. A ($800mil) towers accommodation/shops project is at the stage of builder’s selection in Spence St. Prime Construction will be doing a Marine Precinct project ($200mil) in Port Douglas once a few projects are close to finishing in Cairns.

Townsville The Townsville Stadium ($250mil) is in full swing with the Plumbers Union close to having all EBA contractors on

site. There are numerous small & medium sized projects in Townsville which I have been conducting safety audits with the CFMEU to improve workers safety. Townsville does not have any other major projects.

Mackay Although work is picking up in Mackay, overall due to the increase of work in the mining sector the town does not have any major projects. Negotiations are in the final stage with the Spotless/Anglo Coal EB negotiations for the Bowen Basin mines facility maintenance.

Fixed Industry Currently I have the following Council’s in EB negotiations.

Cook Shire Council, Cairns Reg. Council, Mareeba Shire Council, Cassowary Coast Reg. Council, Tablelands Reg. Council, Townsville City Council. December last year Townsville City Council achieved a 4% wage increase with 1/2% on Superannuation & a sign on bonus of $1565.00 to roll the Outdoor Agreements over for twelve months, a great achievement and an outcome not seen before in any

Council, negotiations have just commenced. The Councils with new negotiated EBA’s are, Isaac Reg. Council, Mackay Reg. Council, and Whitsunday Reg. Council.

The wage increase negotiated is averaging around the 2 - 2.5% which is significantly down from previous negotiations with wage offers of around 3% & higher.

Some Councils are struggling financially while others are doing well. The LGAQ (Local Government Authority Queensland) is playing hard ball and attempting to strip away wages & conditions where they are at the table.

Members at Mareeba and Cairns Council’s have taken Protected Action and have achieved favourable outcomes as a result. BAS EB negotiations are continuing with much frustration, as these negotiations are close to be dragging on for two years. There are minimal outstanding items to be agreed upon.

The Plumbers Union with the other Unions are being organised to take Protected Action in attempt to get a result sooner rather than later.

EBA UPDATE EBA negotiations have now been finalised, for many construction workers we managed to

secure 2.5% wage increases per six months for the duration of the Agreement, along with increases in allowances such as fares and travel, and entitlements like superannuation, BERT and CIPQ. The Union has currently finalised a total of 102 EB8 agreements with major commercial companies as follows:

Sanitary 24

Roofing 9

Mechanical 37

Lagging 4

Fire

28

A code compliant agreement has been developed; please contact your organiser if you have any questions. The Union has currently finalised a total of 28 Code Compliant agreements with major commercial companies as follows:

Sanitary 10

Roofing 5

Mechanical 10

Fire

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Fixed Industry Bargaining Update – Local & State Government

The Union is currently involved in negotiations for new Certified Agreements with Local Councils and State Government Agencies across Queensland. In Councils like the Gold Coast, Cairns and Mareeba, among others, we’ve been at the front-line of bargaining disputes to fight for members’ entitlements, our logs of claim and fair wage increases. If you work for a Council or State Government Agency and are unsure where negotiations might be at for your organisation, please contact the Union or Fixed Industry Co-Ordinator, Jim White.

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Apprentice Mentor I Justin Maxwell

Apprentices and Mentors at the Plumbers Union Apprentice Paintball Day

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ne of the main focuses of the Plumbers Union is to promote involvement by members, particularly getting the apprentices and younger workers interested in their Union and ultimately their own future. We all know without a strong Union the future would be a race to the bottom of the barrel, whether we are talking about wages and conditions, safety on sites or settling disputes. In our Apprentice Program there are roughly 240 apprentices at any given time, as the Apprentice Mentor I regularly catch up with each apprentice in our industry maybe 5-10 times a year and talk about the importance of getting involved to apprentices, however this needs to be reinforced on the job. If there is a meeting, rally or Union activity I am asking our Delegates and tradesman firstly to attend and set an example, but also encourage our apprentices to attend these and there should be no excuses, after all it is their industry to look after.

This year State Secretary Gary O’Halloran took four apprentices, two plumbers and two from fire, down to the apprentice skills competition at the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) in Victoria. Congratulations

to Cody Hedge (plumbing) and Lachy Burke (Fire) who both placed second in the competition. Unfortunately there will be no Queenslanders going to the UA apprentice skills competition this year.

Since the Apprentice Program started we have seen a steady increase of apprentices and recently completed tradies attending May Day which is fantastic. This year we had record numbers of members and apprentices marching, well done to all who came along keep up the good work. For those who did not put next year in your calendar now, was a great day for all!!!

Sep 10th R.D.O is apprentice Go Kart Day. Contact myself 0488 556 222 or tell your local organiser you want to attend, details will be on our Facebook page.

As PPTEU apprentices you have inherited good wages and conditions from the members who fought for these over the last 114 years, you have the responsibility of defending, maintaining and bettering these whatever it takes, get involved before it’s too late! Your union is only as strong as its members - YOU ARE THE UNION!!!

ALL TRADES DISPUTE

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arly-2018 finally saw the end of the longstanding legal battle between building trades unions and All Trades Queensland. The Unions successfully argued to the Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia that the safety nets for apprentices’ entitlements are modern Awards, such as the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2010, rather than outdated and out-of-touch State industrial instruments from almost 30 years ago. This decision brings Queensland into line with all the other states. The next step by the Unions is to work towards ensuring that those apprentices who weren’t paid correctly are appropriately repaid and compensated. If you think the All Trades decision might impact you and you haven’t been paid correctly, or you need other advice about apprentice wages and entitlements, please contact the Union or Apprentice Mentor, Justin Maxwell.

debts and responsibilities from around 21 years of age, three to four years after they start work. For our members aged between 21 and 25, who unfortunately pass away, we find that over 60% of the beneficiaries of their insurance claims are financially dependent on the deceased member.

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ne of the major benefits of being a Cbus member is that eligible members get access to insurance cover that could be difficult and expensive to access any other way for building and construction workers.

Cbus uses our collective buying power to get a great deal on insurance for workers in hazardous industries.

Tragically workplace deaths and permanent disability are still all too common on construction sites.

Our members work in an industry that scores among the highest for incidence of injury and workplace fatalities, according to data from Safework Australia.

Our insurance cover provides you and your family with a financial safety net.

The Government is proposing to alter the default insurance cover arrangements from July 2019 by: • Requiring new members aged under 25 years to opt in for insurance cover with their super fund.

• Excluding default insurance where a person has $6,000 or less in their account, including new starters in the workforce.

• Removing insurance cover from inactive accounts once a person hasn’t received contributions for 13 months (unless they choose to keep it).

The Government claims that young people are less likely to need cover and shouldn’t have insurance premiums deducted from their super.

This isn’t the case for Cbus members.

Insurance is as important for under 25s and new starters as it is for everyone else on site. Most of our members typically have dependants,

Cbus insurance cover is there to look after you and protect your family The issue of inactive members also has consequences for our members where work is often not continuous and a gap between jobs is a feature of their working life.

If these changes go through, it will result in fewer workers having a financial safety net should tragedy strike.

Automatic transfer of small inactive accounts from Cbus to the ATO Another change the Government wants to make is to transfer accounts with less than $6,000 that haven’t received contributions for 13 months to the ATO. The ATO will then search to see if they can find an active super account and transfer the money into the individual’s active super account.

If no other account exists, the ATO will hold this money, which would only earn a low rate of interest.

Large number of our members have broken and transient work patterns due to the nature of the building and construction industry. Many of our inactive members do not have any other active super accounts and hold their Cbus account to maintain insurance cover. Similarly, while past investment performance is not a guarantee of future performance, we’re mindful that our long-term investment performance is higher than the earnings the ATO would apply to any super accounts they hold.

What will be the impact of the changes on Cbus members?

The impact of the proposals will go beyond the loss of insurance cover for members targeted by the

Government. New Cbus members under 25, current members with balances under $6,000 and current members who haven’t received a contribution in 13 months will all lose default insurance cover. This is likely to impact a large number of people. The changes would affect the entire Cbus membership, because by removing these members from our group cover, we reduce the buying power of a broader collective pool, which will almost certainly result in higher insurance premiums – estimated to be upwards of 20%.

Also at risk is the scope of our cover – for instance, we would be unlikely to be able to provide insurance cover for new members without imposing restrictions or additional requirements that are currently not imposed or required. Members with inactive accounts and a balance of $6,000 or less will be moved to the ATO – potentially losing out on better returns and other member benefits including insurance.

We are standing up for our members Cbus wants to make sure that we can continue to provide the insurance we know our members need. We are engaging with our membership, industry bodies, key stakeholders and decision makers and making submissions to the Government.

Like to know more?

Speak to your Local Cbus coordinator for more. www.cbussuper.com.au/support/ contact#cbusco *This information is about Cbus. It doesn’t take into account your specific needs, so you should look at your own financial position, objectives and requirements before making any financial decisions. Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement and related documents to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Call Cbus on 1300 361 784 or visit www.cbussuper.com.au for a copy.

Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262 MySuper authorisation 75 493 363 262 473.

SECRETARY’S REPORT - PLUMBERS UNION AGM 2018

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TRAINING OUR MEMBERS

Recently the Plumbers Union has arranged a number of courses for our members. The Plumber’s Union sources the best funding outcome possible via funding providers such as Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), Services Trades Queensland (STQ) and BERT Training Fund (BTF).

Any person who is a member of BERT and meets the BERT Training Fund eligibility criteria can apply for a training subsidy for construction related training courses.

CSQ is an independent industry funded body supporting employers, workers, apprentices and career seekers in the building and construction industry. They offer multiple funded programs to assist with upskilling and cross skilling existing workers in the building and construction industry.

Short Courses are individual competencies and skills sets designed to provide flexible solutions to workers wanting to update their skills and knowledge in specific and targeted areas. The Higher Level Skills program provides nationally accredited qualifications including Certificate

IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma.

The Plumbers Union has been working with industry and relevant RTOs such as CEPUTEC and The Services Trades College to provide the best training and funding outcome to meet the demand- and we will continue to work with the relevant industry bodies to deliver on this.

Recently we have provided after hours and RDO training sessions to better accommodate our members’ training needs. To date the Plumbers Union QLD has assisted in 382 enrolments since the last report.

Stay updated on what training is available via the Plumbers Union Qld Facebook page and website.

If you wish to be upskilled please submit your training enquiries on our website www.plumbersunionqld.com or contact the office on 07 3844 8433.

CEPUTEC Training in Queensland In January 2018 CEPUTEC employed our first Full Time Trainer – Tom Niesler. Since Tom has come on board with CEPUTEC we have been able to deliver in all the scope required for the Plumbers Union Apprentice Program and address most of the training needs for Post Trade High Risk and Safety Training. It’s been great to see that CEPUTEC has been able to deliver on what we predicted we would this time last year. If you are interested in getting trained up, please contact the office on 07 3844 8433.

The Plumbers Union Apprenticeship Program The Plumbers Union Apprenticeship Program has been running since 2012. The program was put in place to assist in the retention rates of our apprentices and promote skilled apprenticeships through extra training in – Mate in Construction Life Skills, Confined Space, Asbestos Awareness, Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials, Elevated Work Platform over 11m or Forklift and Poly Welding. The program also provides iPads, uniforms and wage reimbursements to the employers for the time spent doing extra training. The Apprentice Program caters for 60 new apprentices a year given that they are eligible.

The Program funds mentors that give apprentices access to ongoing support over the duration of their apprenticeship. Our current retention rate for apprentices is at 97%, our program has demonstrated positive investment into the future of our industry.

In working with our Industry RTO, The Services Trades College Australia (TSTCA), we are able to promote the program and supply the services required to ensure the best outcome for our apprentices in training and education.

With innovative training and technology the Apprenticeship Program has been able to be a part of the way of moving forward, introducing apprentices to the concept of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and collaborative training approach. With the modelled and built 3 story tower that has been plotted to cater for BIM and collaborative training, the college is able to provide innovative training conditions that simulate a real work environment. Having access to an iPad with the programs uploaded to assist in working in these conditions the apprentices a fully equipped to learn and execute their training and work requirements.

TRAINING ENQUIRIES REGISTER The Plumbers Union has an Training Enquiries register for members who are interested in training.If you are a member and are interested please fill in your current details via our website; www.plumberunionqld.com and our Training Coordinator will contact you about whats available.

SECRETARY’S REPORT - PLUMBERS UNION AGM 2018

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ASK YOURSELF

IS THAT SAFE? Built construction Group at 200 Edward Street, are putting their workers in extremely unsafe conditions. In no way is this sort of work environment fit for anyone to work in.

Falling from heights risks, unfit smoko facility, no emergency lights and not to mention what isn't pictured here including fire extinguishers that haven't been tested in 6 years, and a lack of emergency or even evacuation plans.

Massive list of safety breaches at just two major sites.

Including asbestos exposure, overdue test and tags, insufficient first aid kits, insufficient access and edge safety, and hazardous disposal or storage of building materials or waste on site.

Disgraceful conditions that Muil has at their sites. Muil has no regard for the health and safety at their worksites.

The smoko shed, drinking fountain and amenities were incredibly unhygienic, not to mention the rat droppings.

But safety is thrown out the door with inaccessible first aid and multiple height safety issues spotted, Muil should be ashamed.

If you think the site you’re on is unsafe call the union on 07 3844 8433.