PPTEU Qld December 2021 Update

DEC 2021

PPTEU

PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION

In this issue 02 03

A Message form the State Secretary CEPUTEC

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Super Stapling

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RDO

03 04

UNION SHOP BUSSQ

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Federal Election

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Wage Theft

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CSQ

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EBA Update

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Industrial Relations Update

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Union Health

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Hall Payne

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Awards Night

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Membership Benefits

05 BERT 06 -07 Apprentice Program

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Union Health

TRAINING OUR MEMBERS Authorised Gary O’Halloran, Secretary, Plumbers Union Qld, 41 Peel St, South Brisbane 4101

A message from your State Secretary Our priority is supporting the workforce in getting trained, skilled and providing the opportunity to continue to work in their trades.

We are currently evaluating the qualifications and matching the needs of Hydrogen in Plumbing with the qualifications that exist and where we need to create new streams to accommodate this positive change.

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n the last 6 months our Hydrogen Centre of Excellence at Beenleigh has undergone a massive expansion of facilities thanks to the Queensland Government’s commitment of 20 Million dollars. The State Government have a 50% renewable energy target by 2023, working towards this the Palaszczuk Government has invested in Hydrogen and will ensure a local skilled workforce and Jobs for QLD. We are determined to ensure Qld leads the way in training and education in hydrogen, supporting tradespeople and industry in the future of renewable energy.

The PPTEU has always fought to protect the trades of members, ensuring licencing reflects the value of the trade. This year we succeeded with Fire Licensing changes coming into effect 1 May this year. This is a great victory for our members, and although this has already come under fire from the FPAA, we are committed to protecting the trade and members interests.

Ongoing struggles with the implementation of the Mechanical Licensing requirements have been an issue for some of our members, and we have been in constant communication with the QBCC, supporting members in during their application process. The system

is flawed but we’re working with industry to protect members.

It’s that time again, the Federal Election will be called early next year.

We know how important it is to have a Government that listens to workers, a Government that supports our industry and a fair go for all. So as the election draws nearer, it so important to support Labor. It may be as simple as liking or sharing a Facebook article, turning up to rallies, talking to your friends and family, but most importantly voting out this Federal Government.

I will be out this election supporting my local member, volunteering my time so workers get a voice, please consider joining me and get in contact with the office to see how you can help.

Labor was formed “by workers, for the workers”, just remember that when you cast your vote.

In soldiarity, Gary O’Halloran STATE SECRETARY

PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION QLD STATE SECRETARY Gary O’Halloran I 07 3844 8433 gary@plumbersunionqld.com

ORGANISER (North Queensland) Jim White I 0448 880 720 jim@plumbersunionqld.com

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

ASSISTANT STATE SECRETARY Mick Wiech I 0422 831 175 michael@plumbersunionqld.com

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

TRAINING Office I 07 3844 8433 office@plumbersunionqld.com

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

INDUSTRIAL OFFICER Troy Fernandez I 07 3844 8433 troy@plumbersunionqld.com

MEDIA Office I 07 3844 8433 media@plumbersunionqld.com

ORGANISER Kieron Cundy I 0419 771 026 kieron@plumbersunionqld.com

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

MEMBERSHIP Office I 07 3844 8433 membership@plumbersunionqld.com

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

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Specialised, current, industry relevant training.

QLD OFFICE M. 0434 383 777 E. qldtraining@ceputec.edu.au www.ceputec.edu.au

The organisation was created by the Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union (PPTEU) to ensure that high-quality, industry relevant training in safety, plant and welding would be available to their members.

ABOUT CEPUTEC CEPUTEC commenced operation as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 4612) in June 1997 at PICAC’s Brunswick campus.

CEPUTEC training is now available to anyone wanting to undertake high-quality training in first-aid, OHS/WHS, plant and equipment or welding at PICAC campuses, onsite and remotely (online).

he Fund the ohn

and CIP seen and mployers

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Hack

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261 114 bert.com.au

claims@bert.com.au enquiries@bert.com.au

OUR

ONLINE SHOP IS NOW LIVE CHECK IT OUT

Stay up to date with the PPTEU

We’re on Instagram

Find us on facebook @PlumbersUnionQLD

@ppteuqld

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We’re a leading industry fund that rallies for its members and is here to help you sort your super and insurance.

Could you be better off with BUSSQ?

IS YOUR SUPER SORTED?

Visit bussq.com.au or call Kate Anderson on 0429 910 329.

Kenny Murdoch BUSSQ Member since 2007

The information supplied in this advertisement is general advice only and does not take into account or consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, you should review the relevant Product Disclosure Statement to ensure you have all the information about the relevant BUSSQ product and how it works and consider the appropriateness of the information to your needs or seek independent advice from a properly qualified professional.

Prepared by BUSS(Queensland) Pty Ltd (ABN 15 065 081 281, AFSL 237860) as Trustee for BUSSQ (BUSSQ Fund, ABN 85 571 332 201).

COVID-19 vaccination protection with BUSSQ BUSSQ members with an eligible insurance policy will receive COVID-19 vaccination protection at no extra cost.

This gives members financial peace of mind around the risk of COVID-19 vaccine side effects should they choose to be vaccinated.

your insurance policy if you’re covered for death, total & permanent disability (TPD) or for income protection.

This additional cover aims to reassure eligible members by knowing that they will have extra financial support if they choose to be vaccinated and then suffer the rare instance of a serious side effect that requires them to claim.

An amount of up to $50,000 in total will be paid to members who meet the eligibility criteria and are approved for a claim under their insurance because of suffering a serious side effect from an approved COVID-19 vaccination.

Find out more, including eligibility details, at bussq.com.au/blog or by calling 1800 692 877.

This would be an extra payment in the event of an approved claim in addition to the benefit payments under

This is general advice only. Read the PDS and consider the appropriateness of the information to your needs or seek independent advice from a properly qualified professional.

Prepared by BUSS (Queensland) Pty Ltd (ABN 15 065 081 281, AFSL 237860) as Trustee for BUSSQ (BUSSQ Fund, ABN 85 571332 201).

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After more than 10 years with the Fund we announce the retirement of the BERT/ CIP General Manager John Shenfield.

John has been the General Manager of BERT and CIP since August 2016. During that time he has overseen and managed outstanding growth of contributing employers and members.

With John’s retirement we welcome our new General Manager Steven Hack.

Steven comes to the Fund with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Building and Construction Industry.

Steven has a long and proud history of working within the industry superannuation fund area and has a strong dedication and focus on members and benefit schemes.

The BERT and CIP Funds continue to provide a range of vital benefits to all our members. On behalf of both Boards, we wish to acknowledge and thank John Shenfield for his commitment and hard work and welcome Steven Hack to the Funds.

Steven Hack General Manager

Level 1, 35 Astor Terrace, Spring Hill QLD 4000

1300 261 114 www.bert.com.au

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claims@bert.com.au enquiries@bert.com.au

PPTEU APPRENTICE PROGRAM 2021-2025

WHAT DO YOU GET FROM THE PROGRAM? Training and Wage Reimbursement to Employers

The Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union Queensland in conjunction with The Services Trades College and Fire Industry Training (FIT) will be rolling out a new Apprentice Program for 2021 - 2025.

Each apprentice enrolled in the program will receive extra training in their 1st and 2nd year of their apprenticeship.

Training that will be added to their apprenticeship as follows: Year 1

The program accommodates up to 60 apprentices in Fire, Sanitary and Mechanical sectors each year.

The purpse of the program is to provide support and training to apprentices, and ensure they have everything they need to succeed as tradespeople in the industry.

Year 2

- MIC Life Skills Training - Confined Space - Asbestos Awareness - Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials

1 week of wages for time spent completing extra week of training to the employer

- EWP over 11m - Forklift - Poly Welding

1 week of wages for time spent completing extra week of training to the employer

In this year’s program we are also able to offer a wage reimbursement for 1 week in years 1-4.

The wage reimbursement is managed through the PPTEU and is allocated to the apprentices that have attended the training listed.

In the 3rd and 4th year of the apprenticeship, the PPTEU Apprentice Program accommodates for wage reimbursements for 1 week of time spent completing their apprenticeship training in each year.

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MENTORS TOM NIESLER Apprentice Mentor Ph: 0487 199 637 tom@plumbersunionqld.com

Tom became a trainer and assessor in 2010 after a career in rigging, including high risk work and as a steel fabricator and crane operator. In 2013, Tom moved into training and assessing full time and became an accredited Work Health and Safety QLD assessor. After training in the industry full time for 8 Years Tom has recently joined the PPTEU Team, excited to provide mentorship to Apprentices in the industry. His wide range of knowledge is an asset apprentices can call on anytime.

&

JUSTIN MAXWELL Apprentice Mentor Ph: 0488 556 222 justin@plumbersunionqld.com

Justin began his career as a Sprinkler Fitter in 1998 before joining the PPTEU team in 2009 as an organiser and then moving to his role as Apprentice mentor for industry in 2013. Justin has worked closely with apprentices and industry to provide support and

IPADS The program funds the latest released iPad and durable cases.

The iPad is provided to them on their induction day with all the relevant apps installed ready to go for use.

UNIFORMS Each year apprentices receive 3 hi-vis shirts to wear while attending their training. This is all fully funded by the PPTEU Apprentice Program.

training particularly in the fire protection industry and has a wealth of knowledge. After more than 30 years in the industry, Justin has a lot to offer Apprentices, and he is here to assist them.

SUPPORT The program funds roles specifically to support apprentices, with two full time Mentors available to provide one on one assistance.

PPTEU Qld

More information If you would like more information about the program and the benefits provided, please contact Apprentice Program Coordinator Rian Kelso on 0434 383 777 or via email rian@plumbersunionqld.com.

41 Peel Street, South Brisbane 4101 Qld Phone 1800 653 118 office@plumbersunionqld.com WWW.PPTEUQLD.COM

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TRAINING OUR

MEMBERS R

ecently the Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union Qld (PPTEU) has arranged a number of courses for our members. The PPTEU sources the best funding outcome possible via funding providers such as Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), Services Trades Queensland (STQ) and BERT Training Fund (BTF).

We have provided after hours and RDO training sessions to better accommodate our members’ training needs. Since July 2020 the PPTEU QLD has assisted in hundreds of enrolments through the IDT structured to ensure members have access to as much funding as possible.

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

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Submit Training Equiry

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 PPTEU has been working with industry and relevant RTOs such as 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.

Stay updated on what training is available via the PPTEU Facebook page and website.

If you wish to be upskilled, please submit your training enquiries, or contact the office on 07 3844 8433.

Your super will be stapled – what does that mean?

Changes to the super system have been put in place under new legislation called Your Future, Your Super. A key feature of these changes is “Stapling”

What does this mean?

Stapling – means your super will follow you when you change jobs from 1 November 2021.

Previously when you change jobs your super doesn’t automatically follow you. This means your super can end up split across more than one account, and you could pay multiple fees.

Stapling will help avoid multiple accounts per person. Under the changes, your super account is ‘stapled’ to you. Meaning, when you change jobs you take your current super account with you.

Pay attention to your super, and stick with an industry fund who knows the industry and provides for members needs.

You still have the right to nominate or change to the fund of your choice at any point in time.

Your new employer or current employer must pay super into your existing account unless you tell them to pay it into another fund because you have decided to move funds.

What’s the problem?

Not all super funds provide the same cover.

Industry funds, like BUSSQ, specifically provide insurance cover for workers in the construction industry.

Some insurers do not provide cover for dangerous occupations, so you may be left paying for insurance you are unable to claim from.

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2022 Calendar

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Public Holidays Union Shopper Work Cover Integrity Funerals Hall Payne Lawyers BERT Financial Services Skylight

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Contact Us: Ph: 1800 653 118 E: office@plumbersunionqld.com PO BOX 3596 South Brisbane Qld 4101 W: www.PPTEUQld.com

Download pdf

The Federal Election - You can make a difference.

T

he denial of working people’s rights and the suppression of unions that commenced under John Howard has led to a rise in insecure work and record low wage growth.

These policies have seen workers’ share of GDP diminish to a near 50 year low. Now inequality is at a 70 plus year high.

The wealthiest 1% of Australians owns more wealth than the bottom 70% of all other Australians combined.

The Morrison government rejects these truths. They cannot accept that the economic cult they have followed for so many years is not just weak but failing before their eyes.

The Australian Government should be supporting Australian Manufacturing and ensuring Australians get secure jobs.

Instead, the Morrison Government has cut penalty rates and imports migrant workers, praying on the vulnerable to keep wages low and conditions questionable.

It has always been the trade union movement making our country fairer and striving for equality.

We have done this by standing up and fighting for workers entitlements, including Superannuation, Workplace Health and Safety, the 8-hour day, Medicare, fair compensation and so many more. With each one becoming law, we move towards a more equal society.

As unionists we strive to unite our country, with every generation moving together towards a future where working people have dignity, equality, and respect. We believe this is what most Australians want.

We want a fair share of the wealth being created by our hard work. Pay rises. Greater job security. A workplace relations system that protects us.

Together we can make this happen. Start by: Talking to your workmates, friends and family about how important it is to support Labor in the next election.

Reach out to the wider community by having an election sign on your fence or doing some letter boxing.

The Morrison Government has spent the last three-years attacking workers’ rights.

Get involved on election day, by handing out how to vote cards.

The federal government has: Designed and introduced a package of laws, favouring, poor performing, for-profit, bank-owned superannuation funds, at the expense of working people.

Whether you have just a little or a lot of time to give, Every little bit matters. We can help you connect with your local campaign!

Attempted to abolish the Better Off Overall Test – blatantly endangering workers’ rights.

Removed the rights of many casuals to convert to full time permanent employment, fostering the casual employment epidemic we now see.

Tried to pass a union busting bill, designed to silence working people and make it harder for all workers to win pay rises, protect their jobs, stop gendered violence in the workplace, ensure workplaces are safe and fight rampant wage theft. It is an extreme piece of legislation that will make it easier for governments and businesses to shut down unions, giving bosses a say in who leads unions rather than it being decided solely by members.

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07 3844 8433 (ask for Troy)

office@plumbersunionqld.com

Wage Theft D

eliberate underpayment is known as wage theft.

Many employers deliberately underpay their employees as a way of increasing their profits.

Underpayment means being paid less than what you are entitled to. Depending on where you work, this can mean being paid less than you are entitled to under the relevant award or agreement, or less than the national minimum wage.

Not paying entitlements such as superannuation or penalty rates is also a form of underpayment.

In some cases, a simple mistake with pay can be fixed quickly with your employer. However, in many cases further action with the help of your union might be required.

An individual employer or a company may be charged with wage theft, and a director or senior officer of a company (or any other person) may be liable if they intentionally assist or encourage a company to commit wage theft.

What to do if you think you are being underpaid?

Roughly one third of Australian workers are victims of wage theft each year. In Queensland around 437,000 or one in five workers are affected by wage theft.

As well as exposing this illegal practice, the union movement is pushing for tougher laws to deal with wage theft.

In the last 12 months alone, the Queensland Plumbers Union has recovered over $2 million of unpaid entitlements for union members.

If you think that you are being underpaid, follow these steps: 1. Find out how much you should be getting paid – including superannuation, penalty rates and other entitlements. If you’re not sure how to do this, the best thing to do is speak to your Delegate or Local Union Official.

2. Compare what you should be paid to how much you are actually being paid by reading your payslip.

The Palaszczuk State Government has made wage theft a crime. The Queensland Criminal Code was amended on 14 September 2020 to enable wage theft to be prosecuted as stealing and to increase the maximum penalty for stealing by an employer to 10 years' imprisonment.

Employers will be criminally liable if they wilfully or deliberately fail to pay an employee – a broad range of non-payments may be captured, including underpayment of hours, unpaid penalty rates and unpaid superannuation.

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3. If you think that you are not being paid correctly get in touch with your workplace representative from your union to get advice on what to do.

PPTEU OFFICE 07 3844 8433

FRESH NEW CSQFUNDING IS NOW ON TAP Grow your jobs, clients and business by adding new skills CSQ is here to help you get the skills and training you need, by funding between 75%-100% of your training costs.

Hop onto the course selector to find registered training organisations offering CSQ-funded training in your area.

Change the flow of your future, with CSQ. csq.org.au

EBA UPDATE Your Union has been working hard to reach shire and Mareeba Shire. agreement on your fair wages and conditions Members have and continue to take strike action claims. in Toowoomba, Mackay and Mater Hospital.

In the last 6 months the union has successfully completed the negotiations of 16 new or Please keep an eye out on our Facebook page and replacement EBA’s in the construction Industry, website for further updates. and currently have 21 others underway.

For a full list of EBA companies and thier contact details go to:

In the Fixed Industry space, the Union has finalised bargaining with Burdekin, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, Noosa and Isaac Councils.

Members and officials are currently involved fighting for improvements in pay and conditions in Gladstone, Toowoomba, Logan City, Mackay, If you have any further questions about your EBAs, Burke Shire, Fraser Coast, Gympie, Livingstone please contact your Organiser.

EBA LIST

Industrial relations

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t has been a busy six months with several disputes, disciplinary matters and pay recovery matters.

It’s alarming how many members get halfway through a workplace process before they reach out to their delegate or their Union Organiser for advice.

It is nearly impossible to “unscramble the egg” after a member has said or agreed to something that impacts the process outcome in a negative way.

If you get in the situation where you are faced with a workplace disciplinary process. It’s important to know that you have the right to decide who your support

person is. We strongly recommend your workplace delegate or local organiser.

The employer cannot decide for you and in most cases cannot refuse anyone you choose.

The employer can only refuse a preferred support person if there are reasonable grounds to do so, such as a conflict of interest or a health and safety concern. For example, the support person should not be a witness to, or otherwise be associated with an investigation, or have any personal interest in the outcome.

cannot have any party who has an interest in any investigation act as investigator or act in any support role.

This also applies to the employer. The employer

A support person can be a co-worker,

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friend, family member, union representative, union delegate or lawyer. However, a lawyer cannot act in a professional capacity as a representative.

Katie wanted more from her health fund – and found it!

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atie didn’t give much thought to choosing her first health fund – after all, she thought, they’re much the same, aren’t they? With a sportsmad husband, the time inevitably came when he needed surgery for an ankle injury.

As they prepared to head into the hospital, their health fund rang to tell them they weren’t covered for the surgery. Katie remembers the confusion to this day.

“Underpinning the whole experience has been their values. They place value on people before profit, offering high-value and useful health insurance that’s easy to understand. There are different ways to interact with them so you can find a way that suits you and they’re so responsive. You’ll be looked after.”

Katie’s advice to anyone considering a switch to Union Health is:

“Sure there had to be some mistake, we headed to the hospital anyway. We’d done our due diligence; they’d given us the go ahead. Surely this was an error. So, while my husband was getting settled in for his surgery, I spoke with insurance company and, after many phone calls back and forth, they decided they would cover us after all.”

“Give them a call and get them to do a comparison with your current insurance package. I think their product is worth checking out and will be worth every cent you pay.”

“As stressful as this ordeal was, the thing that really put me off was feeling the insurance company was trying it on, and that other people may not have had the energy or resources to stand up for the cover they’d been told they had access to.”

Unhappy with their experience, Katie went looking for a new provider that offered great value for money, was not-for-profit, and who put people first. Union Health offers all that and more.

“They ticked all the boxes - the price was right, they’re union affiliated and not-for-profit. It was such an easy decision. Their cover was more affordable than the other options and they offered such great value for money with additional benefits and perks.”

“Since moving across, we’ve made regular extras claims and had one hospital admission and the whole process was so much easier than I could have expected.”

To find out what Union Health can do for you, get in touch today. Scan or click the QR code to book a call back.

“This was such a positive contrast to our past experiences and there were no surprises.”

1300 661 283

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Hall Payne Lawyers proud partners with PPTEU

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Immigration Law Disability & Super Commercial Law Property Law Criminal Law

AWARDS NIGHT 2020 & 2021 The PPTEU QLD held its first Awards Night in March 2021. The event took place to honour the workmanship, dedication and industry input of Apprentices, Tradespeople and Mentors within the Plumbing and Pipe Trades Industry. We thank all the sponsors for their support and congratulate the winners & nominees.

Apprentice of the Year 2020

Apprentice of the Year 2021

Bryce Perry-Bolt

Troy Jamieson

Bryce has completed his Certificate III in Plumbing with Christopher Contracting, during his time, Bryce has been very committed to learning his trade. With his can-do attitude and always turning up to work with a smile Bryce has demonstrated diligence not only at trade school but on the job.

Congratulations Bryce!

Troy has recently completed his Certificate III in Plumbing with Axis Plumbing. Troy has demonstrated commitment and high levels of workmanship throughout his apprenticeship. Troy’s attitude to his work and the industry has been recognised and he has great potential within the plumbing industry.

Congratulations Troy!

SEE ALL FINALISTS AND AWARD WINNERS

Save the Date AWARDS NIGHT 2022 18TH MARCH 2022

More Union members

TOGETHER WE WIN

More workers covered by collective bargaining More jobs

ON AVERAGE, PEOPLE WITH A UNION COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT ARE PAID $100 A WEEK MORE

Stronger Unions

$

Standards raised

By being a Union member you help win better pay and conditions through collective bargaining with your employer. The more workers that are in a Union, the bigger chance of getting a better deal.

$

Higher pay and better benefits

AND...

ACCESS TO FINANCIAL PLANNING

$12,000 FUNERAL BENEFIT

Financial Union Members are able to receive assistance with financial advice at no cost. To find out more go to www.bert.com.au/bert/ members/benefits/your-finances/ or contact BERT on 1300 261 114.

Members are covered by a funeral benefit of $12,000 in the event of death of either the member / the members wife, husband or defacto (up to the age of 75) / the members dependent children up to the age of 16.

ACCIDENTAL DENTAL COVER

FREE TRAVEL INSURANCE

Financial members and their immediate family (up to the age of 70) are covered for dental costs associated with any accidental damage caused to their teeth (conditions apply - contact the Union Office for details).

Travel insurance covers you, your accompanying spouse/defacto and dependent children when travelling for more than 250km from your usual place of residence within Australia or overseas for up to 90 days. Register online via the Plumbers Union website.

ACCESS TO THE UNION SHOPPER Union members can access huge savings on a wide range of goods and services through the Union Shopper. Save money on white goods, furniture, travel, security screens, movie tickets, cars and much more.

COUNSELLING SERVICE Members can access expert assisstance and advice at no cost from experienced counsellor who can help deal with personal/family relationship difficulties, drug and alcohol issues or any other problems members may be facing. Counselling is confidential and free to all members.

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ACCESS TO AN EMPLOYMENT REGISTER The Plumbers Union has an established 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.

WILLS AND LEGAL ADVICE Wills and legal advice are available for financial members of the Union and their partner through the Union’s solicitors.