PPTEU Qld December 2022 Update

This year has seen some massive wins for workers and electing a Federal Labor Government has made this happen. The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 abolishes the ABCC and ROC and will start to get wages moving again. This is a great first step, and we look forward to the ongoing support of a government who cares about workers.

EB10 negotiations have well and truly kicked off for the new Fire, Mechanical, and Plumbing agreements and we will begin negotiating for Roofing soon. Many Contractors will already have received notices, which will start

the official process for an agreement. With the support of our members, we hope to finalise the new agreements as soon as possible.

This year we held the second PPTEU Awards night on the 16th of September, recognizing some truly outstanding contributions to our trade and industry. It was a great night, and we are glad we could have so many members attend. Keep an eye out for registrations for next year, it’s sure to be a fantastic night. Congratulations to all who were nominated this year and congratulations to our winners!

We have also upped the engagement in both our PPTEU Youth Crew and PPTEU Women spaces. The Youth Crew Golf Day was a massive success and we raised over $30,000 for the Youth Crew’s chosen charities; Orange Sky Australia, Mates in Construction and Share the Dignity. This is the future of the PPTEU, and we are excited to see what else they can do.

We also had Chanelle C, Apprentice Sprinkler Fitter and PPTEU Women member, attend the Women in Male Dominated Occupations and Industries (WIMDOI) Conference

2022 in Canberra, joining Union women from across the country. Our PPTEU Women are engaging with industry, and we look forward to seeing what they can do with all our support.

We were thrilled to have The Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, Premier and Minister for the Olympics, officially open our own Hydrogen Centre of Excellence on the 16th of November. This facility will train Queensland’s next generation of renewable hydrogen experts, and it’s owned by industry! 40+ renewable hydrogen projects are currently underway across Queensland – so this facility is crucial for a growing industry that’s helping create a clean energy future for Queensland. This would not have been possible without the support of the State Government.

We have achieved a lot in the last few years, and we will continue to fight for workers’ rights on site and strive for a safe and secure future for our members and industry.

In soldiarity, Gary O’Halloran STATE SECRETARY

Federal Labor’s IR agenda – Update

The Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union congratulates the MPs who joined with the Albanese Government to support the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill – the first step towards real pay rises that Australian workers have seen out of the Federal Government in a decade.

The Bill will make workplaces fairer and safer for women while also enabling more parents to access and return to work. It will also expand access to bargaining for millions of workers who have been locked out of the process which should be the engine of wage growth in this country.

The ALP was joined by the Greens and independents Zoe Daniel, Monique Ryan, Bob Katter and Andrew Wilkie, who have voted to end a decade of flatlining wages and real wage cuts.

The ‘Secure Jobs Better Pay’ Bill is an absolute game changer for our wages.

We’re living through an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis. Everything is going up, except our wages. Meanwhile, CEO pay and the profits of multi-nationals keep going up. Guess what? These same multi-national companies have long benefited from our workplace laws – making it easier to send profits overseas rather

than keeping them in the hands of Australian workers.

The Secure Jobs, Better Pay bill will start to get wages moving again. Here’s how:

a. Strengthening laws on equal pay, tackling sexual harassment and discrimination at work and the right to request flexible working arrangements.

b. Beginning to tackle insecure work by limiting the use of fixed term contracts.

c. Making bargaining more accessible, including by introducing or improving multi-employer bargaining streams and simplifying approval processes.

d. Dealing with termination of agreements and “sunsetting” zombie agreements.

e. Beginning to strengthen compliance by lifting the cap on small claims.

f. Abolishing the ABCC and ROC.

The Government has indicated that a second tranche of IR legislation will be introduced next year, including changes to clamp down on all aspects of insecure work, including casuals, gig economy and labour hire, as well as more reforms to combat wage theft, among others.

EBA UPDATE

Enterprise Agreement negotiations in the fire, mechanical and plumbing sectors have commenced discussions for new agreements, and the Union’s aim to begin negotiating roofing in the near future.

Please keep an eye out on our Facebook page and website for further updates.

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

EBA LIST

If you have any further questions about your EBAs, please contact your Organiser.

Australia’s first Hydrogen Centre of Excellence

The PPTEU was thrilled to have Hon Annastacia Palaszczuk MP officially open the Hydrogen Centre of Excellence on November 16 at the PICAC Beenleigh campus.

The PICAC Hydrogen Centre of Excellence is an Industry-first training facility that will upskill gas plumbing professionals, enabling the Australian workforce to begin the transition to a clean, renewable hydrogen future. Supported by the State Labor Government since its inception, The Premier was joined by Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick MP, Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement Mick de Brenni, Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer MP, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman MP and over 150 industry participants, apprentices and post-trade learners to celebrate the opening of the brand new, state of the art training centre.

This facility will train Queensland’s next generation of renewable hydrogen experts, 1,000+ trainees and apprentices each year could have access to this worldclass facility, which includes specialised gas training equipment, lower carbon technology upgrades, roof access work platforms, and state-of-the-art training rooms.

“Queensland is on track to becoming a global hydrogen heavyweight,” the Premier said.

“We recently announced our $62 billion Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan which will drive our renewable energy transformation.

“This includes developing our hydrogen industry which is expected to grow by $19 billion and create 4,350 jobs by 2040.

“We’re already on our way with 40 hydrogen projects happening across the state.

This world-leading centre is a great example of industry working together to equip apprentices with the skills needed for jobs now and into the future.

This year we sent one of our PPTEU Women Chanelle C to the WIMDOI Conference held in Canberra. It was an experience to remember for our new Fire Sprinkler apprentice, only having been with the union for 1 year. In an interview with Chanelle she stated, “When I arrived in Canberra on Monday, I didn’t know what to expect. I had never been to the capital and was already so excited (and a little nervous) to be asked to represent our Union and women across Queensland. I tried to be open and take in as much as possible; from meeting Ministers, attending parliament house and so many articulate and powerful speakers – wow! In reflection, I’m glad that I took this approach as sharing a conference room filled with Union women from all different trades and industries workshopping, sharing experience and knowledge on how we can be part of making our union stronger for women and men was a truly empowering platform.”

The guest speaker Patrizia Cassaniti, who founded the Christopher foundation, #Christopherslaw after her son was tragically killed two days after his 18th birthday on a construction site, after an extensive investigation into the root cause, it was revealed to be complacency on the worksite. The driving force behind the Patrizia is to attend conferences in the hopes of educating young women and men on the importance of safety in the workplace. Chanelle stated, “Her emotional message really struck a chord with me, as it did for many in the room.”

When speaking with Chanelle she explained her experience as being impacting and memorable, leaving the conference feeling engaged, empowered and excited to be a part of

the union movement, “The conference presented so many powerful moments, the march to the Workers Memorial being something to remember, as a previous speaker informed us that last year there were 194 fatalities on the jobsite across Australia and to see the Memorial and realise how many Australian Families have been impacted by preventable accidents, this really left an impression as we collectively paid our respects in a moment of remembrance.

I left the WIMDOI 2022 conference engaged, empowered, and excited to be part of a union that supports communication, solidarity between states and strives to get everyone home by promoting safe practices in the workplace. I would like to thank the PPTEU Qld for the opportunity to attend the 2022 WIMDOI conference and am excited in the direction the PPTEU is heading.”

Thank you Chanelle for taking up the opportunity to attend this amazing conference, we are grateful to you for being ready and open to this new experience. The PPTEU looks forward to sending more women to conferences like this in the future, as it has proven to ignite a passion for what Unions are all about, but also create a sisterhood that will test the time.

2022Awards Night

The PPTEU QLD held its second Awards Night in September.

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.

SEE THE FINALISTS

Life may not be fair but we believe your health fund should be. For when you need us and even when you don’t, we will do our best to take care of you and your family.

Fairness is what we’re about We’re union born and bred and set up as a not-for-profit, which means nothing is more important to us than the best interests of our members.

We think the fact that we were created purely for the benefit of union members and their families makes us pretty special. We have always been all about people over profits – a united community working towards a shared vision.

And we don’t make a habit of tooting our own horn, but the latest IPSOS Health Care & Insurance Australia poll^ put us in the top three health funds for trustworthiness, customer service, and quality products.

Why Union Health?

There are a lot of health funds out there, all wanting your attention, so what makes us so

special? We think it comes down to a few basic things:

 We offer good quality, affordable health insurance options.

 We’re owned entirely by our members, and we’re not-for-profit, which means we give more back to you.



We were created purely to support Australian union members and their families, so we really know our community and we have the same values.

Ready for a fair go?

Join Union Health today and get 4 WEEKS FREE after your first month of payment.*

^Union Health is brought to you by TUH Health Fund (TUH). TUH voted top 2 for most trusted and high-quality private health insurance providers and top 3 for customer service, IPSOS Health Care & Insurance Australia 2021.

PPTEU APPRENTICE PROGRAM

2022-2026

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 2022 - 2026.

The program accommodates up to 70 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.

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

- MIC Resilience Apprentice Training

- Confined Space - Life skills and cultural awareness - Introduction to BIM - EWP over and under 11m

1 week of wages for time spent completing extra week of training to the employer Year 2 - Dogman Training - Forklift & Poly Welding*

- Design and Commission Domestic and Residential Sprinkler Systems**

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.

THE TEAM

TOOLS & TOOL BOX

The program will also supply apprentices with the fundamental tools and tool bag for training and education of their trade.

IPADS

The program funds the latest released iPad and durable cases. The iPad is provided 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.

SUPPORT

The essence of the role of Apprentice Mentor is to be a trusted point of contact that apprentices can access for support and assistance when confronted with concerns or issues which present obstacles to effective participation in the apprenticeship.

RIAN

KELSO

Apprentice Program Manager

Ph: 07 3844 8433 rian@plumbersunionqld.com

SHARI CHARRINGTON

Apprentice Coordinator

Ph: 07 3844 8433

shari@plumbersunionqld.com

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 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.

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 he joined the PPTEU team and has been a great asset to apprentices. Tom is currently taking time to travel with his family but looks forward to getting back to it.

JAMES MACDONALD

Apprentice Mentor

Ph: 0473 566 498

james@plumbersunionqld.com

James has recently joined the PPTEU Team as a temporary Mentor while Tom takes time with his family.

After almost a decade in the Fire Protection Industry, James is excited to provide mentorship to Apprentices.

His wide range of knowledge is an asset apprentices can call on anytime.

rian@plumbersunionqld.com.

GET TRAINED training register

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).

Recently

We have provided after hours and RDO training sessions to better accommodate our members’ training needs. The PPTEU QLD has assisted in many 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 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.

Helping Building &

State Government Apprentices

The issue of apprentices arises because minimum pay rates for certain apprentices have fallen behind movements in other minimum pay rates.

The financial impact on state system apprentices is significant and creates an inequitable outcome for apprentice employed in the state system.

The main mechanism for adjustment of apprentice pay rates is the

• Apprentices’ and Trainees’ Wages and Conditions (Queensland Government Departments and Certain Government Entities) Order (GOBO) • Supply of Tools to Apprentices (Supply of Tools Order)

The GOBO, which applies to the State Government sector, has not been reviewed since it was first published in 2001. As a result, first- and second-year apprentices

employed by the Queensland public service are currently paid 40 and 55 percent of the standard rate, compared with 55 and 65 percent for their matriculated counterparts in a Government Owned Corporation (GOC) or in the private sector. Some 320 apprentices are employed under GOBO arrangements in State Government departments and agencies.

The Union has been working on modernising the rates contained in the GOBO.

We are please to report a that a 1st year apprentice working in the State Government sector will soon see a 15% increase in their wages. A second year apprentice working in the State Government sector will soon see a 10% increase in their wages, and A third year apprentice working in the State Government sector will soon see a 5% increase in their wages.

ORDER - APPRENTICES' AND TRAINEES' WAGES AND CONDITIONS (QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND CERTAIN GOVERNMENT ENTITIES) (No. B1893 of 2000) AND ORDER - APPRENTICES' AND TRAINEES' WAGES AND CONDITIONS (EXCLUDING CERTAIN QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT ENTITIES) 2003 (No. B585 of 2003)

Wage Level Minimum Training Requirements

PLUMBING AND FIRE SPRINKLERS AWARD 2020

Prior to the attainment of 25 % of the total competencies specified in the Training Plan.

On attainment of 25 % of the total competencies specified in earlier N/A the Training Plan or twelve months after commencing the apprenticeship whichever is the earlier.

On attainment of 50 % of the total competencies specified in the Training Plan or twelve months after commencing Wage Level 2 whichever is the earlier.

On attainment of 75 % of the total competencies specified in the Training Plan or twelve months after commencing Wage Level 3 whichever is the earlier.

% of Tradesperson's Rate Specified in the award 1 2 3 4 5

On certification of attainment of 100% of the total competencies specified in the Training Plan for the relevant AQF Certificate III qualification or twelve months after commencing Wage Level 4 whichever is the earlier.

Old Rates New Rates 40 55 75 90 100

55 65 70 90 100

FEDERAL

The QIRC order No. B1849 Supply of Tools to Apprentices provides for a $600 annual allowance for tools or $2400 total retail value for tools over the four-year apprenticeship for the callings of Plumbing and Draining.

This order was last reviewed 23 years ago on the 19 June 1998. While award wages and allowances are reviewed each year during the state wage case, those adjustments have not been reflected in the rates set out for tool allowance in order No. B1849 Supply of Tools to Apprentices. For that reason, it is the Union’s view

that the rates contained in the order no longer deliver contemporary community standards.

The Union has made significant progress with the Government negotiations and currently has an offer, that increases the value of the Tools for State Government Plumbing apprentices from $2,400 over four years, to $5,815 over four years. This amounts to a %140 increase for apprentices’ tools and a great outcome for our members.

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 such as Qbuild and Queensland Health. In Councils like Cairns, Mareeba, Cassowary Coast, Cook Shire, Whitsunday Region, Tablelands, Toowoomba, Gympie and Mount Isa City Council 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.

The Queensland Government is changing super contribution arrangements for public sector employees working in for the State Government.

Under the Government’s proposed changes to these super

arrangements, with a start date yet to be announced, employees who are employer contribution rate of 12.75% of ordinary time earnings. Employer contributions will be based on ordinary time earnings. For some, this may mean superannuation will be paid on more allowances. Employee co-contribution would no longer be compulsory, they could choose whether to contribute it to grow their super, or access it as part of their wage. They would still receive the employer contribution rate of super on ordinary time earnings.

The Queensland Government changes will likely impact employees depending on their employment circumstances and current superannuation arrangements. The Government is consulting with employers, and unions, on a range

of implementation issues, including:

design and implementation of employee contributions, and

a timeframe for implementation.

There will be no changes to defined benefit contributions into defined benefit plans, or defined benefit scheme design.

Treasury will be undertaking further work on contributions for defined benefit members, including assessing options for employees in the defined benefit scheme to receive superannuation on ordinary time allowances paid into an accumulation account.

This year we ramped up our engagement with the PPTEU Women, creating the opportunity for our female demographic to have a voice and platform to speak freely and openly.

Rian Kelso along with Shari Charrington saw that there was a need to create as many opportunities as possible to engage and take feedback on things that mattered, whether it be onsite needs or issues, new perspective or wholistic views about women in construction. Through this engagement we were able to also reach other states within the CEPU, hosting one national meeting this year.

We intend to continue our online meetings, giving the Union the reach and connectivity with women across the state and country. Collectively we aspire to hold at least 2 national meetings a year with the hopes to have a face-to-face conference as the attendance of our meetings increases.

Thank you to the PPTEU women for their time, dedication, and openness to share and activate the need to support, encourage and listen to what matters. It has been a year of learning and implementation, and the PPTEU is looking forward to many more engaging sessions and activities in 2023.

Our relationship with National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) QLD initiated at the start of 2022, with Rian Kelso engaging the organisation as a Partner in tackling the need to increase women in Plumbing. The PPTEU took part in the International Women’s Day Event hosted by the NAWIC Working on Tools Committee, held at PICAC Beenleigh.

With a huge turn out and some incredible guest speakers, such as, the Hon Shannon Fentiman Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Local Member for Macalister, QBCC Commissioner Anissa Levy, and the Chapter President of NAWIC QLD Sheree Taylor, the event was a standout, with the campaign of #breakthebias and the announcement of the Queensland Government Women’s Strategy 2022-2027.

With an impressive number of young women looking at commencing apprenticeships and apprentices within all trades from Plumbing through to Painting present and engaged, PICAC and our Trades was put on the map with local schools and business. Thank you to PICAC Beenleigh, the WoT committee and NAWIC for their hard work and dedication to events like this. The Union looks forward to being part of many more engaging events like this in the years to come.

Click to read the Qld Women’s Strategy

International Womens DAY - PICAC

CELEBRATING OUR MALE ALLIES

This year the Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union (PPTEU) in QLD came up with the initiative to recognize a Male Ally within the Plumbing Industry. This award was inspired by the National Association of Women in Construction’s Male Ally program. The PPTEU has been working closely with NAWIC since January, with Rian Kelso the Apprentice Program and Project Manager joining the NAWIC Women on Tools Committee. The relationship between the two organisations has been one that has taken off with a bang. Plumbing being a Male dominated trade the Union has seen a small change in the uptake of females in their industry. They’ve identified that it is time to tackle the attraction and retention of women in their trades, targeting the cultural shift required to see improvements in this area.

Introducing the Male Ally Award at the 2022 PPTEU Awards was one of the initiatives Rian from the PPTEU felt would bring attention to the need for supportive and inclusive male allies to the forefront. Recognizing males that support women in trades, was step one for the PPTEU QLD, in the education piece for their domain. Damian O’Sullivan the recipient of the Male Ally Award 2022, has been a supporter of women in trades and continues to demonstrate his passion for change in this space. Damian currently works for Multiplex on Queens Wharf; he is also the president for the PPTEU QLD. Damian was nominated to be awarded the Male Ally 2022 due to his passion for standing up for women in the workplace, his ongoing encouragement to women in leadership roles and the uptake of female apprentices within the Plumbing industry.

In a recent interview with Damian, he stated that he believes that training and education is the key to addressing the issues women face with working in the construction industry. Understanding what women face in the construction industry and then how to work with women in their very male dominated environment is key to the culture shift that is required to retain, attract and support women in construction industry. Damian shared insight about his own bias around women being able to be plumbers when he was younger. At the beginning of his trade as an apprentice, he was faced with his bias. A young women did her apprenticeship with Damian at TAFE, he was in the same class as her and happened to work in the same location up in Redcliffe. During their time at trade school there were many

Inspired by NAWIC

manual tasks that were required, one of which was to bend copper pipe.

During this class, Damian could see his fellow female apprentice struggling with the task. She asked him if he would assist her to bend the copper pipe as she felt she wasn’t strong enough. He was quite upfront with her and said, “If you can’t bend the pipe in here at trade school how do you think you can qualify for a plumber out in the real world?” to that she said, “If I can’t bend it myself, I will buy the bend, problem solved.” It was at this stage Damian realised that there is always more than one way to do a task or a job. In Damian’s words, “I was very quickly put back in my box.”

The PPTEU QLD is a huge supporter and advocate for women in trades, seeing the Male Allies Program as an opportunity to educate the industry. In Damian’s interview he stated, “There are so many barriers that have been faced for women in male dominated industries, I believe that one of the first steps for our industry to break the barriers is Education, communication, and collaboration. Educating the workforce is the first step in understanding the barriers, then working together to support each other to break through some of the mindsets around women working in the constructions industry. We have come along way from where we were, but there is still a fair way to go.”

The Unions play a big role in the mission to advocate for women in male dominated industries and their rights generally. The PPTEU have seen the need to push for more education in the space, through tool box talks with starting apprentice using the NAWIC Passport to Diversity at induction days, to the uptake of the Male Allies Program, with the hopes to roll this our in 2023 do Delegates, members and Union Officials across the state. Thank you to Damian O’Sullivan for making it his business to speak up and speak out for women’s rights, to encourage women in the construction Industry and to see that more women and girls have opportunities to embrace careers in the Construction industry by breaking the bias, breaking down barriers and being proud to advocate for change.

PPTEU State Secretary Gary O’Halloran, NAWIC Chapter President Sheree Taylor, Male Ally 2022 Damian O’Sullivan, Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement Mick De Brenni

Wage Theft

Deliberate 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.

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 $1.5 million of unpaid entitlements for union members.

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.

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?

If you think that you are being underpaid, follow these steps:

1. 2. 3.

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.

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

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.

YOUTH CREW

What a year we have had, with one of the focus points being the under 35 members. This year we hosted 3 Youth Crew Meetings, formed a Youth Crew Committee of engaged young members and hosted a Fund Raiser Golf Day. We set the intention of the year to find out what mattered to our younger demographic and provide opportunities to educate, connect and gain feedback on matters that were meaningful to them.

Rian Kelso and James Macdonald have been working with the Youth Crew Committee over the past 12 months, with all those involved showing their dedication to the Youth Crew and their Union by attending meetings after hours, working alongside the Union to plan engaging meetings, events and represent the under 35s. Through these meetings we have been able to establish future needs of the younger generation, find meaningful ways to connect and raise

money for charities that do good for the wider community.

Events such as the Youth Crew Golf Day, which saw as a collective over $33k raised and donated to Orange Sky, Mates in Construction and Share the Dignity, will continue in 2023. With more ideas on how we can do more for the wider community are being shared, we intend to keep up the momentum of engagement through meetings and events. Thank you to all those who have attended the 2022 meetings and events, your time and dedication hasn’t gone without notice.

Well done to the Youth Crew Committee and all those who have worked to make this year a success in the planned endeavors.

Youth Crew Beenliegh meeting

MEET THE COMMITTEE

NICK KOVACEVIC

Sanitary Apprentice, 23

I decided to join the youth crew committee as I firmly believe in safety on site, liveable wages and most importantly the comradery in the PPTEU.

RHYS WHITEHURST

Sanitary Plumber, 33

I joined the committee to represent my generations commitment to a better future and to be the voice of those who value the union movement.

SAM EVANS

Sanitary Plumber, 28

I wanted to join the youth crew committee because I enjoy being an active union member and want to engage with the next generation and future leaders of our union.

MATT EVERLYN

Fire Sprinkler Fitter, 32

I wanted to be a part of the youth crew committee, as since being an apprentice I have met and worked alongside a lot of passionate unionists who have shown me union values and what the union is about. I want to pass on all my values and knowledge about the union and the movement which we have, and I want to be a part of the growth and to strengthen the union for all our future members.

ALEX HORVAT

Sanitary Apprentice, 19

I wanted to be in the committee because I’m a passionate union member that see’s value on engaging with the union and youth crew in the union movement, in hopes they catch the same passion for it as I do #zingerboxunionrocks

The Youth Crew Vision

“To build and cultivate a strong network of young members, supporting the community, the future of their trades and the union.”

charity GOLF DAY

Raising Funds For

Mates in Construction, Orange Sky and Share the Dignity were chosen by the Youth Crew Committee based on the work they do in our wider community.

By hosting a day like Golf Day the PPTEU Youth Crew hope to connect, relax and have some fun, but most of all, raise funds for hard working organisations that keep people alive, clean and healthy, both mentally and physically.

What a great turn out to a great cause, thank you to all the attendees for your time, dedication and comradery.

A big thank you to the following companies for their sponsorship: A.G. Coombs

As part of the Fundraising for this event, members entered into competitions, such as Best Mo, Best Mullet, Best Dressed, using this to gather support from friends and family.

Great job to everyone who participated and raised money, a special shout out to Sam Evans who raised a massive $1120!

All up we raised over $33,000, and this was spilt amongst Mates in Construction, Orange Sky and Share the Dignity.

Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) REVIEW

We all know how important Workplace Health and Safety is to ensuring our members safety at work. From 2015–16 to 2019–20, there was an average of 10 fatalities each year recorded for the construction sector.

The Honourable Grace Grace MP, Minister for Industrial Relations, announced an independent review of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act). The review is considering the overall effectiveness of the key components of the WHS Act in achieving its objectives, including:

Considering and reporting on any need for amendments to ensure:

provisions relating to health and safety representatives are effective and operating as intended

workers are appropriately represented and assisted in the workplace for the purpose of health and safety matters

the effectiveness of the legislative framework for review and stay provisions with enforcement notices under the WHS Act

provisions relating to the issue and dispute resolution are effective and operating as intended.

Any other matters relating to the WHS Act's overall effectiveness and performance in ensuring a balanced framework to secure health and safety of workers and workplaces and consider whether any legislative or administrative amendments are required.

The Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union along with other Building Trade Group Unions and the Queensland Council of Unions have been actively advocating for changes to the Act that include:

Mandatory HSRs

Earlier training of HSRs and ensuring HSRs are adequately supported through improved access to and additional training, and for HSRs to be able to choose their training provider.

strengthening the role of health and safety representatives (HSRs) through clarifying their functions and rights

Earlier establishment of safety committees Strengthening Industrial manslaughter provisions

Extend industrial manslaughter to suicides that occur at a workplace

streamlining the issue and dispute resolution processes for workers and their representatives

TOGETHER WE WIN

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.

ACCESS TO FINANCIAL PLANNING

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.

ACCIDENTAL DENTAL COVER

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).

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.

$12,000 FUNERAL BENEFIT

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.

FREE TRAVEL INSURANCE

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 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.