PPTEU Qld July 2021 Newsletter

JULY 2021

PPTEU

PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION

In this issue fo r r

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urs for wha ho

rs for work, e ou ig h ht t h g

s ur o h

02 02

A Message form the State Secretary UNION SHOP

03 04

It pays to belong Union Health

05 05

Industrial Relations Update EBA Update

tw e w i

UR D A Y LABO lL

Ei

2021

W

hile COVID-19 resulted in Labour Day celebrations being cancelled last year, we were fortunate enough this year to return to semi-normal and have the chance to catch up with our colleagues and friends of the PPTEU at the 2021 Labour Day festivities around the state.

But more than an awesome day out for families, and an excuse to catch up with old friends and colleagues, Labour Day marks an important opportunity to acknowledge the union movement’s achievements for Australian workers, including

06 PICAC TRAINING CENTRE 08

Mechanical Services Licensing

the eight-hour work day, annual and sick leave, superannuation, paid maternity leave and much more.

09

BUSSQ

10

Apprentice Program

12

Awards Night 2020-2021

Thanks to everyone who attended the various celebrations around the state, it was great to see so many members marching again after missing out in 2020.

13

Workers Compensation Claims

14

CEPUTEC

16

International Workers Memorial Day

17

CIPQ

You can check out the photos from the day here:

18

TRAINING OUR MEMBERS

20

BERT

21 22

Fire Licensing Together We Win

PHOTOS

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

A message from your State Secretary

T

his year we have seen a steady growth in enterprise agreements, we’re continuing to see new EBAs rolled-out across industry. We’ve also been participating in certified agreement bargaining across the State Government and Local Governments throughout Queensland. The process is still ongoing, but so far, we’ve achieved some great outcomes for Queensland and Local Government workers.

As of 1 May this year Fire Licensing changes have come into effect. 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.

Our Training Centre has been undergoing a massive expansion of facilities thanks to the Queensland Governments commitment of $20M, and we are committed to supporting industry and members every step of the way. Queensland’s first Hydrogen Centre of Excellence is expected to employ 70 apprentices throughout construction and support a total of 100 jobs (and yes, it is EBA). You can see the progress shots on our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PlumbersUnionQLD/ Energy, Renewables, and Hydrogen Minister Mick de Brenni came out to turn the sod in February, along with Treasurer Cameron Dick, Training and Skills Development Minister Di Farmer and Member for Macalister Melissa

McMahon.

“Queensland’s opportunity to grow jobs in manufacturing and resources need cheaper, cleaner energy, and the future demand for hydrogen is being met as the Palaszczuk Government is ensuring Queenslanders have the skills to deliver it,” Mick de Brenni said.

“Already, Queensland’s renewables industry is worth $8.5 billion, and with our abundance of solar and wind capacity, Queensland is the ideal candidate to produce hydrogen for domestic and international use.”

The federal budget has put $275 million towards developing hydrogen production hubs across the country; Australia is set to become a hydrogen powerhouse and we are perfectly primed to provide world class training to our industry.

It’s that time again, the Federal Election could be called any time after 1 July. 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, support the Labor government. 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.

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

In soldiarity, Gary O’Halloran STATE SECRETARY

OUR

ONLINE SHOP IS NOW LIVE CHECK IT OUT SPECIAL OFFER - BUY PPTEU HOODIE AND RECEIVE FREE UNION T-SHIRT! 1 MONTH ONLY - ENDS 30/07/2021.

$1.2 MILLION

Recovered in members unpaid wages and entitlements in the last 12 months.

IT PAYS TO BELONG. The PPTEU continues to recover significant amounts of money for members who have been unpaid or underpaid their wages and entitlements.

Since the 1st July 2020, the Union has recovered over $1,200,000.00. This is all thanks to the hard work of our members, and 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.

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 shannon@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 BUSSQ

1800 657 216

Mates in Construction

1300 642 111

QLEAVE

1800 803 491

BERT

1300 261 114

ME Bank

13 15 63

TSTC

07 3255 5698

CIPQ

1300 261 114

Skylight

1800 759 544

Union Shopper

1300 368 117

Hall Payne

(07) 3017 2400 QBCC 139 333

Work Cover

1300 362 128

The health fund with union values at its core.

We’re a not-for-profit health fund, owned by our members and based right here in Queensland. So with us you’ll get affordable, quality health insurance, and honest advice without the hard sell.

Now’s a great time to make the move to Union Health — the fairer health fund for union members and their families. Join before July 31 and get 4 WEEKS FREE.*

Scan or click the QR code to book a call back from one of our local no-commission consultants. *Take out hospital and extras cover to receive 4 weeks free after your first month of payment. Terms and conditions apply.

1300 661 283 | www.unionhealth.com.au

Industrial Relations Update

W

e will be saying farewell to our Industrial Officer, Shannon Fogarty this month, Shannon has been a valued member of our team since 2015 and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

Our new Industrial Officer, Troy Fernandez, started in June and will be working with Gary, Mick and the Organisers on your industrial matters. Troy has extensive experience in workplace health and safety and will be an asset to the Union.

Fixed Industry Bargaining Update – Local & State Government The Union is currently involved in negotiations for new Certified Agreements with Local Councils across Queensland. In Councils like Bundaberg, Brisbane, Logan, Mackay, Hinchinbrook, Gold Coast, Gladstone and Mareeba, we’ve been on the front-line of bargaining disputes, fighting for members’ entitlements and fair wage increases. If you work for a Council or State Government Agency where negotiations are underway and would like an update, please contact the Union.

IR Act Review The Queensland State Government has ordered a review of the Industrial Relations Act 2016. The Union has been engaging with the Queensland Council of Unions in this matter and will participate in the review process to ensure workers continue to be protected under this Act. More to come in this space.

Enterprise Bargaining The Union is currently engaged in negotiations for various enterprise agreements and industrial instruments, including (among others): • Mater Hospital • Tweed Valley Hospital Development (Fire and

Mechanical) • Lagging • Tank Installation • Northern NSW • Woolworths Format Development –

Refrigeration • TMR BPICs If you may be affected by these negotiations and would like an update, please contact the Union.

Queensland Health The Union is currently representing various members who work for Queensland Health across a number of industrial disputes. If you are an employee of Queensland Health and you have an issue relating to your employment, please contact the Union as soon as possible, particularly if your dispute relates to call-out payments.

EBA UPDATE Enterprise Agreement negotiations in the fire, mechanical, roofing, lagging and plumbing sectors have reach in priciple agreements.

You can find aggrements list on the PPTEU Website under thier sector here: https://www.ppteuqld.com/ ebaconstruction Please keep an eye out on our Facebook page and website for further updates.

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

Stay up to date PPTEU

Find us on facebook @PlumbersUnionQLD

We’re on Instagram @ppteuqld

Beenleigh H

BUILT BY IND

FEB 2021

Thanks to the Palaszc million commitment, c way on the PICAC B Training Centre of Ex

APR 2021

February 11 was the and joining us on site Energy, Renewables, Mick de Brenni, Trea Training and Skills De Farmer and Member McMahon, as well a industry; NFIA, AMC

Treasurer Cameron D MAY 2021

Hydrogen Training Centre of Excellence

DUSTRY, FOR INDUSTRY!

PICAC VIDEO

czuk Governments’ $20 construction is well under Beenleigh Hydrogen xcellence.

facility is a key element in the Queensland Government’s strategy to fast-track the development of the hydrogen industry and ensure the State is at the forefront as the supplier of choice.

Turning of the Sod, e for this occasion was , and Hydrogen Minister asurer Cameron Dick, evelopment Minister Di r for Macalister Melissa as representatives from CA, MPAQ and PICAC.

The construction of the Beenleigh “Our Queensland Hydrogen Industry Hydrogen Training Centre of Excellence is Strategy 2019-2024 is focused on expected to employ 70 apprentices and developing the hydrogen industry to create support a total of 100 jobs (and yes, it is jobs and is a vital part of our plan to Unite EBA). and Recover for Queensland jobs.”

The federal budget has put $275 million According to Minister Dick, by 2030, towards developing hydrogen production Queensland’s hydrogen industry could be hubs across the country: Australia is set to worth an estimated $1.7 billion a year in become a hydrogen powerhouse and we exports, providing jobs throughout the state. are perfectly primed to provide world class training to our industry.

“Investing in state-of-the-art training facilities will attract new workers in Stay up to date with the progress through the industry as well as meet projected our Facebook page: https://www. demand from existing apprentices and facebook.com/PlumbersUnionQLD tradespeople.”

Dick said the new

JUN 2021

We are extremely excited to be able to provide industry with state-of-the-art facilities and training and are committed to supporting members every step of the way.

mechanical services occupational licence

LICENSING

Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration As of 1 January 2022, affected workers will need to hold this licence to perform the work.

What’s the scope?

If you are constructing, installing, replacing, repairing, altering, maintaining, testing or commissioning air-conditioning, air handling systems and refrigeration for a building, you will need the Occupational Licence by 1 January 2022.

What are the technical qualifications?

WHo needs the licence?

Any of the following courses:

> an apprenticeship in refrigeration and air conditioning > Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade MEM30205 > Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration UEE32211 > a course the QBCC considers as equivalent > a recognition certificate as a qualified refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic > a qualification or statement of attainment of required competency for the class of licence.

If you are employed to perfom mechanical services Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration work for a company or employer, who holds a Mechanical Services – Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration licence; or has a Mechanical Services – Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration licence application pending.

You will need the Occupational Licence by 1 January 2022.

How to lodge an application?

Visit https://my.qbcc.qld.gov.au/s/licence-app If you’re an existing licensee user of myQBCC, applicable fee exemptions will be automatically calculated when you lodge online.

IS YOUR SUPER SORTED? We’re a leading industry fund that rallies for its members in tough times and is here to help you sort your super and insurance.

Could you be better off with BUSSQ? Find out more and join online at bussq.com.au or call your local Fund Rep. Kate Anderson 0429 910 329 Kristiaan Streefkerk 0488 156 363

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AVERAGE RETURN SINCE INCEPTION*

* Return since inception is after fees and applicable taxes and based on the performance of the Balanced Growth fund from 1985 calculated at 31 May 2021. BUSSQ’s Balanced Growth returns at 31-5-21 were 15.06% for 1 year, 8.21% for 7 years and 8.62% for 10 years. Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Performance is only one thing to consider when choosing a super fund. 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).

PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION

APPRENTICE PROGRAM 2021-2025 The Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union Qld in conjunction with The Services Trades College and Fire Industry Training (FIT) has been rolling out the Apprentice Program for 2021-2025. The program accommodates up to 60 apprentices in Fire, Sanitary and Mechanical sectors each year.

WHAT DO YOU GET FROM THE PROGRAM? Training and Wage Reimbursement to Employers 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 Life Skills EWP over 11m / Forklift Confined Space

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

Year 2

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 Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union Qld and allocated to the apprentices that have attended the training listed.

In the 3rd and 4th year of the apprenticeship, the Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union Qld Program accommodates for wage reimbursements for 1 week of time spent completing their apprenticeship training in each year.

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 high vis shirts to wear while attending their training. This is all fully funded by the Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union Qld Program.

Who is eligible for the program?

As BERT Training Fund provide the funding for this program, to be eligible apprentices must be having contributions paid to the Building Employees Redundancy Trust (BERT) made by their employer.

The program does not have a certain number of allocations to each sector; it is based on the timing of the apprentice’s enrolment and if there are remaining spots available.

Apprentice Mentors

The Program also funds 2 full time mentors. Our industry mentors provide one on one support over the duration of their apprenticeship. They are responsible for ensuring that the apprentice has the support they need to complete their 4 year apprenticeship.

Who do you speak to about the program for more information?

If you are not already contributing to BERT for your apprentice and wish to get started, you can contact our Apprentice Mentor Justin Maxwell on 0488 556 222 or via email Justin@plumbersunionqld.com to discuss how to get started.

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

AWARDS NIGHT 2020 & 2021

The PPTEU QLD held it’s first Awards Night in March 2021.

The event took place to honour the workmanship, dedication and industry input of Apprentices, Tradespeople and Mentors with in the Plumbing and Pipe Trades Industry. We thank all the sponsors for their support and we look forward to holding our next Awards Night in March 2022.

FINALISTS AND AWARD WINNERS

Sponsors

Specialised, current, industry relevant training.

ABOUT CEPUTEC CEPUTEC commenced operation as a Registered and welding would be available to their members.

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, The organisation was created by the Plumbing and OHS/WHS, plant and equipment or welding at Pipe Trades Employees Union (PPTEU) to ensure that PICAC campuses, onsite and remotely (online). high-quality, industry relevant training in safety, plant

CEPUTEC OFFERS THE FOLLOWING TRAINING: • First Aid • CPR • Confined Space • Working at Heights • Under 11m Boom and Scissor • EWP over 11m • Forklift

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

• • • •

Poly Welding HSR Training HSR Refresher Construction White Card

FIND OUT MORE

TRAINER Tom Niesler 0419 146 914 tom@ceputec.edu.au

MEET THE TRAINER (QLD)

“

”

Tom is a fantastic trainer. He has a wealth of knowledge, has a great understanding of everyones needs and capabilities. He is very passionate about our industry and prides himself on delivering quality training.

D. WHITE

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. Tom has completed his Certificate III in Civil, Dogging, Rigging and Scaffolding TOM NIESLER along with the Certificate IV in Training

and Assessment and, Work Health and Safety. At CEPUTEC, Tom specialises in the areas of plant and equipment (scissor lift, boom lift and forklift), work safely at heights, on roofs and in confined spaces, first aid and construction induction.

CEPUTEC also utilises the services of several specialised sessional trainers across our campuses.

FUNDING INFORMATION As a CSQ registered training supplier, CEPUTEC provides training that is supported

by CSQ funding. For more information about eligibility and courses visit www.csq. org.au

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. For more information about BERT visit www.bert.com.au

INTERNATIONAL WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY Acknowledging the 17,000 frontline health workers lost globally during COVID. Remembering every worker who has died at work.

Remember the dead, Fight for the living.

T

hank you to all the workers who attended the International Workers Memorial Day Rally at Emma Miller Place on the 28 April 2021. Together we remember every worker who has died at work.

I write these words of honor, for those who gave their lives; And for their families, their husbands and their wives.

For those whose lives were spent, doing what they must, Working for a living like every one of us.

Their time cut short, by things that didn’t have to be; To make the workplace safer, for people like you and me.

To make sure their stories will never go untold; To always keep their memories from ever growing cold.

We must remember the price they all had to pay; When we honor the men and women on Workers Memorial Day

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PROTECTING WORKERS and OVER $120 MILLION IN PAYMENTS MADE TO MEMBERS

1300 261 114 enquiries@cipq.com.au Level 1, 35 Astor Terrace, Spring Hill QLD 4000 PO Box 805, Spring Hill QLD 4004

TRAINING OUR

MEMBERS Submit Training Equiry

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 196 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.

If you wish to be upskilled please submit your training enquiries via: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/ 1FAIpQLSfzy1qFifHcrm9nUMmpLx qvskypyLMk8OnHufpMlzQZIQ3jrg/ viewform or contact the office on 07 3844 8433.

BERT BERT Benefits Benefits Financial Advice Training Financial Counselling Child Care

Dental TravelBenefit Insurance Funeral Benefit Funeral Benefit Financial Dental Advice Benefit

www.bert.com.au enquiries@bert.com.au

1300 261 114 Your Union Membership working for you.

Travel Insurance Child Care Injury Management Injury Management General Counselling Training

YOUR UNION MEMBERSHIP WORKING FOR YOU

FinancialCounselling Counselling General

All benefits are subject to terms and conditions. Please contact the BERT Office for more information

All benefits are subject to terms and conditions. Please contact the BERT Office for more information.

LICENSING

Fire Licensing

T

he new QBCC Fire Protection Licensing Framework, in place from 1 May 2021, is industry-led and is based on extensive consultation with your Union, and the NFIA. The changes will help improve standards of fire protection work by ensuring licensees have the right competencies and skills.

New streams of licences Under the new framework, QBCC licences will be offered in the following streams of fire protection work: - Passive

- special hazard fire systems

- water-based fire systems - portables - electrical.

Now is certainly not the time to sell out and become a nominee for a two-bob company for short term gain.

It’s time to take back the work these people were never qualified to do and do it properly with Licenced Tradesman.

Look at the big picture and the long game.

For more information on specific licences and impacts for existing licensees see here: https://www.qbcc.qld. gov.au/new-fire-protection-framework

Within relevant streams, individual licence classes will be available to design, certify, install and maintain, and inspect and test certain fire protection equipment.

The scope of work for the Fire Safety Professional licence will also be amended to restrict this licence to conducting inspections and reports on buildings against fire performance legislation.

For new licence applicants, a Cert II Qualified person won’t be able to perform pumped work, and will only be able to conduct up to six monthly tests on unpumped Hydrant systems. Annuals and five-yearly tests must be done by a Qualified Tradesman.

The contents of this newsletter do not constitute legal advice, are not intended to be a substitute for legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should seek advice in relation to any particular matters you have. Please contact the Union if you have any questions

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 skylight.com.au or call 1800 SKYLIGHT (1800 759 544) 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.

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.