PPTEU Qld December 2020 Update

In this issue

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is back with a history-making third term.

Queenslanders have given Palaszczuk’s government a tick of approval for its health and economic responses to coronavirus.

"We stood strong, Queensland," she said.

02 03

A Message form the State Secretary CSQ

04 05

Training Our Members Awards Night

05 SUPERANNUATION 06-07 Apprentice Program 2020-2024 08

CEPUTEC

09

Hall Payne

"We stared down critics and we have come out of it all the better for it."

This will be Labor's first four-year fixed term in power.

It means Ms Palaszczuk will be the longest-serving Australian female head of government by mid-2021 and the longest-serving Labor premier in the state since World War II by mid-2024.

But she has already made history by becoming the first woman to win three elections in Australian history.

The Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union Qld has supported this Labor Government and was on the ground this election helping bring this win home.

This win means the next four years we will be working with a State Government who values Unions and our expertise concerning the things that matter most to our members.

Thanks to everyone that volunteered and supported Labor!

10 MATES: FLY THE FLAG 10 11

EBA 9 Negotiations Update BUSSQ

12

Union Health

13

Together We Win

DEC 2020

PPTEU

PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION

A message from your State Secretary

T

his year has been difficult for workers, the Covid-19 Pandemic resulted in extreme uncertainty for many and although we have been incredibly lucky in Queensland pushing through lock down so quickly (compared with other states) it has not been with out the sacrifices of many workers and their families across all industries.

Our team has worked tirelessly this year to support and represent members, and this has paid off for Fire Licensing, the review has now been finalised and the legislation and regulations required for this have been passed by Government, with changes coming into effect in early 2021.

Queensland Government has committed to $20M in funding for major upgrades to the PICAC Beenleigh Training Centre, which will be used for a massive Fortunately, in the midst of these difficulties we’ve expansion of facilities and increased capacity. The been able to finalise almost all of our Enterprise training centre will also become Queensland’s first Agreements and we’re continuing to see new EBAs Hydrogen Centre of Excellence. rolled-out across industry.

This year has been a struggle, and we’re all excited We’ve also been participating in certified agreement for it to be over, our team is already looking ahead to bargaining across the State Government and Local 2021 – 2022, planning for the future of our industry, Governments throughout Queensland. This will we will continue improving licensing in Queensland continue into 2021 but so far, we’ve achieved and increasing training opportunities for our industry. some great outcomes for Queensland and Local In soldiarity, Government workers.

Gary O’Halloran STATE SECRETARY

PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION QLD STATE SECRETARY ORGANISER (North Queensland) Gary O’Halloran I 07 3844 8433 Jim White I 0448 880 720 gary@plumbersunionqld.com jim@plumbersunionqld.com

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

ASSISTANT STATE SECRETARY ORGANISER Mick Wiech I 0422 831 175 Luke Barden I 0438 949 295 michael@plumbersunionqld.com 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 MEDIA Shannon Fogerty I 07 3844 8433 Office I 07 3844 8433 shannon@plumbersunionqld.com media@plumbersunionqld.com

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

APPRENTICE MENTOR Justin Maxwell I 0488 556 222 justin@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

Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) is an independent industry funded body supporting employers, workers, apprentices and career seekers in the building and construction industry.

INDUSTRY Our purpose is to provide the Queensland building and construction industry with the information and skills it needs to ensure a strong and sustainable future.

Our programs and services focus on attracting, developing and retaining new entrants and existing workers to underpin the future prosperity of building and construction in Queensland.

We do this by delivering programs and services to: • inspire and provide pathways for people to join the building and

construction industry • provide training solutions and leverage investment in skills to increase the

capability of the existing workforce • help the sector to develop strategies to keep talented people in the

industry.

HOW WE HELP INDUSTRY CSQ provides the Queensland building and construction industry with the information and skills it needs to ensure a strong and sustainable future. • • • • • • •

Subsidised Training Gateway to Industry Schools Program Mental Health Support and Suicide Prevention Major Projects Industry Coordination Skills Program Apprentice Advance + Program Trade Start and Trade Ready

The Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union Qld works in partnership with CSQ to provide industry insight and assist in coordination of CSQ subsidised training, contact our office to find out how to gain access to more information about CSQ, their services and how the we can help you access subsidised training.

Ph. 07 3844 8433

3

TRAINING OUR MEMBERS Recently 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 over 400 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

OUR

NEW WEBSITE IS NOW LIVE www.ppteuqld.com

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 on our website www.ppteuqld.com or contact the office on 07 3844 8433.

PROTECT YOUR RIGHT TO A DECENT RETIREMENT The employer lobby and ultra-conservative politicians in the Liberal Party are trying to wreck superannuation and your retirement by removing the increase in superannuation.

Superannuation is due to increase from 9.5% to 12%, but now the employer lobby and some hard-line Liberal politicians want to exploit the coronavirus crisis to cancel that increase.

If they succeed, a worker who is 30 years old today will have over $93,000 in retirement savings taken away.

Superannuation is important, no matter how old you are Before this crisis, the superannuation guarantee rate of 9.5 per cent was not delivering dignity in retirement. Systemic issues in the system cause women to retire into poverty, with just half the superannuation of men.

There’s a growing divide between those who have super and those who don’t. And it’s up to us to fix it.

Australian unions won superannuation for it to be the best retirement income system in the world, and now we need to improve it to match the modern economy.

The superannuation guarantee is set in law to increase to 12%, but more needs to be done.

We need to improve the system so women stop retiring into poverty, so that gig economy workers and contractors get super, and so that no worker has their super stolen by a dodgy boss.

AWARDS NIGHT 2020 & 2021 Nominations can be made before January 30th 2021 in the following Categories: Apprentice of the Year 2nd Year – Best in Fire, Mechanical or Sanitary 3rd year – Best in Fire, Mechanical or Sanitary 4th year – Best in Fire, Mechanical or Sanitary

Please follow the links on our website www.PPTEUQld.com to make a Nomination.

5

PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION

APPRENTICE PROGRAM 2020-2024 The Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union Qld in conjunction with The Services Trades College and Fire Industry Training (FIT) has been rolling out a new Apprentice Program for 2020-2024. 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 Training Confined Space Asbestos Awareness and Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials

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 1 full time mentor and 3 part time mentors. Our industry mentors provide one on one support over the duration of their apprenticeship.

The full time mentor is responsible for ensuring that the apprentice has the support he needs to complete his 4 year apprenticeship while the 3 part time mentors provide ongoing support when needed, even after the completion of their 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.

7

Training to Skill, Up-Skill and Re-Skill

The Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union Qld has been working with the National Office in Victoria to establish the CEPUTEC here in QLD. Since 2019 we have trained more than 1000 people in post trade training and assisted in apprentice training in partnership with STC and FIT. CEPUTEC has been able to conduct training in Gold Coast to Brisbane to date, onsite, as far as the Grafton Prison and at the Training Centre, we are really looking forward to the continued growth of CEPUTEC. CEPUTEC has been given the opportunity to work with Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ). 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.

Currently CEPUTEC has the Short Courses General Construction, Short Course Civil Construction and Apprentice Advance Plus Program Funding with CSQ; contact Rian Kelso on 0434 383 777 to find out how you can access funding and new training dates.

CEPUTEC offers the following training: • EWP over 11m • First Aid • Forklift • CPR • Poly Welding • Confined Space • HSR Training • Working at Heights • HSR Refresher • Under 11m Boom and Scissor • Construction White Card

OFFICE (07) 3844 8433 qldtraining@ceputec.edu.au www.ceputec.com.au

QLD TRAINING MANAGER Rian Kelso 0434 383 777

TRAINER Tom Niesler 0419 146 914

#flytheflag2020

T

he MATES program is based on the simple idea that suicide is everyone’s business. If the building and construction industry in Australia is to improve the mental health and well-being of workers and reduce suicide, then it cannot be left to mental health professionals: everyone in the industry must play their part.

It was great to see so many sites and workers taking part in #flytheflag2020, raising awareness for Mates

in Construction and celebrating the Connectors, ASIST workers and volunteers who make the program possible.

On the 10th of September this year 59,732 Workers accross 559 site flew the flag.

If you or someone near you is struggling, the MATES Helpline will be available 24/7 throughout the Christmas season on 1300 642 111.

EBA 9 UPDATE Enterprise Agreement negotiations in the fire, mechanical and plumbing sectors have reach in priciple agreements, and the Union’s aim to begin negotiating roofing and lagging in the near future. Below is the current count of the agreements made.

Fire 15 Mechanical 14 Plumbing 7

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 www.ppteuqld.com/ebaconstruction If you have any further questions about your EBAs, please contact your Organiser.

10

IS YOUR SUPER SORTED? Kenny Murdoch BUSSQ Member since 2007

BUSSQ is a leading industry fund that makes super easy for you with personalised service to help you sort your super and insurance.

Could you be better off with BUSSQ? Find out more at bussq.com.au/compare or call your local Fund Rep.

Dallas Ezzy 0419 759 997 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). Information correct as at 11/12/20.

Great value health cover for PPTEU members AND their families.

Do you earn more than $90k per year?* Do you have hospital cover? *Single threshold (family threshold = $180k per year)

If the answer to the first question is YES and the second is NO then you could be paying more tax than you need to.

Want more info on how this all works?

CLICK HERE to book a call back

Powered by

1300 661 283 • BUILT BY UNION MEMBERS FOR UNION MEMBERS • NOT-FOR-PROFIT • MEMBER OWNED

TOGETHER WE WIN

More Union members

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.