REAL CHANGE MAGAZINE – SPRING/SUMMER 2019 - 20
BE PART OF A REAL CHANGE
THIS ISSUE: WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY: Member Ser vices & Benefits 30TH WAY: Mental Health And Wellbeing In The Workplace
www.theser vicesunion.com.au
SPECIAL REPORT: Changes To Workers’ Compensation Laws in Queensland
AUTHORISED BY NEIL HENDERSON, BRANCH SECRETARY, AUSTRALIAN MUNICIPAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, CLERICAL AND SERVICES UNION QUEENSLAND (SERVICES AND NORTHERN ADMINISTRATIVE) BRANCH AND THE QUEENSLAND SERVICES, INDUSTRIAL UNION OF EMPLOYEES.
Mental Health
CONTENTS REAL CHANGE
REAL CHANGE MAGAZINE www.theservicesunion.com.au PRESIDENT: Lindy Henson SECRETARY: Neil Henderson EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT: Jennifer Thomas Published by the Australian Services Union, Queensland (Services and Northern Administrative) Branch EDITOR: Neil Henderson PRINTED BY: Harding Colour Printing T: 07 3907 6500 SERVICES CONNECT T: 07 3844 5300 F: 07 3846 5046 E: general@theservicesunion.com.au
30th Way
IN THIS ISSUE ... 03 WELCOME
14 WOMEN
FROM THE SECRETARY
EMMA MILLER AWARD CONGRATULATIONS TO
04 BRANCH PRESIDENT REPORT
KERRIANN DEAR
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CELEBRATING OUR LIFE MEMBERS
ANNA STEWART MEMORIAL PROJECT -
DELEGATE OF THE YEAR
EMMA AND LYNETTE CARRY THE
AND NOMINEES
ACTIVIST TORCH
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DELEGATES CONFERENCE
16 WORKPLACE DELEGATE TRAINING
BRISBANE OFFICE 32 Peel Street (PO Box 3347) South Brisbane Q 4101
05 EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT REPORT
CENTRAL QUEENSLAND OFFICE 178 Quay Street (PO Box 5160) Red Hill, Rockhampton Q 4701
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4ZZZ COMMUNITY RADIO
06 MEMBER BENEFITS
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STUDENT STRIKE
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SAVE ON GROCERIES
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WELCOME HERE PROJECT
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ASU LAUNCHPAD
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MEMBER SERVICE DELIVERY
NORTH QUEENSLAND OFFICE 485 Flinders Street (PO Box 135) Townsville Q 4810
THE WORKPLACE
MEMBER BENEFITS TEAM: GROWTH AND RETENTION LEAD: Zach Walsh MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS OFFICERS: Tahlia Clowes Jayde Hagger, Ellen Wengert OFFICE ADMINISTRATION MANAGER: Jane Grey ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COORDINATOR: Cary Pollock FINANCE AND GENERAL ADMIN. OFFICER: Danny Cambow MEDIA/COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER: Belinda Hogan-Collis TRAINER: Holly Patterson ADMINISTRATION OFFICERS: Karen Davis, Debbie Draper, Chevaughan Grey, Diana Sparke
17 YOUTH AND GLAM
18 SPECIAL REPORT AMENDMENTS TO QLD’S WORKERS’
08 INDUSTRY NEWS
INDUSTRIAL TEAM: LEAD INDUSTRIAL OFFICER: Rebecca Girard SENIOR INDUSTRIAL OFFICERS: Jack Donaghy, Merinda Foster, Michelle Robertson INDUSTRIAL OFFICERS: Signe Boman, Drew Cutler, Maddy McGinnity, Chris McJannett DEVELOPMENT TEAM: DEVELOPMENT AND SACS COORDINATOR: Justine Moran GOC LEAD ORGANISER: Danny Reeves LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEAD ORGANISER: Ben Jones ORGANISERS: Luke Bufi, Tracey Coorey, Eddie Dey, Craig Dunn, Lachlan Enshaw, Chiara Millard, Stuart Maggs, Jeanine Orzani, Jacqui Pedersen, Tom Rivers, Juliet Salmon, Imogen Smith, Darci Wanamaker, Jeremy Young
TRAINING IN THE TROPICS
OUR 30TH WAY - MENTAL HEALTH IN
COMPENSATION LAWS
STUDENT BURSARY Financial members of The Services Union with a child who completed Year 12 in 2019 are invited to apply for a Student Bursary worth $1000. The Bursary recipient will be judged on a combination of academic achievement and community involvement. To nominate your child, please send a photocopy of your child’s QLD Certificate of Education containing their Senior Certificate, their Tertiary Entrance Statement including Overall Position (OP) and results from their QLD Core Skills Test plus any supporting evidence that shows community and extra curricular activities by Tuesday, 4 February 2020, via post or email to: The Services Union Bursary PO Box 3347 South Brisbane Q 4101 Email: jane.grey@theservicesunion.com.au Please contact Services Connect on 07 3844 5300.
02 REAL CHANGE | SPRING/SUMMER 2019-20 | www.theser vicesunion.com.au
Our Union Offices will be closed from midday 24 December 2019. We re-open 6 Januar y 2020. We would like to wish all our members a safe and happy festive season.
FROM THE SECRETARY
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH YOU BY NEIL HENDERSON
ABOVE: NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBER OF APHEDA AND SENIOR INDUSTRIAL OFFICER MICHELLE ROBERTSON, EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF APHEDA KATE LEE AND SECRETARY NEIL HENDERSON.
IN 2019, WE HAVE FOCUSED ON CREATING A MORE MEMBER
Delegates to give them the support they require to perform their vital roles.
CENTRED, HIGH SERVICING UNION WHICH PROVIDES TANGIBLE BENEFITS TO THOSE WORKERS WHO PARTNER WITH US.
Locally, we have concentrated on supporting our members every step of the way in their member journey with our Union through: bargaining and campaigning to ensure fair wages and conditions; industrial support; Workplace Delegate resourcing, support, training and development; and via Member Benefits such as Professional Development opportunities and, goods and services savings from our loyal partners. We understand that the Union Movement must continue to shift and evolve during significant technological, political and regulatory change. We also recognise that ongoing regulatory change to curb our traditional strengths and ability to operate freely is the aim of the current Federal Morrison Government. However, we are up to the challenge! Our Union has implemented innovative strategies to enhance our efficiencies and grow our membership. The great news is, the processes we have put in place internally and through our Workplace Delegate structures over the past 12 months, are working! Membership is steadily growing and retention rates are improving. In the past year, we have developed and implemented new Workplace Delegate resources with a focus on welcoming new members to our Union. We also held a successful Workplace Delegates’ Conference in August which focused on the strategies needed for growth and retention. Recently, we conducted our second Workplace Delegate Survey, giving our workplace leaders the opportunity to have a voice. This helps our Union office to determine how we can best meet and prioritise the needs of our Workplace
Nationally, we are in the process of consolidating the union brand which will also include the implementation of new member-centric digital platforms. Members also recently voiced their opinions in a National Survey about their experiences with our Union and the direction they would like to see us moving in. The Australian Services Union National Office is currently reviewing this data. We will look to improve any processes, implementing new ideas that come out of these results. A new Delegates Industrial Phone Hotline, which was an idea raised by one of our members in this survey, has already been established. Next year, we will aim to deliver our Objectives including the establishment of our 30th Way - Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace. We will continue to partner with our Workplace Delegates to improve the retention of our members and continue to analyse our member service and industrial support work. We will continue the delivery of Domestic and Family Violence Training and win Portable Long Service Leave for our Social and Community Sector members. With Council and State elections in 2020 - it will be another huge year. Internationally, we are part of the proud worldwide Union Movement and it was wonderful to recently catch up with Executive Officer from APHEDA, Kate Lee. We are proud supporters of APHEDA with many of our members, supporters of Union Aid Abroad. I encourage you to take part in the big picture and become a Global Justice Partner. It’s easy to join via www.apheda.org.au On behalf of myself and our Executive President Jennifer Thomas we wish all our members a happy and safe festive season. We look forward to working with you all in 2020. BE PART OF A REAL CHANGE |SPRING/SUMMER 2019-20 | REAL CHANGE 03
FROM THE BRANCH PRESIDENT
WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY WORKPLACE DELEGATES CONFERENCE BY LINDY HENSON HELD IN AUGUST, WORKPLACE DELEGATES FROM ACROSS QUEENSLAND CONFERENCED IN BRISBANE TO LEARN HOW TO FURTHER SUPPORT MEMBERS ON THEIR INDIVIDUAL UNION JOURNEY, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. Over the past year, the Branch Executive, Council and staff have concentrated heavily on creating a high-level servicing union which provides not only industrial expertise and collective support through bargaining but one that also provides individual benefits to members from our loyal partners. Workplace Delegates are the backbone of our Union and Conference provided a great opportunity to acquire new knowledge and skills to put into practice. Workshops centred on our Union’s Industrial Services, Member Benefits and how best to welcome new members. It was also a wonderful opportunity for Workplace Delegates, our Branch Executive and staff to work together on strategies that we hope will continue to grow our Union. Minister for Industrial Relations and Education Grace Grace MP was our special guest and she delivered some excellent news for our Social and Community Sector members in that the Queensland Cabinet has endorsed a Portable Long Services Leave Scheme. This is a prime example of the power of union membership and if legislated, will be a major win for our proud union! It was also wonderful to celebrate our Life Members and their achievements at the Awards Breakfast held during our Conference. Congratulations to members Terry McIvor and Rod James (pictured right) who have both had long careers in the Local Government Industry. Thank you for all you have done for our Union. Congratulations to Workplace Delegate of the Year, Mark Taylor (pictured top right) from Brisbane City Council (BCC). Mark works tirelessly and selflessly for members every day and he is most deserving of this Award. Congratulations and thank-you also to our nominees Paul Hume (Energy), Terese Kingston (SACS), Terry Smith (Rail) and Peter Rassmussen (Ports). Finally, a big thank you to our major sponsor Energy Super and our other key sponsors, HESTA, Q Super, Hall Payne Lawyers, Union Health and Union Shopper for helping to make Conference 2019 such a great success.
04 REAL CHANGE | SPRING/SUMMER 2019-20 | www.theser vicesunion.com.au
FROM THE EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT
ABOVE: SACS MEMBERS DEB AND GLENN HAVE STARTED TO TALK ABOUT OUR 30TH WAY CAMPAIGN, MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING IN THE WORKPLACE.
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING IN THE WORKPLACE - OUR 30TH WAY BY JENNIFER THOMAS THE SERVICES UNION IS CONTINUING WITH ITS 27 WAYS AND GROWING CAMPAIGN WITH THE LAUNCH OF ITS 30TH WAY – MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING IN THE WORKPLACE.
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Australian employees expect mental health support in the workplace environment, but many are not aware of, or are unable to access appropriate resources. With this in mind, our Union saw there are gaps that need to be filled around this very important issue in regard to policies and training and funding the National Disability Scheme.
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Some of the reasons why this issue is extremely important to campaign on is because:
Over the next 12 months and beyond, our Union will be establishing a Mental Health Policy which can be eventually rolled out and negotiated through future Enterprise Bargaining Agreement negotiations; just like we successfully achieved and continue to achieve in workplaces with our 28th Way - Natural Disaster Leave and our 29th Way, Domestic and Family Violence Leave. When Mental Health is valued and appropriate resources are available in the workplace, there are real benefits to business and employees alike.
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9 in 10 Australian employees believe mentally healthy workplaces are important; 5 in 10 Australian employees believe their workplace is mentally healthy so that means 50 per cent believe theirs is not;
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75 per cent of Australian employees believe workplaces should provide support to someone who is experiencing depression or anxiety; When mental health is valued, and appropriate resources are available in the workplace, there are real benefits to business; In workplaces that employees consider mentally healthy, self-reported absenteeism as a result of experiencing mental ill-health almost halves (13 per cent); and Australian businesses lose $10.9 billion each year to mental illness in the workplace. (State of Workplace Mental Health in Australia - Beyond Blue).
BE PART OF A REAL CHANGE | SPRING/SUMMER 2019-20 | REAL CHANGE 05
MEMBER BENEFITS
ASU LAUNCHPAD: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR YOU SAVE ON GROCERIES & MOVIE TICKETS THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO BE A MEMBER OF THE SERVICES UNION. By purchasing pre-paid cards from our partners Member Advantage and/or Union Shopper you will save five percent (5%) on your grocery, fuel and alcohol bill.
You can also save on your weekly entertainment spend by purchasing your movie tickets at Village, Event, Greater Union and BCC Cinemas through our partners.
The average household can save up to $1000 per year by utilising this Member Benefit which more than offsets your union membership fees.
Go to www.theservicesunion.com.au and click on the red Member Benefits link on our home page to find out how you can save.
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From the start of the 2019/20 Financial Year, close to 200 members of The Services Union have attended Professional Development courses through ASU Launchpad. The completed courses can now be accessed on demand on the ASU Launchpad Portal at asucareerlaunchpad.tln.org.au This is an amazing Member Benefit for all members to access and new courses will commence in 2020. Stay tuned.
INDIVIDUAL MEMBER SERVICE DELIVERY Our Union is constantly evolving. We base all our service delivery initiatives after actively engaging with our members and Workplace Delegates through surveys and feedback. Not only have we updated the way we support members industrially, we have a Member Benefits Team to assist you on your partnership with us. Need assistance? Call Services Connect on 3844 5300.
INDUSTRY NEWS
ABOVE: (FROM LEFT). WORKPLACE DELEGATE GAIL PRICE, SECRETARY NEIL HENDERSON, WORKPLACE DELEGATE SCOTT MCINTYRE AND WORKPLACE DELEGATE TREVOR TILLING CELEBRATE THE CERTIFICATION OF THEIR AGREEMENT WHICH SAW THE TWO TIERED WAGES STRUCTURE DEMOLISHED.
WORKPLACE DELEGATES CONTINUE TO DELIVER FOR MEMBERS IN LOCAL GOVT WE’VE NOW FINALISED OVER 40 NEW CERTIFIED AGREEMENTS (CA) IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ONCE AGAIN OUR WORKPLACE DELEGATES HAVE BEEN AT THE FOREFRONT OF DELIVERY. We’ve certified the City of Gold Coast and the Moreton Bay Regional Council Agreements and seen off outrageous two-tier wage systems at both. We also achieved a noteworthy Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) determination regarding Southern Downs Regional Council which locks in the nine-day fortnight. Workplace Delegates and members in Far North Queensland have also had wins. We’ve registered the Cairns Regional Council CA, while at Douglas Shire Council, the first negotiations following de-amalgamation are very nearly finished. The QIRC assisted in finalising the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council CA, which delivers decent pay increases along with Natural Disaster Leave, Domestic and Family Violence Leave (DFVL), and a working week reduced from 38 hours to 36.25. A steady influx of members at Torres Strait Island Regional Council has also assisted progress at the bargaining table. 08 REAL CHANGE | SPRING/SUMMER 2019-20 | www.theser vicesunion.com.au
Townsville City Council Workplace Delegates concluded their negotiations on terms that lock in job security and the nine-day fortnight, with improvements to DFVL, Natural Disaster Leave and Superannuation. It’s been wonderful to see more Councils’ cement DFVL and Natural Disaster Leave into their CAs as these two conditions have been part of our ongoing 27 Ways and Growing Campaign. In the Central West, Senior Workplace Delegate Dale Elliott has almost finalised bargaining at Winton Shire Council with technical support from our Union office. Fellow Senior Workplace Delegate David McDowell was instrumental in leading the campaign on the ground for the first CA following de-amalgamation at Livingstone Shire Council. Workplace Delegates at Brisbane City Council are making progress on restructuring their Union Committee in advance of next year’s negotiations for EBA10. Negotiations at City Parklands and Queensland Urban Utilities SAS Laboratories are also currently in full swing. Experience shows that effective Workplace Delegate structures, backed by strong membership, gets results. Thank-you to all our hardworking and dedicated Workplace Delegates.
INDUSTRY NEWS
WATER SUNWATER
The new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) has been finalised and is going to the Fair Work Commission for certification. All employees will receive back pay from 1 July 2018. This is a huge win for members and could not have been made possible without the work and representation of Workplace Delegate, Ricky Woodward. SEQWATER
Negotiations for a new EBA are currently progressing, albeit slowly. Our Union welcomes new Workplace Delegate Leonie Quick who has stepped up during this process to assist longtime Workplace Delegate Damien Long. Please stay tuned for further updates. ABOVE: QR WORKPLACE DELEGATES ARE FRUSTRATED BY THE LONG EBA NEGOTIATION PROCESS.
QR - SLOW TRAIN TO EBA
PORTS
PROGRESS HAS BEEN EXTREMELY SLOW IN THE NEW QUEENSLAND RAIL ENTERPRISE BARGAINING AGREEMENT (EBA) NEGOTIATIONS WITH AN INDEPENDENT FACILITATOR GETTING INVOLVED TO GET THINGS ON TRACK!
Our Union recently arbitrated a dispute with Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) in relation to the Motor Vehicle Standard and its relationship to entitlements provided for under the Enterprise Agreement (EA).
The EBA negotiations started in February 2019 and the slow progress hasn’t been the fault of Workplace Delegates, but the recalcitrant attitude towards the employees’ claims by QR management. Due to these delays, senior officials from all unions involved met with the State Government stakeholders to raise their concerns. This meeting resulted with independent facilitator Don Brown (former Commissioner of the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission and former Queensland Workplace Rights Ombudsman) recently mediating between the parties to get the negotiations moving. In the meantime, members have contacted us and expressed concern relating to the end date of the last agreement (1 March 2019) and the delay in getting an annual pay increase. All Unions are seeking wage increases that are back paid. In other news, QR has commenced consultation on its proposed changes to the higher-level operating structure. The most significant impact will be on Network and Projects although this may not be evident until the new structure is implemented. QR has given assurances to our Union that the changes will not impact on staffing levels, location of staff and classifications. Members have been providing feedback through the process and we will be seeking further meetings with senior management to raise any concerns members have identified through the consultation process. AURIZON
Aurizon is in the process of rolling out restructures and redundancies again. Over the past few years our Union has continued to support members through many of these processes in Aurizon and will continue to fight for fair outcomes. In the latest restructure, the company is looking
to force some staff to relocate to Rockhampton, while reducing the number of positions in other sections. Our Union continues to advocate for a fairer process which ensures Union members have a real opportunity to secure a job without being forced to relocate, including the opportunity for redundancy swaps.
It was a hard fought dispute in the Fair Work Commission and Deputy President Asbury has reserved her decision which we expect will be handed down in the next few weeks. It was clear from the hearing that GPC has plenty of cash to splash out on legal fees! Members at GPC also met recently to discuss the upcoming negotiations for the new EA. The timeline will be critical due to the impending Queensland Election next year.
QANTAS Qantas members in Cairns are continuing their push to ensure that Customer Service Officers are properly classified under the Qantas Agreement. The dispute which is running in parallel to a similar argument the South Australian Branch is pursuing, is turning into a marathon, but that is the way things are when dealing with a large employer like Qantas. Only a Unionised workforce can hope to match the resources of a large corporation like Qantas. At the same time as Qantas members around Australia gear up for the next bargaining period, our Qantas Workplace Delegates from Cairns have participated in a National Qantas Delegates meeting in Sydney to discuss what will be the key issues to be pursued. No prize for guessing that a decent pay rise is high on the agenda!
BE PART OF A REAL CHANGE | SPRING/SUMMER 2019-20 | REAL CHANGE 09
INDUSTRY NEWS
ABOVE: MINISTER FOR INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND EDUCATION GRACE GRACE MP, WORKPLACE DELEGATES, SECRETARY NEIL HENDERSON, EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT JENNIFER THOMAS AND SACS COORDINATOR JUSTINE MORAN AT OUR RECENT CONFERENCE. MINISTER GRACE GAVE THE GOOD NEWS THAT CABINET HAD ENDORSED THE PROPOSED PLSL SCHEME.
CABINET ENDORSES A PORTABLE LONG SERVICE LEAVE SCHEME THE PERSISTENCE OF MEMBERS OF THE SERVICES UNION IS BEING NOTICED AND KEEPING THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO THEIR PROMISES. The Government undertook a consultation process to investigate the establishment of a Portable Long Service Leave (PLSL) Scheme for Social and Community Service (SACS) workers in Queensland. As part of the consultation, a Stakeholder Taskforce was formed of which our Union was a key participant.
and most significantly, access to leave entitlements after seven years. There is still a lot of work to do to ensure that PLSL is achieved. As a member, here are the top three things you can do to ramp up the support for the Scheme: 1.
2. We are now pleased to confirm that the proposed Scheme has been endorsed by Cabinet. Legislation is now being prepared for a PLSL Scheme which will focus on the employees covered by the SCHADS Award and organisations that have their main work in that industry. The decision also notes a start date of 1 July 2020
3.
Tell your colleagues about our campaign for a PLSL Scheme for the Social and Community Services Industry and ask them to become a member to help us achieve our campaign goal of establishing a scheme. Go to our website (www.plsl.com.au) and register your Long Service Leave details with us so we can show the direct interest of members and how they and the Industry would benefit from the scheme. Send us a selfie with our campaign poster to sacs@theservicesunion.com.au, so we can showcase the support on our social media channels.
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VISITING WIDE BAY SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES MEMBERS! It’s been great to connect face to face with members in the Wide Bay area during recent workplace visits. Our Union officials spoke with members about the PLSL Campaign. Many members also took the opportunity to talk about the issues they are facing with the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the impacts it’s having in their workplaces. While there is no quick fix, our Union continues to stay focused on lobbying for training to be included in the pricing model and appropriately valuing the work members do in delivering frontline services.
“I want a super fund that acts in my best interests.” Sarah Tooke, HESTA member
HESTA is an industry super fund. That means we’re run only to profit members, not shareholders. So you can trust that your future is in good hands.
Issued by H.E.S.T. Australia Ltd ABN 66 006 818 695 AFSL 235249, the Trustee of Health Employees Superannuation Trust Australia (HESTA) ABN 64 971 749 321. This information is of a general nature. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or specific needs so you should look at your own financial position and requirements before making a decision. You may wish to consult an adviser when doing this. Before making a decision about HESTA products you should read the relevant product disclosure statement (call 1800 813 327 or visit hesta.com.au/pds for a copy), and consider any relevant risks (hesta.com.au/understandingrisk).
HESTA_Testimonials_Sarah Tooke no sector_200x250mm.indd 1
3:05 pm 11 BE PART OF A REAL CHANGE | SPRING/SUMMER 2019-20 | 21/3/19 REAL CHANGE
INDUSTRY NEWS
UPCOMING NEGOTIATIONS AT EQL Our members at EQL, Powerlink and CS Energy have started an engagement process to discuss upcoming negotiations, with our Union’s strong recommendation to start them as early as possible. Ideally we want to have Enterprise Bargaining Agreements (EBAs) voted on and lodged with the Fair Work Commission in early 2020 before the State Election in October.
ABOVE: WORKPLACE DELEGATES EMMA MAXWELL AND TROY LONSDALE (TOP LEFT) AND SENIOR INDUSTRIAL OFFICER JACK DONAGHY MEET WITH MEMBERS AT CALLIDE B.
SUPPORTING OUR MEMBERS IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY THE SERVICES UNION RECENTLY INITIATED MEETINGS WITH BOTH CS ENERGY AND THE QUEENSLAND MINISTER FOR NATURAL RESOURCES, MINES AND ENERGY, ANTHONY LYNHAM MP REGARDING THE PROSPECTIVE CLOSURE DATE FOR CALLIDE B IN 2028. Our Union is urging both the State Government to Just Transition Group (JTG) is and that both the employer ahead of this transition.
CS Energy and ensure that the heavily involved, and the JTG get
We recently met with Workplace Delegates and members at Callide to discuss with them the issues arising from the possible closure. We will ensure our members are consulted every step of the way. Executive President Jennifer Thomas has been appointed to the Energy Skills Advisory Committee (ESAC) - for the State Government Just Transition Group with the inaugural meeting taking place on the 27 September. The ESAC identified the need for fast response back to Government and that the focus of the
committee should not just be on skills. The ESAC also agreed that in view of the projected closure date for Callide B Power Station, Biloela should be a case study for best practice just transition and a working group should be set up as an outcome of the meeting. The ESAC also addressed the need to start mapping the research, pathways, government incentives for training/retraining/ micro-credentialing that exist to assist the work of the committee. As a result of this meeting a Biloela working group has been set up. The first meeting of this group will occur in late November with Secretary Neil Henderson in attending. A second meeting has been set for December.
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Our Union has been on the front foot in relation to this process, with initial discussions occurring with employers and also at a political level. It’s a big task, but our members are telling us that they understand the risks in relation to delays and why it’s important for them to engage with the EBA process early.
CLEANCO UPDATE CleanCo has appointed a CEO and ownership of assets have transitioned from Stanwell and CS Energy with trading commencing on 31 October 2019. Stanwell and CS Energy employees working on the assets will have their employment transferred to CleanCo later in 2020. Preliminary bargaining discussions will also occur later in November 2019.
NEGOTIATIONS AT ORIGIN Significant progress has been made towards negotiating an agreement at Darling Downs Power Station, with the employer offering a 2.3 per cent wage increase every year for three years, backdated to 31 August 2018. Progress occurred only after industrial action was taken and with the Fair Work Commission assisting parties as a result of the bargaining dispute.
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WOMEN - EMMA MILLER AWARD
ABOVE: EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT JENNIFER THOMAS AND SECRETARY NEIL HENDERSON CELEBRATE THE WORK AND ACTIVISM OF KERRIANN DEAR, OUR UNION’S 2019 EMMA MILLER AWARDEE.
CELEBRATING KERRIANN - A LIFELONG ADVOCATE FOR WOMEN’S RIGHTS CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2019 EMMA MILLER RECIPIENT KERRIANN DEAR, WHO IS A TIRELESS CAMPAIGNER FOR OUR UNION AND ADVOCATE FOR THE SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY SECTOR. The Award is in honour of Emma Miller who was a strong advocate for workers’ and women’s rights in Queensland. She contributed to the political and social changes which took place during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, notably the first vote for women in a Federal Election in 1903. The Queensland Council of Unions proudly hosts the Emma Miller Awards each year as a tribute to the pioneering spirit of this woman and to celebrate the achievements of contemporary Union women. Kerriann is a most deserving recipient. Kerriann was the Director at the Queensland Working Womens Service (QWWS) which is now delivering Domestic Violence (DV) Work Aware. The program was conceptualised by QWWS in response to the need for developing best practices in the provision of support from within workplaces for people who are experiencing Domestic and Family Violence (DFV). Currently, Kerriann is training Federal Government agencies, some private sector corporations and is assisting our Union rollout DV Aware workshops the Queensland Government has funded over the next three years. Activism for Kerriann started when she was young, and she said her campaigning 14 REAL CHANGE | SPRING/SUMMER 2019-20 | www.theser vicesunion.com.au
then had more of an environmental and community focus. It wasn’t until she joined our Union in the 1990s, that she shifted her attention to women’s issues. “Back then, I really started to see some (not too many thankfully) of my own previously testing experiences as a female worker reflected in the experiences of other women workers,” Kerriann explained. “It made me angry but at the same time hopeful that things could only get better. This was the emotional energy that first drove me to want to change things through activism.” With a background in Social Work, Kerriann worked at QWWS for 20 years helping women through sometimes very traumatic issues happening in their place of employment. “I think I’ve always found it so hard to fathom that so many women have these negative experiences at work as well as experiencing such high rates of domestic and family violence in their private lives. You can’t walk away from those kinds of facts and equality was never going to be just granted without our agitation,” Kerriann said. “I feel really grateful with my background and the intersection of those skills with the union movement and working at QWWS, I have been in a position to be able to put my energy into making the change I want to see in our community. Receiving the Emma Miller Award has been a good opportunity to reflect on how important it feels to me to continue to do this kind of work.”
WOMEN - ANNA STEWART MEMORIAL PROJECT
ABOVE: QUEENSLAND RAIL MEMBERS, EMMA GREENHILL AND LYNETTE BURNS WERE OUR UNION’S PARTICIPANTS IN THIS YEAR’S ANNA STEWART MEMORIAL PROJECT.
EMMA & LYNETTE STEP UP THEIR ACTIVISM FOR OUR UNION WORKPLACE DELEGATES EMMA GREENHILL AND LYNETTE BURNS SPEND THEIR WORKING LIVES PROVIDING CUSTOMER SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC IN THEIR JOBS AT QUEENSLAND RAIL (QR) AND AS DEDICATED UNION WOMEN, THEY RECENTLY PARTICIPATED IN THE ANNA STEWART MEMORIAL PROJECT TO FURTHER ENHANCE THEIR SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT OUR MOVEMENT. The Project which has been run through most Trades and Labor Councils’ since 1984, is an affirmative action program to increase women’s involvement in the union movement. It was established by the Municipal Officers’ Association (a forerunner union of the Australian Services Union) in memory of Anna Stewart, a trailblazing unionist who successfully began the first blue collar union campaign for Maternity Leave and also initiated campaigns against sexual harassment. Anna developed a radical re-evaluation of the rights of female labour and this led to a fundamental reappraisal of women’s issues throughout the union movement. The Project aims to give female activists like Emma and Lynette the opportunity to expand their experiences with their own union and another union. Emma spent time at the Rail, Tram and Bus Union and Lynette experienced working life at the Queensland Teachers Union. Emma and Lynette both became Workplace Delegates so they could better assist
and represent their colleagues. In Emma’s experience, she became a Workplace Delegate a couple of years ago when she witnessed things in her workplace that didn’t sit well with her values. “I took the step up in becoming a Workplace Delegate as I had seen some workplace bullying issues,” Emma explained. “I think it’s important for all people to be a member of a union, but in particular for women because they often face greater challenges to their work life particularly around child raising and caring roles. I have often seen a woman struggle with returning to work after maternity leave. I wanted to be able to stand up for people in these situations.” Emma said she loved experiencing the ‘behind the scenes’ work of unions and she learnt one of the most important issues to working people is their job security. “I had an understanding of the different work areas our Union represents but to be introduced to them in a one on one situation was educational,” Emma said. “Going to watch a hearing at the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission was an invaluable experience. I was also astounded how much knowledge union officials have in their areas of work and the passion they all have in regard to helping working people. I highly recommend to all female activists in our Union to think about participating in The Project.” BE PART OF A REAL CHANGE | SPRING/SUMMER 2019-20 | REAL CHANGE 15
DELEGATES TRAINING
ABOVE: WORKPLACE DELEGATES FROM FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND COMPLETE WORKPLACE DELEGATES TRAINING IN CAIRNS WITH TRAINER HOLLY PATTERSON.
TRAINING IN THE TROPICS WORKPLACE DELEGATES IN CAIRNS RUN IN OCTOBER, THE STAGE ONE INTRODUCTION TO UNIONS COURSE GAVE FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND WORKPLACE DELEGATES THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND TRAINING LOCALLY IN CAIRNS.
RIGHT: WORKPLACE DELEGATE KATHY COCHRAN FROM TORRES STRAIT REGIONAL COUNCIL
The Course was attended by Workplace Delegates from Cairns and the surrounding area, Townsville and from the Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire on the Bloomfield River, 125 kilometres north-west of Cairns.
RECOMMENDS TRAINING FOR REGIONAL DELEGATES.
The training provided an important mechanism for Workplace Delegates to begin or to expand their network, to establish support and solidarity ties, share information and tap into a source of union power which is crucial to their ability to actively involve members in union actions to resolve issues. Workplace Delegate from Torres Strait Island Regional Council, Kathy Cochran said it was important for her to step up to better assist her colleagues. “I became a Workplace Delegate because I wanted to be a voice for my fellow workmates and I was also involved in the previous Enterprise Bargaining Agreement process,” Kathy said. “Being a Workplace Delegate in a regional
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area means you are often the one contact person to receive, share and distribute information. We are the connection between employer, staff and union. I highly recommend the training to other Workplace Delegates in regional areas.” Our Union is extremely keen to run training in regional areas and is usually able to commit to a course once we receive confirmation that the training will be attended by at least 10 Workplace Delegates. We recognise, when Workplace Delegates are trained and resourced appropriately there is a much higher likelihood of superior results for our members.
YOUTH COMMITTEE & GLAM
ABOVE LEFT: MEMBER AND 4ZZZ ANNOUNCER FEARGAL MCGOVERN, YOUTH VICE PRESIDENT TOM GREEN AND MEMBER ALICE JENKINS IN THE STUDIO. ABOVE: STAFF AT THE TSU OFFICE IN BRISBANE CELEBRATE BECOMING THE FIRST UNION TO SIGN UP TO THE WELCOME PROJECT. BELOW MIDDLE: FEARGAL MCGOVERN, DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR JUSTINE MORAN AND MEMBER AND ANNOUNCER BILL SMITH. BELOW RIGHT: SUPPORTING THE STUDENT STRIKE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE.
YOUTH & GLAM COMMITTEES VOICES FOR CHANGE MEMBERS OF THE YOUTH COMMITTEE HAVE BEEN FILLING THE AIRWAVES AT COMMUNITY RADIO 4ZZZ TALKING ABOUT UNION BUSINESS AS WELL AS CAMPAIGNING FOR THE PLANET AT THE RECENT STUDENT CLIMATE STRIKE. Youth Vice President Tom Green and member Alice Jenkins recently joined Feargal McGovern and Bill Smith (also TSU members) on their show The Workers Hour on Radio 4ZZZ in Brisbane. The programme which is broadcast every Tuesday morning between 9am-10am, focuses on working people and their unions. Tom said it was wonderful to go on the show to speak about the work of not only our Union but the movement in general. “This radio programme has given unions a dedicated voice on the airwaves which is something that has previously not existed in Queensland, “ Tom said.
Feargal said while it’s a humble start on radio, he hopes the show will be part of an increasing trend for people to start talking regularly about workplace issues, both in the media and amongst colleagues, friends and family. “Beyond that, we hope to see the flourishing of a culture of unionism,” Feargal said. “We want to see people becoming union members not just because unions will look out for them in the workplace, but because they recognise the strength we have when we act collectively.” Development Coordinator of The Services Union, Justine Moran recently featured on The Workers Hour where she discussed in detail our Union’s campaign to win Portable Long Service Leave for Social and Community Sector workers. Our Union also has become a proud sponsor of 4ZZZ. Tom and Feargal along with other members of our
Union recently took to the Brisbane streets to rally for climate action. Tom said the union turnout was greatly appreciated by the student strikers. “I think it’s important Unions stand in solidarity with the student climate strikers and support young people who are passionate about climate action and the future of our planet.” Tom said. In GLAM news, we have become the first ever union to sign up to the Welcome Here Project which supports organisations throughout Australia to create and promote environments that are visibly welcoming and inclusive of LGBTIQ+ communities. We celebrated our involvement with a morning tea and we now proudly display a Welcome Here Project sign in our Union office in Brisbane. This is a sign to LGBTIQ+ community members to know they can seek refuge, if ever under the threat of violence.
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SPECIAL REPORT
GOOD NEWS FOR INJURED WORKERS IN QUEENSLAND BY NEIL HENDERSON, SECRETARY THE SERVICES UNION AND CALE FRYER, PRINCIPAL HALL PAYNE LAWYERS
THE MINISTER FOR INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS GRACE GRACE MP HAS DELIVERED MAJOR REFORMS TO THE WORKER COMPENSATION LAWS WHICH WILL GREATLY ASSIST MEMBERS OF THE SERVICES UNION. The reforms enhance support for workers who have experienced a psychological injury in the workplace.
reasonable steps to provide reasonable support services to workers with psychological injuries prior to the determination of their claim. As it generally takes time for insurers to investigate and determine psychological injury claims, this allows workers to access early intervention treatment with a view to improving recovery prospects. REMOVING “MAJOR” FROM DEFINITION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURIES
Psychological injury is the most prevalent workrelated injury for our members. These measures introduced by the Palaszczuk Government are in stark contrast to the slash and burn approach the previous Newman Government. Mental Health and Wellbeing In The Workplace is a significant issue and one which our Union is now focussing on as part of our 27 Ways and Growing Campaign. To find out more about how these amendments will impact on your access to workers compensation entitlements we asked the experts, our partners Hall Payne lawyers for some pointers. FROM HALL PAYNE LAWYERS
Amendments to the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (the WCRA) will assist injured workers with their rehabilitation and return to work and improve claims access to workers with psychological injuries. Key amendments important to members of The Services Union are listed below:
Following the Campbell Newman Government amendments, the WCRA required a psychological injury to have arisen out of, or in the course of, employment and employment to be “the major significant contributing factor” to the injury. To align Queensland with other jurisdictions in Australia, “major” has been removed from the definition. The amendment provides that employment need only be “a significant contributing factor” to the development of the psychological injury. This amendment makes it easier for workers to access compensation by reducing the threshold a worker must meet to claim compensation for psychological injury. ONGOING REHABILITATION/RETURN TO WORK SERVICES AFTER CESSATION OF CLAIMS
Previously, injured workers were entitled to rehabilitation and/or return to work assistance during their claim or after lodging a common law claim, not during the intervening period.
INSURERS TO PROVIDE TREATMENT FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURIES PRIOR TO DETERMINATION
Historically, insurers were only required to fund treatment for psychological injuries after a claim was accepted. This often meant that a worker’s treatment would be significantly delayed. The amendment requires insurers to take all
It was recognised that this causes an interruption in a worker’s rehabilitation and limits durable and meaningful return to work outcomes. The WCRA has been amended to require insurers to provide ongoing rehabilitation and return to work services in cases where an injured worker has not been able to return to work after their compensation claim has ceased.
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WAIVER OF SIX-MONTH TIME LIMIT
Previously, an injured worker was required to lodge a workers compensation claim within 6 months of the date their entitlement to compensation arose, generally the date they were first assessed by a doctor. Naturally, this presented problems for workers who had initially attempted to manage their injuries and continue working after seeking medical treatment for a work injury. The WCRA has been amended to enable an insurer to waive the 6 month time limit and accept an application if the worker is certified as incapacitated and lodges a claim within 20 business days of being assessed with an incapacity for work by a doctor. This will enable further access to compensation for workers who may otherwise have been precluded by virtue of the strict time limitations. Whether insurers elect to exercise this discretion in favour of injured workers remains to be seen. EXPRESSIONS OF REGRET
Employers had previously been hesitant to provide workers with a sincere apology following a work-related injury, fearing it would be interpreted as an admission of liability. The amendment allows apologies to be on a “without prejudice” basis which means they cannot be considered in any assessment of whether an employer has been negligent. This is a positive change for workers as it will encourage employers to give apologies and hopefully help to improve the level of distress to injured workers seeing compensation. The above is a brief analysis of the key amendments to the WCRA. The amendments will hopefully provide a more positive claims experience for Queenslanders injured at work and are in stark contrast to the 2013 amendments introduced by the Campbell Newman Government.
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