Parramatta YR@W Group
Minutes Monday 13th October 2008
Meeting Opened: 6:15pm
Attendance: Fiorella Recchi, Graham Matthews, Tony Oldfield, Paul Doherty, Danielle Blanch (chair, minutes).
- Welcome & Apologies: Phil Sanford, Gary Cripps, Vivien Messimeris, Charmaine O’Sheades, Carlos Medina
- Power Privatisation Update – Report given by Paul Doherty
Premier Rees has stated that the proposed sell-off of the retail section would go ahead. This will affect approximately 1500 workers, mostly from the United Services Union (USU). The State Government can do this by regulation and doesn’t need to go through the two houses of parliament.
Waiting for the Mini Budget to come down on November to see what is actually being proposed as there is still no detail about the retail sale and what it will mean for the workers affected.
On 2nd September the Power unions moved a motion saying that they were committed to opposing the privatisation of the retail sector and were wanting to enter into negotiations with the Government.
Question – Graham Matthews – What is happening about the plans for a mid week, day time rally that was being planned around the time of the Mini Budget?
Answer – Paul Doherty to investigate and get back to Danielle Blanch with an answer.
Question – Tony Oldfield – Is the privatisation of rail and ferries still on the agenda?
Answer – Paul Doherty – Yes, these are still on the agenda although nothing more is known at this stage.
- Paid Maternity Leave Campaign – Report given by Paul Doherty
The Productivity Commission’s model offers a government payment at the federal minimum wage level ($543.78 per week), with 9% superannuation paid by employers. The productivity commission is currently taking submissions on the draft of the bill.
- IR Campaign – Report given by Paul Doherty
There been recent announcements in relation to Forward with Fairness that include unfair dismissal, bargaining, industrial action, (look at http://www.cch.com.au/au/News/ShowNews.aspx?ID=27569&Type=F&TopicIDNews=9&CategoryIDNews=0 for further information about these). There is also the flexibility clause that employers can use to effectively deal with individual workers, whereby there is no AWA but the employer can make changes to their working conditions by using the flexibility clause.
There is a draft bill on IR to go through the House of Reps followed by a Senate Enquiry in the near future.
5. General Business
a). Model motion from Power to the People
Stop the Sell-Off
This meeting of Parramatta Your Rights At Work
calls on the NSW State Government, the Premier and cabinet to respect
the opinions of 86% of people in NSW, and to abandon, once and for all,
any plans to privatise NSW electricity (including retail, generation and
distribution).
We express our concern with recent media reports that the sell-off of
electricity retail may still be on the government’s agenda, and we
commit to active solidarity and support with the continuing union and
community campaign against the sell-off.
While affirming our opposition to the sell-off of electricity retail, we
also acknowledge the threats against other public services such as
transport, including Sydney Ferries, rail maintenance, roads, and water,
and commit to support an ongoing campaign to save our public services
and to keep them in public hands.
Moved by: Graham Matthews
Seconded by: Tony Oldfield
CARRIED
Fiorella Recchi to pass on that Parramatta YR@W have passed the Power to the People motion to Colin Drain at AMWU.
b). ABCC Rally to be held on Tuesday 2nd December, please spread the word to maximise attendance.
ASSEMBLE TUESDAY 2ND DECEMBER 11.45AM
SYDNEY TOWN HALL SQUARE
MARCH TO ABCC
255 ELIZABETH STREET SYDNEY
Supporters of civil rights and construction workers will rally against the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) on Tuesday December 2 – the date and time that CFMEU official Noel Washington goes on trial for refusing to submit to an ABCC interrogation.
c). Stalls in Parramatta
Parramatta YR@W to have a stall on Thursday Octber 30th in the Parramatta Mall between 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Danielle Blanch to book the stall with the council.
Danielle Blanch to check with Phil Bradley about the possibility of having a stall during the Walk Against Warming, which is being held in Parramatta on 15th November.
Stalls would involve petition against ABCC and maternity leave petition.
d). Next meeting: 10th November
Meeting Closed: 7:05pm
