Postal Industry News

Managements, Microsoft Teams

Reports are in from St Kilda delivery centre where the CEO, Paul Graham, James Dixon (Manager deliveries Southern region) Vance Duke (Head of last mile southern region) Theresa Smith (Territory manager central) along with an entourage of approx. 5 others were in attendance to spruik the benefits of employees downloading an Australia Post version of Microsoft teams to employees personnel mobile devices.

While the sausage sizzle went down ok, the associated boxes of Microsoft branded caps, water bottles, stickers etc raised a few eyebrows.

This seems to be a part of Australia Post’s managements re-education program, AKA “Our AP Way”

Members need to exercise extreme caution nowadays when engaging with social media of any type as we have seen members dismissed for activity on social media that Australia Post have frowned upon, but for members to download an app where all content can be reviewed and recorded and possibly used for disciplinary actions would be, in our view, foolhardy indeed.

Delivery and transport members in particular are currently subjected to heavy surveillance by technology such as scanners and telematics. We cannot see any real purpose for members to download such an app to their personal devices and even if there were some small  benefits, the dangers of downloading management-initiated software to your personal devices are just too great!

Functional Allowance For Relievers (SPDO 2)

Australia Post have finally agreed to pay relievers the functional allowance (currently $11.28) per day when relieving on rounds that have more than a days mail to deliver. This will be backdated to 26th March 2023.

While this increase in the pay packet of a reliever is welcome news it does not address the fundamental problems of staff shortages and round sizes that are too big and the flow on effects such as but not limited to;

  • Psychosocial issues in the workplace caused by large workloads
  • Poor morale
  • Increased physical risk with Posties feeling compelled to deliver all mail product and the anxiety created by such

We will continue to use all available avenues to hold Australia Post to account on the above issues but for now at least ,relievers will be receiving an extra allowance. If you have any issues with payments in your delivery centre contact

Martin O’Nea 0437 409 770 or Troy McGuinness on 0447 148 187

Staff attitude survey (Our AP Way Say)

As Members would be aware Australia Post are once again conducting their staff attitude survey “Our AP Way Say” (Formally known as Say 2 Action) .

These surveys are 100% voluntary and it’s entirely Your choice to participate or not.

Before Members make their decision to participate or not your Union believes Members should consider the following:

Since the last Staff attitude survey was conducted:

 1.     Has my facility become a safer work environment both physically and mentally.

2.     Has the morale in my facility improved?

3.     What has changed in my facility?

4.     What changes have been made to make my job more enjoyable?

5.      Was my feedback last survey taken seriously?

6.      Has the treatment of my injured work colleagues improved?

7.     Is Australia Post an employer that I would recommend to my family and or friends?

8.     Am I valued as an employee or do I just feel like a number?

9.      What’s in it for me, what will I get from participating in another management survey?

10.  Out of all the management  surveys I’ve participated in what significant changes have taken place?

Please conduct us ASAP if any undue pressure is applied to you in your workplace to participate in the survey.

Leroy Lazaro CWU Victoria

Bulletin re Round Level dual bags

Members in DC’s in a number of areas will have received notification that as from Wednesday 15th March 2023 posties will be expected to break up individual bags of parcels across two paired rounds. While this process was introduced in certain DC’s in the eastern and south eastern regions several years ago, this time around there are a number of key differences

  • Parcel volumes are up by approx. 70% since that time
  • Night shift had already been downsized in the former DC’s
  • Staffing issues were far less of a problem
  • Morale in general was better
  • Anxiety, stress and general mental health issues were no where near the problem that they are today

Your Union visited the nightshifts of all of the DC’s that were to be impacted in late Jan and early February to speak to members and ascertain the potential impacts of the implementation of the new small parcel sorting machine that has been installed at MPF.

We had an initial consultation meeting with Australia Post in the middle of February and put forward our position that the bags should continue to be broken up by Nightshift as the small parcels still needed to be double-handled and we had a range of OHS issues that were concerning,including but not limited to;

  • Space constraints in a number of DC’s
  • Equipment issues
  • Manual handling risks
  • Current workloads for posties with many long hours already being worked.
  • The recent results from our mental health survey for posties shows a clear majority of members are experiencing some form of mental health issues and just as importantly are of the view that Australia Post do not provide a safe working environment in regards to Psycho-social issues.

In typical Australia Post fashion, they have decided to steam ahead in-spite of our OHS concerns not being addressed and our view that the work still needs to be done regardless.

Apart from the fact that we believe that Australia Post have not allowed for the genuine consultation process to be followed as required under clause 33 of the EBA (This is a matter for the FWC) we further believe that they are not in compliance with the WHS act 2011 that requires them to consult with workers under section 47.

It is our view that due to the differing nature of every DC that a risk assessment should be conducted on a facility by facility basis before any new work system for posties is introduced. This is even more important now than ever due to the changes to the WHS act 2011 that now states that potential physiological risks are to be given the same level of focus as potential physical injuries.

Until such occurs it is our view that members have the right under section 28 of the WHS act not to engage in any new work systems that they believe are an OHS risk. Members should ask management for a copy of any risk assessments that have been conducted in their particular facility and appropriate/available SOP’s that compliment such.

Any member who is threatened with disciplinary action for compliance with the OHS act needs to contact your Union immediately.

We wrote to Australia Post on Thursday 9th March requesting that they put the proposed new work system for posties on hold until we are able to resolve the matter (importantly the potential OHS risks) but Auspost have stated they intend to proceed from Wednesday 15th March.

Postal services discussion paper

Dear Members

The government has put out a discussion paper asking the public to give their views on what a modern postal service should look like. This document is referred to as the Postal Services Modernisation

It is extremely important that members take the time to read the discussion paper, Postal Services Modernisation and put in a submission before 27th April 2023.

The government need to understand that Postal workers perform a highly valued community service first and foremost, that Australia Post is a mail carrier and a government owned community service not a logistics company and that massive profits should not be the most important driving factor for the business.

Please click on the link below to get a copy of the Postal Services Modernisation discussion paper.

https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/…/postal-services...

Please share this with all your friends and family and let them know how important Postal workers are to the entire Australian community.

Authorised by
Leroy Lazaro
Branch Secretary CWU Victoria P&T

Applications for returning officer and assistant returning officer

Written applications are sought for the role of returning officer and assistant returning officer as required under our Union rules for the purposes of the quadrenial Union elections in 2023. Written applications should be submitted to Branch Secretary Leroy Lazaro

leroy@cwuvic.asn.au

Nominations close C.O.B Thursday 1st December 2022.The roles will be selected at the next Quarterly general meeting scheduled for Saturday 3rd December at 12pm.

Signatures on scanners

Today, members in delivery and transport received direction during toolbox talks to wind-back contactless deliveries of signature-required articles.

Management’s unsafe directions to members involves questioning a customer on their COVID-19 infection and symptomatic status prior  to receiving a signature on delivery.

This unreasonable management directive puts members at an unnecessary and avoidable risk of contracting COVID-19 and/or potentially abusive confrontations with customers.

The Union therefore advises all members to ignore this direction and to continue delivering all articles in-line with current contactless delivery process, ONLY.

This unreasonable direction from management has occurred without any consultation with employees or your branch and  is both unsafe and inappropriate and presents a real and imminent risk to members’ health and safety.

It is unlawful for any management representative to threaten to harm your employment in any way for following this reasonable advice from your Union and take steps, to protect yourself from exposure to an imminent risk to your health and safety. You have a responsibility under the WHS act to perform all duties safely and to take care of your own health and safety

Every attempt to coerce or force members into following this unsafe directive will be vigorously pursued. Should you experience any threats or coercion when following the above advice from your branch, please contact us immediately.

Decipha CPI wage increases

DECIPHA WORKERS’ WAGE RISES AGAINST COST OF LIVING PRESSURES

As our cities emerge from various states of lockdowns, the housing market continues to perform strongly, rents are increasing and employers are on a hiring spree.

With this, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) jumped to 3.5% for the 12 months to the December 2021 quarter .

Whilst CPI for the current quarter has not yet been determined, the conflict unfolding in Ukraine will only add further pressure to members’ cost of living – driven largely by an increase in transportation costs as western nations continue to apply sanctions against Russia, which includes their fuel exports.

Your Union  secured agreement with Australia Post late last year for safeguards to the wages of members, employed under the Australia Post EBA, against upward trends in CPI. A commitment to ensure that wages raised under that EBA would increase by at least the rate of CPI was subsequently given.

Today, we’ve secured the same agreement for members employed by Decipha.

If CPI rises above 3% during the life of the Decipha EBA, our members’ wages will not be increased by just 3%, but will at least match the rate of CPI for the preceding 12-month period.

This guarantees that members will not be left behind being unable to keep up with the cost of living, as our economy continues to rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine continues to develop.

This is an good outcome to be reached outside the bargaining period and one which would certainly not have been secured without the strong density of our Union’s membership across Australia Post and Decipha.

It is important that we continue to grow in strength at Australia Post, to continue delivering the best possible outcomes for our members and their families. If you work with somebody who is not yet a CWU member, ask them to join today.

Should you require any further information, please contact us on 9387 0189

Yours In Unity,
Leroy Lazaro, Secretary
CWU P+T Branch of Victoria

APSS merger

APSS merger with Australian Retirement Trust

Members will recall communications last year explaining that the APSS was undertaking a due diligence exercise into a potential merger with another superannuation fund.

That process has been completed and the APSS has today announced that it intends to proceed with the merger with the Australian Retirement Trust on Saturday 30 April 2022.

This decision was made following a thorough and careful review to ensure that such a merger would be in the best interests of APSS members – providing more services and choices, whilst continuing to safeguard members’ valuable APSS entitlements. This includes continuation of the defined benefit.

The current formula and calculation of members’ defined benefits will not change – Australia Post and associated employers will continue to cover the cost of administration and providing death and disablement cover for employee members as it does today.

The merger with the Australian Retirement Trust will also offer APSS members access to a wider range of options, services and personalised support to assist members in getting more out of their super and retirement planning than is currently provided in the APSS.

Members do not need to do anything in order for the transition to occur. The merger will automatically migrate your membership and benefits over to the new APSS plan within the Australian Retirement Trust. You will, however, receive a number of pieces of communications from the APSS between now and the merger date to ensure members are fully informed – including an opportunity to join a number of educational webinars in mid-April.

We have access to and initial free consultation with an independent financial advisor,contact us directly on 9387 0189 for details

In the meantime, members can access further, more detailed information on the merger via the following websites:

https://apss.com.au/powering-your-super and

https://portal.australianretirementtrust.com.au/apss

Yours In Unity
Leroy Lazaro
CWU P+T Branch of Victoria

Motions for quarterly general meeting Saturday 19th March

Ukraine

That this General meeting of Members of the Victorian Branch of the Communications Workers Union resolves to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the actions of Vladimir Putin and his murderous invasion of Ukraine.

We stand united with all citizens of a free and democratic Ukraine, and all citizens of the world who believe that every, woman., man and child have a fundamental right to live in peace and free from tyranny.

We also acknowledge that the actions of Vladimir Putin are not done in the name of the people of both Russia and Belarus and we stand united with all the citizens of both countries who are rightfully horrified that, woman, men and children are been slaughtered in their name.

Moved
Martin O’Nea
Seconded
Greg Morgan

Monthly Delegates/members  meetings

That from April 2022 the Victorian branch of the CWU holds at least one Delegates/Members  meeting per month either on a face to face basis or via teleconference that is open to any member to attend.

The purpose of monthly Delegates/Members meetings shall be to

1. Provide members with an opportunity to be regularly updated with information about current Industrial events

2. Increase the democratic participation of the membership in the union’s decision making processes by

2a allowing members to put motions to the delegates/members meeting for debate without notice

2c the keeping of minutes of these meetings by a minutes secretary appointed by each meeting which are discussed and accepted or rejected at the next meeting.

 Moved Terry Costello

 Annual Calendar of Quarterly General Meetings

That from 2023 the secretary publishes the meeting dates of all Quarterly General Meetings to be held in the current Calendar year by the end of February at the latest.

This QGM meeting calendar shall be made available to members on request and also be published on the website of the Victorian branch of the CWU.

In 2022 a calendar of the remaining 3 Quarterly General Meetings of the Victorian Branch of the CWU is to be finalised and published by the end of May 2022 at the very latest.

Moved Terry Costello

APSS Members Savings indirect costs bulletin

Re: Recent letter from the APSS about an increase in costs

If you’re an APSS member, you will have recently received a letter about an increase in ‘Indirect Costs’.  This has caused some confusion among members, so the information below should help to clarify the change.

Firstly, the change does not affect your defined benefits. As an employee member in the APSS you pay no fees in the defined benefit.

The change only affects APSS members with member savings – this is money you have saved in addition to your defined benefit.  If you don’t have member savings, the information is not relevant to you.

A few important points to note:

  • This change isn’t an additional or new fee deducted directly from your APSS account – the costs that are changing are deducted before you are paid investment returns on your member savings (this is done using crediting rates each fortnight). This is why it’s called an ‘indirect cost’.
  • The cost change is in proportion to the historically high investment returns credited to members’ APSS member savings accounts last financial year – when returns are high, the proportion of the fee paid to some of the investment firms used by the APSS also rises and the APSS must inform its members when this change happens. ( please seek independent financial advice to assess the indirect costs of other superannuation funds)
  • The cost change has nothing to do with the potential merger announced by the APSS last year.  The merger has not yet happened.
  • Like the APSS, many super funds will be reporting higher investment costs associated with their returns from the last financial year, because the returns themselves were high ( please seek independent financial advice to assess the indirect cost’s of other superannuation funds)

Members have access to free independent financial advice. Please contact us for details

If you have any further concerns, please contact us and we will raise them directly  with the APSS.

Yours In Unity
Leroy Lazaro
Secretary CWU Victoria

Legal advice

LEGAL ADVICE RE IMPLEMENTATION OF SMART BADGES

Summary

Members have expressed concerns about Australia Post trialling the use of Smart Badges in its facilities.  In particular, members have raised concerns with the CWU Victorian P+T branch that the use of Smart Badges does not comply with the Surveillance Devices Act 1999 (Vic).

Your branch has responded to members’ concerns by seeking legal advice, including about the lawfulness of:

  • the use of the Smart Badges under the Surveillance Devices Act 1999 (Vic) and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth); and
  • the collection, use and disclosure of information collected by the Smart Badges under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)

In summary, the legal advice is that:

  • The Surveillance Devices Act 1999 (Vic) is unlikely to prevent the use of the Smart Badges in the workplace.  This is because this Act only regulates employers’ use of optical surveillance devices, listening devices and tracking devices. The badges are not any of these, and instead fall within the definition of “data surveillance device”.  Data surveillance devices are not subject to controls in this Act when used by employers (as opposed to law enforcement officers, whose use of data surveillance devices is controlled by s 9).
  • The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) does apply to Australia Post and its collection, use and/or disclosure of the information collected by the badges.  Australia Post is entitled to collect, use and disclose the information to identify close contacts for outbreak management or contact tracing purposes.  However, it would not be entitled to use or rely on any information collected by the badges for discipline, performance monitoring or other secondary purposes.

Leroy Lazaro
Secretary Communication Workers Union
Victorian P+T branch

CPI Pay Rises

EBA Pay Rises to match any CPI increase in excess of 3%

As you may have seen in the news, our economy is beginning to bounce back. As unexpected as every aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been for the impacts on our way of life and the way that we work, the nation’s economic outlook throughout this period has become equally unpredictable.

Across many parts of the country, the rebound has taken markets and economists by surprise. As our cities emerge from various states of lockdowns, the housing market continues to perform strongly, rents are increasing and employers are on a hiring spree.

These and other economic factors have seen the path for core inflation lifted to 2.25% for the end of this year, up from earlier predictions of 1.75%, and Head Economist at ANZ, David Plank, predicts inflation to rise to 2.5% no later than the first quarter of 2023.

Although the chances of inflation exceeding the  pay rises secured under EBA10 are large, as economists continue to talk up the economy, your Union has spoken  with Australia Post to seek safeguards to members’ wages against any upward trends that may see the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures the cost of living, exceed the rate of EBA10 pay rises.

Australia Post have agreed Australia Post that wages paid under the EBA will not be paid at a rate less than CPI.

If CPI rises above 3% during the life of EBA10, members wage increases will at least match the rate of CPI for the preceding 12-month period.

This agreement guarantees that members will not be left behind being unable to keep up with the pace of inflation as the economy continues to rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is important that we continue to grow in strength at Australia Post, to continue delivering the best possible outcomes for our members and their families. If you work with somebody who is not yet a CWU member, ask them to join today.

In the meantime, if you require any further information, please contact us directly on 9387 0189

Yours In Unity
Leroy Lazaro

Secretary Communication Workers Union Victorian P+T branch

Submitted Motion for Quarterly General meeting on March 27th

Submitted Motion for Quarterly General meeting on March 27th

Publishing of CWU member’s Posts on the CWU Victorian branch Facebook page

A key part of a robust union democracy involves rank and file members being able to participate in an open, frank and transparent discussion of issues and decision making processes with both the union leadership and other rank and file members.

The Facebook page of the Victorian branch of the CWU is an online space that should be a place where members and the union leadership can hold open and transparent conversations about key issues.

In order to improve the democratic process The Victorian branch of the CWU is directed to moderate comments made on its Facebook page by CWU members and to allow suitable comments to be published on its Facebook page.

Suitable comments are defined as comments that

  1. are not of a racist, sexist, or otherwise discriminatory nature
  2. do not involve bullying, harassment or trolling of any person
  3. comply with the Australia Post code of ethics and equivalent Telstra corporation document(s)

If a member’s post is not published they should have the right to challenge this decision by lodging a written complaint with the Bcom who will

  1. Ask the moderator to provide written reasons for not publishing the post
  2. Forwarding the written reasons of the moderator to the complainant
  3. Give the member an opportunity to respond to the moderator’s reasons
  4. Collect all necessary information from the complainant and the moderator before making a decision
  5. Make a ruling which either
    1. Rejects the member’s complaint
    2. Upholds the member’s complaint
      1. ruling that the member’s original post be published on the Vic Branch CWU Facebook Page in its original form
      2. ruling that the member’s post be published in an amended form

Moved Terry Costello
Seconded Wayne Nunn

Annual General Meeting Saturday 22nd August 12 PM

Annual General Meeting

Saturday, August 22nd, 2020 12pm

The meeting will be looking at our financial report for last year, reports from organisers, and general business.

Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, this meeting will be conducted by teleconference.

Contact your office on 9387 0189 or leroy@cwuvic.asn.au for dial-in details.

Pay outcomes achieved for Stage 4 COVID-19 Restrictions

Given the recent COVID -19 disaster hitting Victoria, the Premier has announced a reduction in staffing numbers at Australia Post worksites across Metropolitan Melbourne. The requirement would be for Australia Post to reduce its workforce by 33% across the board  (Retail and regional areas exempted) taking into account the average of total employees over  the previous 3 months.

Members have been doing it extremely tough since the start of this Pandemic that  hit Australia in late February. Members in all parts of the organisation have put themselves on the front line as essential workers  during this Pandemic and ensured  the Victorian public have been serviced for their essential requirements especially the most vulnerable Victorians.

Postal Workers will always be remembered for their efforts during these challenging times. 

When the reduction in workforce numbers was implemented  by the Premier, your branch  was in immediate discussions with Australia Post senior management, in an attempt to negotiate  an outcome that would secure our hard-working members with security in their wages or conditions that would potentially be  affected by stage 4 workplace restrictions

After almost two days of negotiations, your branch succeeded in achieving the following for our members.

1. Members who would need to stay home would receive their wages (including any shift allowances)  for the two weeks ( and up to six weeks)  while they are at home. 

2. Fixed-term staff will be included in the staffing numbers required at a facility during stage 4 restrictions.

Members, please remember the safety of you and your families should be at the forefront and anyone showing even slight symptoms or feeling unwell should get tested immediately.

We will get through this together and the Victorian Branch of your Union is always here to support you.

Contact your organiser or your branch directly on 9600 9100 if you need any further information.

Leroy Lazaro
Secretary  CWU Victoria

Authorised Day, Shame!

Members would be well aware by now of Australia Post’s unilateral change to the Authorised Holiday. Hiding behind the Principal Determination,  under the authority of the Australian Postal Corporation Act, they tore away what has traditionally been your only opportunity to spend some additional time with friends and loved ones following the busiest time of year.

And they weren’t happy slapping you in the face just once. They’ve done it again.

Australia Post have announced that this year’s Authorised Holiday will fall on Wednesday 19 August!. Members who previously elected to receive the Authorised Holiday as an additional annual leave day (in addition to 17.5% leave loading for the day) will automatically have this year’s additional day credited on 5 August. \

The contempt for hard working Australia Post employees, shown by senior management, seems to be limitless!

A Wednesday????  . It was only last year when they committed to at least providing the day on a Monday or Friday. This ultimate  insult came just a day after sending heartfelt email messages to employees stressing that you are entitled to ‘respect’ from the public. How about a little bit of respect from the most senior of managers ?

This proposed outrageous change comes as members continue to work through the worst health crisis our planet has seen in 100 years. You are not only putting yourselves and your families at risk, but continue to be subjected to abuse from some members of the public (although thankfully only as a minority)  due to the reduction in services the senior management are directly responsible for.

It is clear that senior management, who all enjoy as much time off as they like with their loved ones over Christmas, have little respect for the employees who have gone above and beyond to keep our communities connected, and Australia Post  profitable, during the emerging health crisis. (not that profits should determine outcomes)

Branch Position

Our position has not changed – we do not believe the change to the Authorised Holiday is fair, or warranted.

We believe the traditional timing of the holiday provides, what is for many, the only opportunity for additional time with loved ones at an important time of the year where leave blackouts usually exist for operational employees.

And although senior management continue to claim that  employees in Victoria  prefer for the Authorised Holiday to occur this way, the vast majority of members in Victoria who completed our EBA survey have a different view . That’s why during the next round of bargaining for the EBA (next year) , one of our key  claims on behalf of Victorian members will be the restoration of our traditional Authorised Holiday.

Yours In Unity
Leroy Lazaro
Secretary CWU Victoria

CWU Victoria Senate Inquiry Submission and Opening Statement

CWU Victoria Submission to the senate inquiry into the future of Australia Post’s service delivery.

1) Australia Post and the Government are attempting to use the COVID-19 crisis as cover to introduce changes that would result in devastating job losses and cuts to community services.

2) Our members have been directed to return mail and parcels to delivery centres during the COVID-19 crises in a number of areas and have had normally worked extra hours either reduced or cut out completely thus contradicting public claims that reductions in service standards for mail were needed due in part to a lack of resources.

3) Our members during the crisis have done their communities proud in providing an essential service to all Australians who have been house bound during the COVID-19 outbreak. One example of this is the fact that attendance at work by Posties is at record highs and are members have really felt proud of their roles in the wider community.

4) Millions of Australians rely on the traditional mail service for their important correspondence. The reduced regular timetable would see the current 3-day metro to metro in the same state would blow out to 5 business days which would allow Australia Post to include weekends further delaying the mail. Australia Post also intend to remove the priority mail product further disenfranchising those Australians who rely on such for their mail deliveries in a timely manner.

5) Australia Post are moving to implement changes that could see up to a quarter of Jobs in delivery lost (approx. 2000) and we suspect they have a phase 2 planned which could result in the loss of another 2000 essential service jobs. The pace of which Australia Post are aiming to implement the changes are alarming in itself. Australia Post are indicating that they intend to hire vehicles to deliver parcels as they say the changes are only temporary but that they will be selling half of the motorbikes and electric push bike delivery fleet as they will no longer be required which suggests that they expect the changes to be permanent. Once changes are made to the network they will be very hard to undo.

6) All of these proposed changes regulation changes have had no consultation with the community or the wider Mail/Postal industry that employs over 100,000 Australians with approx. 50,000 of these Jobs in regional Australia.

7) Australia Post are in the process of importing more of the Swiss made Kyburz 3 wheeled electric delivery vehicle .We understand a locally produced version is available but to date Australia Post have not ordered any of the locally made version.

8) Australia Post claims that mail volumes have fallen by 50% is a selected manipulation of data at best and deceiving at worst..

9) By listing the changes as temporary the government’s has circumvented the regulatory impact statement process (RIS) which is standard practice and requires community and wider industry consultation. In effect shutting them out.

The future of Australia Post’s service delivery Submission 19

Leroy Lazaro  Secretary
CWU Victoria

Opening Statement
The Environmental & Communications Committee
My Opening Statement

Dear Chair and Senators

As I was unable to participate and speak yesterday at the senate inquiry in to Australia Post, I would to table this document as my opening statement for Hansard into the future of Australia Post Service delivery.

My submission relates to Australia Post using COVID-19 as a cover to push through its reform process which has the potential to see job losses and cuts to employee wages and conditions of work.

While I understand there is a Memorandum of understanding (MOU) which states there would be no forced redundancies for all those parts of the network that are affected by the COVID-19 crisis and the temporary reform, in my opinion there is a big difference between no forced redundancies and that of job losses due the implementation of the Alternative Delivery Model (ADM) being modelled as a result of the temporary relief being sought by Australia Post till June 2021.

As this model rolls out we would see this becoming more permanent in the course of time.

Australia Post are still modelling around the 3 in 4 jobs and once this is done they would then consider the 4th Postie namely (DAN) and decide his future in the organisation and where they may be placed.

If Australia Post is sincere in protecting this 4th Postie’s job then a model should be developed from the start that incorporates all 4 posties who are currently employed in these 4 rounds. There is no guarantee that all four jobs would be protected as it is not reflected in their model and this has been constantly reflected with our conversations with higher management.

There is another part of the work force that would be affected by the introduction of this reform and these workers would have their wages and working conditions reduced. These are the staff in the processing centres and delivery centres who currently work night shift and have a 30% penalty rate attached to their wages. This would be under attack if the reforms are approved to go through as their services and jobs would be under threat as a result of the roll out of the ADM. The processing staff and night shift staff prepare the work for the day shift posties and this requirement would be considerably reduced as a result of the Relief Reform being approved and the Alternative Delivery Model being rolled out.

Currently there are many vacant rounds and part-time and full time staff are employed in the delivery centres as fixed term workers, some for over 12 months. Given the shortage of labour being referred to by Australia Post to deliver the influx in parcels the requirement to fill these vacant rounds becomes extremely important. These fixed term workers who have been in the organisation for over 3 months should be offered permanent employment when held against a vacant round to enable Australia Post cater for its labour demands. Australia Post has fixed term workers employed in some cases for several years. This is the time for Australia to address this matter and offer permanency to these loyal workers.

Australia Post claims there is a reduction in letters volumes, while this is true it is not to the extent that Australia Post is making it out to be. The reduction in letters at its lowest would be around 12% to 14%. While there is a small reductions in letters there has been a massive increase in parcel volumes both large & small parcels. The posties can receive up to 200 parcels per day per round with a constant average of 100+

Given that these reforms are only temporary, till June, 2021, the most efficient way for Australia Post to address this shortage of labour it claims is to develop a model where all present jobs are maintained and fixed term staff working over three months be offered permanent full-time work, all vacant rounds to be filled and while this is being progressed to ensure all wages and conditions of these loyal permanent and fixed term workers are protected. These workers have put their health and well-being in danger by working through the Pandemic.

Dear senators, if the reforms are approved and goes through it would have adverse effects on vulnerable older Australians, who rely on the postal service they have known and loved over the decades. These people rely on the postal service to get their letters delivered on time to meet their medical appointments and other commitments which plays a great role in making them valued and an important part of society. Australia Post has been in operation for over 200 years and in general the Australian people need a postal service that is reliable and committed on time delivery for all types of mail, letters and parcels etc. And this is what this iconic organisation has stood for over all these years.

We have further concerns also that areas such as Geelong in regional Victoria are been misclassified as Metro areas and will see a further reduction of service standards in-spite of the Federal government announcement that the temporary reforms will not apply in regional areas in Australia.

The Victorian branch of the CWU has a long and proud history of advocating for strong mail service standards and COVID-19 has only strengthened our resolve.

We appreciate this opportunity to put our views across of the potential damage this Relief Reform could do to job security and service standards in this wonderful country of ours.

Finally, in relation to the modes of delivery being used, Australia Post are in the process of selling off their fleet of Motorbikes and gradually replacing them with an imported Swiss made electric Vehicle (EV) called a Kyburz . Over a period of time Australia Post have imported over 2000 of these vehicles (with no transparent tender process). These EV’s are three wheel delivery vehicles which gives Australia Post the capacity of carrying more and bigger parcels when compared to a motorbike or an electric push bike. These EV’s have had serious mechanical problems which has seen the fleet taken off the road. They have been proven unstable and have tipped over on slightly inclined surfaces in Tasmania causing injury.

There is an Australian version of this vehicle which is made in Melbourne. This vehicle is called a Stealth OzPod electric vehicle. While Australia Post have informed us that the locally made version costs more than the imported Kyburz , the extra costs can be quickly recovered because of the following reasons. Greater carrying capacity increasing productivity (700 litres v 400 litres with approx. 50kg of extra weight capacity

1. Greater safety features

2. Superior front suspensions.

3. Better suited on inclines and in rough terrain in outer suburban and rural areas. (millions of Australians live in areas where the Kyburz is simply unsuitable)

4. Far superior breaking with discs and callipers similar to a motor car. The Stealth OzPod uses the same car tyres on three wheels which are more durable and which offers superior traction when cornering or breaking.

5. As well as having front and rear hand operated brakes, the Stealth OzPod also has a foot operated brake pedal which applies brakes to all 3 wheels. In an emergency or in a panic, stepping on this pedal reduces the stopping distance. During normal operations it allows riders to keep their left hand free (i.e. for putting mail in letter boxes) while being able to safely stop at any time.

6. The Stealth OzPod roof is less obstructive to the driver when getting in and out of the vehicle decreasing the need to bend and twist when getting into the riders seat.(Less chance of neck injuries when having to contort your way into the seat while wearing a helmet)

7. The Stealth OzPod has minimal obstructions forward of the rider which gives greater peripheral vision when navigating footpaths, potholes, obstacles, pedestrians etc.

8. Does not lose power on hills as the Swiss model drops too low as 10kph on hills in transit.

9. Rear wheels work independently offering greater traction.

10. More comfortable for operator, less prone to fatigue.

11. Out – performed the Kyburz in trial in all aspects. The future of

12. Less prone to roll over due to lower centre of gravity and extra weight

13. Faster charge time

14. Has a greater range able to outlast Kyburz in kilometres per charge. (Battery is far superior)

15. Less Maintenance re: service hours.

16. Posties involved with trial stated they felt safer on the Stealth Oz pod. (trial conducted at the Mooroolbark Delivery Centre).

17. Helps Australia Post meet its Australian Procurement obligations.

18. It is our understanding that the company can produce up 50 vehicles per week.

19. Any additional purchase cost of the Stealth Oz pod will be recovered quickly via a greater payload and lower service costs.

20. Creates Australian Jobs in a time of great need.

21. Promotion of this vehicle in Australia Post could create the potential of export opportunities.

In summary our view and that of our members who had had direct experience is that the Australian version the Stealth OzPod is a far superior version over the Swiss made Kyburz and much better suited to Australian conditions:

Thank you again and due to the communication difficulties yesterday we again respectfully request that my opening statement is added to Hansard.

Best regards.

Leroy Lazaro
Branch Secretary
Communication Workers Union

Postal & Telecommunications Branch Victoria.

Senate Inquiry and Disallowance motion

After a fast and furious time in the Senate last week an inquiry has been set up into the proposed (Temporary?) regulation changes that would allow Australia Post to delay the mail even further than they already do. The changes which are law until disallowed by the Senate would see intrastate mail (Melbourne to Melbourne) go from 3 business days to 5 days (7 days in total including weekends). The priority mail service is also been discontinued.

We call this out for what it is, a service slashing, Job cutting model that will increase bonuses by already highly paid executives.

The listed disallowance motion was not put last week due to a lack of time.

We will be making a number of submissions to the inquiry and encourage members to do the same.

Some of the mistruths in the media by Australia Post include

  •  There were no reductions in pay during the COVID-19 crisis (Wrong, members were directed to bring mail back to cut overtime)
  •  Australia Post did not have the resources available to deliver mail, parcels and express post (Wrong, see point above)
  •  Mail volumes fell by 50% in April (Wrong, mail volumes were down 28% in April and last April was during an election time with traditionally higher volumes
  • There will be no Job cuts (Wrong, approx. 150 long standing fixed term staff  in Victoria could well end up without a Job and 4 delivery staff center staff will be merged into 3 under their current Job cutting proposals)
  • The changes are temporary   (Wrong, If so why are Australia Post only hiring vans but intending to sell EAMB’s and Motorbikes?)

The way senior management have conducted themselves, used COVID-19 as cover for their industrial agenda and treated the workforce during the crisis has been nothing short of a national disgrace and we are calling on the Senate and the crossbench to hold them to account. Victorians and indeed all Australians who rely on the traditional mail service will not forget those Senators who do not hold the Government and Australia Post to account!

The inquiry is due to report back by August 11th with a disallowance motion potentially tabled within a week after the final report been handed down.

Submissions close on July 3rd

Go to postalpandemic.com.au to send a message to Senators and your local member and stay tuned for further bulletins.

Leroy Lazaro
State Secretary
CWU Victoria

Letter to your local member and Senator

Australia Post is creating its own #PostalPandemic

Click here to send a message to your Federal MP and cross-bench Senators to ask them to block Australia Post’s regulatory changes, before it’s too late. It’ll only take a minute.

They’ve asked the Government to approve regulatory changes which pose an immediate threat to our postal service and the take-home pay and jobs of Australia Post workers across the country.

The regulatory changes allow Australia Post to cut back daily postie services and attack essential workers’ job security and take-home pay.

Australia’s postal service is more important now, than ever. Making cuts to the network will leave Australians without a quality postal service right when they need it the most.

It will also put the livelihoods of Australia Post workers at risk – the very workers who have been on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic, putting themselves, and their families, in harm’s way in order to keep the community safe and moving.

Attacking our postal service and the jobs of Australia Post workers at any time is bad enough. To do it during a global pandemic is disgraceful.

And it gets worse – while Australia Post says these changes are short-term requirements to deal with the current pandemic, it is refusing to provide a guarantee the changes won’t be permanent.

In fact, we think winding back their regulatory requirements is setting up our Australia Post to be sold off to the highest bidder. And the Government isn’t ruling it out, either.

We need the Parliament to stop these regulatory changes. Australia Post has already confirmed one in four delivery jobs will be cut. If we don’t act now, who will be next?

Will you help us save Australia Post?

Click here to send a message to your Federal MP and cross-bench Senators to ask them to block Australia Post’s regulatory changes, before it’s too late. It’ll only take a minute.

Please share this message with your colleagues, friends and family – and ask them to log on to www.postalpandemic.com.au and do the same.

Yours faithfully,
Leroy Lazaro

BRANCH SECRETARY
Postal & Telecommunication Workers Union Victoria
3 June 2020

Protecting your EBA

PROTECTING YOUR JOBS, YOUR CONDITIONS, YOUR EBAs

Dear members,

The Morrison Government has made it easier for employers to cut workers’ pay and conditions by allowing employers to give just one day’s notice before opening a vote on changes to your EBAs – bypassing the proper consultation period with you and your Union.

These changes were introduced following pressure from big business, and with the stroke of the Minister’s pen, came in to force on Friday. A copy of the Regulation can be found here: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2020L00432

EBAs across our postal and telecommunications industries provide important legal protections for your jobs, your pay and your hours of work. Any changes made could continue well beyond the crisis period of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no need for any employer to bypass proper negotiation and consultation about your rights at work.

We have represented you and your workmates in negotiations  with Australia Post/Telstra and others, since the gravity of this pandemic emerged, aimed at ensuring your health and safety and securing your job and conditions into the future . These negotiations must continue to give workers a real opportunity to have a say and Australia Post/Telstra and others should not use the COVID-19 pandemic and this unfair Regulation change to try and circumvent your rights to be consulted on any proposed changes to your pay and conditions.

If your employer does propose any variation to your EBA that is not clearly endorsed by your branch  and where you have not been properly consulted before a vote takes place, it is critically important that you VOTE NO.

If you hear of a proposal to alter your EBA and pay or conditions, call us  for advice and assistance straight away. Don’t sign anything before obtaining advice.

On Tuesday night, 21 April 2020, ACTU Secretary Sally McManus will be addressing an online meeting for Union members across the country.  It will be an update on the response to Coronavirus, and will focus on the Government’s moves to make changes to EBA regulations.  At the meeting, members and activists will develop a plan to put pressure on local employers and politicians to protect our EBAs.  Register at https://bit.ly/2Vd8Oqk

As always, your branch remains here to support you. If you require any advice or assistance, please contact us on 9387 0189

Yours In Unity ,

Leroy Lazaro
Secretary CWU Victoria
20 April 2020

Latest COVID-19 advice 6 April 2020

COVID-19 Latest Safety Advice April 6th 2020

There are now 11 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus within the Australia Post workforce. Seven of which have not been at work and therefore don’t present as a risk to others. However, the remaining four are in NSW. Kingsgrove Delivery, Sydney Gateway Facility and Sydney Parcel Facility and have been at work and, along with their close contacts, have been directed to self-isolate in accordance with the government requirements. Those affected workplaces have also undergone a strict ‘deep clean’. Thankfully no workplace cases have been reported in Victoria as yet

Since the COVID-19 epidemic started in Australia, your branch has worked to ensure Work Health and Safety measures with the employer groups who employ our members. Some of the measures sought from Australia Post to protect against the threat of COVID-19 to members, your families and the communities you service include: minimising your physical contact with your customers; compliance with the government’s requirements for social distancing, within indoor facilities; the urgent provision of personal protective equipment (PPE); and a genuine disinfecting of hard surfaces and frequently handled equipment within your workplaces.

Members are providing a critical and essential service to the public – but need to be able to do so safely. Members must comply, so far as they are reasonably able to, with any reasonable instructions given and to cooperate with any reasonable policy subject to circumstances where they have a reasonable concern about an imminent risk to their health and safety. And whilst we recognise Australia Post’s response to heightened risk so far, and appreciate the difficulties they have confronted in procurement of PPE to mitigate against an imminent risk to your health and safety, in some areas this response has been inadequate.

Your branch is strongly advising members to follow the below, to take reasonable care for his or her own health and safety and to take reasonable care that his or her acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons.

Doing so ensures compliance with your obligations under the Fair Work Act 2009 and Section 28 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011

Members responsible for the delivery of articles to a customer’s premises and/or the operation of a vehicle on public roads, who have not been provisioned with a personal portable supply of hand sanitiser should:

 Avoid undertaking delivery of any article to any home or business location if such a delivery requires the member to handle or touch any hard surface – including, but not limited to: door handles, letterboxes, parcel lockers, intercoms, security keypads and elevator buttons;

Avoid re-fuelling their vehicle should such act require the handling or touching of any hard surface – including, but not limited to: fuel pumps and EFTPOS facilities – unless sanitiser, gloves or other PPE is made available by the re-fuelling establishment for use by the public or the establishment has suitable public handwashing facilities.

Members required to undertake any duties in an indoor facility should not continue to work in the facility if, by doing so they:

  1. Breach the government’s requirement to limit persons in an indoor venue to 1 person per 4 square metres of floor space;
  2. Breach the government’s requirement to remain at least 1.5 metres away from people not residing in your household.

Members required to undertake any duties within an indoor facility should not continue to work in an area that:

  1. Does not have an adequate and easy to access supply of hand sanitiser;
  2. Does not have an adequate and easy to access supply of disinfectant wipes to sanitise equipment before and after your required use of that equipment.

                   … and where they have a reasonable concern about a risk to their health an safety.

Members must notify their supervisor on each occasion in which they are unable to perform their duties due to their reasonable concern about an imminent risk to their health and safety, and must not unreasonably fail to comply with a direction to perform alternate duties that are safe and appropriate to perform. Members should also advise their OHS Rep/Shop Steward and/or Organiser of such pro

 It is unlawful for any representative of Australia Post to threaten your employment or withhold your wages for any period in which you complied with the above advice – which is reasonable, lawful and ensures your compliance with the relevant Acts. Such unlawful behaviour is subject to significant penalties, not only against employers, but any individual management representative involved. Your branch will actively pursue prosecutions for each occasion in which a member is subjected to such unlawful behaviour.

Any member subjected to any such threats should contact us on 9387 0189 immediately or contact your organiser directly.

                    Please place on Union Noticeboard

Leroy Lazaro
Secretary CWU Vict

Latest COVID-19 Bulletin

STREAMLINED CONTACTLESS DELIVERY, SIGNAGE IN POST OFFICES, SOCIAL DISTANCING RECOMMENDATIONS AND TEMPORARY CHANGES TO SOME BRANCH OPERATIONS

Dear Members,

Your Branch  has continued to seek further protections for members as we navigate through the unprecedented situation in relation to the emerging worldwide Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. These conversations between your Branch and the employer groups who employ our members are ongoing.

NEW MEASURES FOR POST OFFICES

Following member feedback since the outbreak worsened, we have pushed for notices, reminding customers of good hygiene practices, to be displayed within post offices and we are pleased that Post has agreed to this.

From yesterday, posters will be displayed in Post Offices, requesting for customers who have symptoms of illness, not to enter the outlet. Post have also placed updated information on their coronavirus information page online – calling on customers to keep at least one metre from others and to practice good hygiene. The update can be found here: https://auspost.com.au/about-us/news-media/important-updates/coronavirus

NEW MEASURES FOR THE DELIVERY OF ARTICLES TO CUSTOMER PREMISES

Following feedback from members and ongoing dialogue, Australia  Post  have agreed to our requests  for a streamlined ‘contactless delivery’ procedure.

Therefore, members delivering articles to customers will no longer be required to question whether a customer is suffering symptoms of illness, or in self-isolation related to COVID-19.

The new updated procedures now require members to remain at least 1.5 metres from all customers when delivering to their premises, confirm the customer’s name and inform them you are leaving the parcel for them without requiring any contact for the purpose of obtaining a signature.

MORE NEEDED ON SOCIAL DISTANCING

Whilst we welcome the initiatives, we continue our call for stronger social distancing measures in the workplace and a commitment to ‘special leave’ provisions for any employee who may require additional time off to recover from, or care for someone, if affected by the virus.

The Federal Government has issued a call for everybody to keep at least 1.5 metres away from each other and other employers, such as Telstra, who have gone so far as to cancel all in-person meetings involving 25 or more people and have introduced work-from-home arrangements across their entire office-based workforce some 20,000 employees

We believe  Post should be introducing further flexibility to ensure effective social distancing at work – including the cancellation of meetings and working at home arrangements for those at risk or have genuine concerns .

UNION DIRECTIONS ON MEMBERS’ HEALTH AND SAFETY

Your branch is directing all members to take all steps you feel are reasonable and appropriate to protect your health and safety whilst at work.

Specifically, your branch feels it would not be unreasonable to refuse to participate in gatherings or formal meetings where members are required to remain in close proximity to others  for an extended period, nor do we believe it would be unreasonable for members to refuse interactions with any customer who displays symptoms of illness.

Should you encounter any difficulty when attempting to invoke your rights to a safe workplace, please contact us immediately, for assistance.

TEMPORARY MEASURES TO REDUCE EXPOSURE AND SPREAD TO CWU OFFICIALS AND MEMBERS

Your branch  is also an employer, and as an employer, we have had to take important decisions to implement temporary measures to reduce exposure to the virus to our employees – your Officials and Industrial officers .

Your Officials and Industrial Officers schedule visits to all workplaces across the state on a regular basis, in addition to the many close interactions we have, in person, with members daily.

In order to reduce the risk of exposing your Officials and our members and families to COVID-19, your  Branch has taken measures to suspend certain workplace visits and  meetings.

These measures are also an effort to eliminate the risk of an Official or Industrial Officer becoming infected themselves, and inadvertently exposing members to the virus in their workplaces and the wider community. We must err on the side of caution.

Officials in your State Branch remain contactable by telephone and all other Union services will continue as usual. Please contact  us directly for any further information you require.

We are continuing to engage with employers at the most senior levels and will ensure you have access to relevant information as soon as practicable.

Above all stay safe and take all necessary precautions to ensure the welfare of yourselves, your families and loved ones, your workmates and the  community in general during this difficult and challenging time.

Yours In Unity ,
Leroy Lazaro
BRANCH SECRETARY

Communication Workers Union
Postal & Telecommunications Branch Victoria
18 March 2020

Processing         Leroy  Lazaro 0422 546 814

Retail/Decipha/Customer Contact Centre        Cindy Shelley 0407 334 397

Delivery              Andy Howson 0400 322 573

Transport            Brendan Henley 0400 071 716

Delivery/Industrial  Officer          Martin O’Nea 0407 409 770

Coronavirus update

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE – 6 MARCH 2020

CONFIRMED AUSTRALIAN CASES

As of 6th  March, there are over 50 confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Australia. Of the total cases reported,  approx. 20 of these cases are reported to have recovered, 2 people have sadly passed. The remaining cases are in a stable condition.

TRAVEL ADVICE

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued the following travel advice

  • China and Iran – do not travel
  • South Korea, Mongolia, Japan and Italy – exercise a high degree of caution
  • Northern Italy – reconsider your need to travel

Members should follow this advice to minimise risk of being exposed to the virus.

SELF ISOLATION

Members who have recently travelled to China or Iran should isolate themselves to prevent exposure to their colleagues and the community. Specifically, if you have:

  • Left or transited through mainland China in the past 14 days, you must isolate yourself for 14 days from the date you left
  • Left or transited through Iran on or after 1 March, you must isolate yourself for 14 days from the date you left
  • Been in close contact with a person confirmed to be infected with coronavirus, you must isolate yourself for 14 days from the last date of contact

EMPLOYMENT ENTITLEMENTS WHILST IN SELF ISOLATION

Members who fall within the above categories should notify their managers immediately and stay home – do not come to work. Your workplace will attempt to accommodate you performing duties from home, if you are able to do so. If your duties cannot be performed from home you will be paid.

STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK

Members who exhibit any cold or flu like symptoms should not come to work.

Avail of sick leave and seek medical treatment. As we approach the onset of the cold season, this is even more important. By doing so, you will alleviate any potential unnecessary panic caused within your workplace.

FREE FLU VACCINE

Your Branch has confirmed that employees at Australia Post will once again be offered a free flu vaccine this year. The communication process will commence at the end of this month and vaccinations will occur from early April.

While the flu vaccine will not prevent coronavirus infection, it is recommended that as many members as possible accept the vaccine to limit the number of people with symptoms similar to coronavirus – again, alleviating any potential unnecessary panic at work, but also to take the burden off our health system.

The earlier you receive the vaccine, the more effective it will be going in to the colder months.

Should you require any further information with any of the above, please contact us directly on 9600 9100

Leroy Lazaro  Secretary CWU Victoria

Union Dues increase

Member fees will rise from the 1st April by 50c,40c or 30c per week

$9.30 to $9.80 for full timers
$5.10 to $5.50 for 25 hours + part timers and
$2.55 to $2.85 for 15 hour part timers

This is the first increase to union dues in 5 years and is necessary to ensure that member benefits such as ambulance cover and journey cover remain viable and to deal with rising costs in general as well as having resources available for campaigns and extra legal expenses while keeping a modest surplus year on year that can be called upon in the future.

Report on Hazardous Air Quality

Communication Workers Union (Victorian Branch)

Review and recommendations – atmospheric smoke exposure to postal workers

1       Background

The 2019-2020 summer bushfire disaster in southern and eastern Australia has led to unprecedented and widespread hazardous smoke exposure to a large number of people including outdoor workers, in major population centres including Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne, inter alia.

Unlike fireground smoke exposure by emergency personnel, atmospheric smoke exposure by non-emergency workers is a relatively newly recognised occupational hazard in Australia.

In the last two weeks, public health and safety agencies have brought a sudden and sharp focus onto risk management of outdoor workers. Main countermeasures proposed by Australia Post include use of personal protective equipment in the form of P2 masks, and restrictions on outdoor work.

Excerpts and/or dot point summaries from information released by Australia Post and by relevant authorities are reproduced below. The excerpts are selective.

2       Consultation process

The purpose of this review is to provide timely expert advice and union recommendations from the perspective of Victorian postal workers potentially exposed to bushfire smoke hazards, in time to be considered prior to and during any further decision making relating to the remainder of the 2019/2020 summer bushfire season.

The information is provided in order to formally serve as part of consultation processes required by Australian Law (Commonwealth Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Sections 46-49, and relevant Regulations). Duty holders are required to communicate information to, and to consult with, workers and health and safety representatives.

The Communication Workers Union (Victorian Branch) requests that it be consulted by the Australia Post’s State Incident Response Committee for Victoria, and would like to be involved in any way that can assist the assessment and management of risk to postal workers in the immediate and longer term.

3       Some key timelines – summer 2019-2020 – widespread exposure to bushfire smoke in Australia

Some key events relevant to Australia Post workers over the summer of 2019-2020 are summarised below.

DateWhat happened
December 2019 to January 2020Extreme heat across the whole of Australia. Large scale bushfires break out affecting all states. Intense smoke from fires pollutes major cities, with Canberra and Melbourne rated as most polluted cities in the world at times. Postal deliveries in Canberra cease for multiple days.
2 January 2020Communication Workers Union (Victorian Branch) notified of fire smoke being drawn into the Melbourne Parcel Facility by the evaporative cooling system. P2 masks issued to workers.
6 January 2020Fact sheet issued by the Australian Acting Chief Medical Officer and State and Territory Chief Health Officers: Advice on the use of masks for those exposed to bushfire smoke.
8 January 2020Australia Post releases a guidance note regarding Hazardous Conditions relating to bushfire smoke.
13 January 2020A health and safety representative at a delivery centre in Melbourne’s outer north east, confronted by an EPA rating of Hazardous smoke conditions in his designated working group’s area, issued a Provisional Improvement Notice aimed at keeping postal delivery officers safe on days of hazardous smoke exposure.
15 January 2020Worksafe Victoria issues guidance note Health risks of outdoor work in areas impacted by bushfire smoke
17 January 2020Comcare officers visit postal the delivery centre in Melbourne’s outer north east to investigate the PIN notice issued on Monday 13 January (above). They consult with management and separately with the health and safety representative and his advisors from the Communication Workers Union (Victorian Branch).

 

4       Australian Acting Chief Medical Officer and State and Territory Chief Health Officers: Advice on the use of masks for those exposed to bushfire smoke (6/1/2020)

Some key points:

  • Wearing a P2 mask can make it more difficult to breathe.
  • Those with underlying heart or lung conditions should consult their doctor for advice before using a P2 mask.
  • If the P2 mask becomes damaged, soiled, moist or contaminated, it is best to refit and replace or remove it.
  • On average, masks may need to be replaced three to four times per day depending on the level of physical activity and subsequent build-up of moisture.
  • Wearing a P2 mask can increase the risk of heat-related illness.

5       Comcare: Poor Air Quality: What are your WHS obligations? (6/1/2020)

Some key points:

With bushfires impacting communities across Australia, Comcare would like to advise PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking) of their obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011.

PCBUs must ensure they provide and maintain a safe working environment for their workers in indoor and outdoor environments so as far as is reasonably practicable.

Indoor working environments

PCBUs should ensure that indoor environments are safe and without risks to health for workers during periods of elevated smoke. PCBUs should:

  • work with their property management, such as building landlords, to monitor the air quality of their buildings or workplaces
  • act if the air quality is not within the acceptable levels
  • keep staff informed of the measures taken.

PCBUs can contact Comcare via WHS.help@comcare.gov.au for further information.

Indoor air quality

There is no single Australian standard that addresses acceptable indoor air quality.

PCBUs should work with their property teams and/or building landlords to address any concerns about indoor air quality resulting from bushfire smoke.

Outdoor working environments

PCBUs should ensure that outdoor or field work is rescheduled until conditions (e.g. visibility and air quality) improve. However, if work needs to go ahead PCBUs should take the following steps:

  • Appropriate risk assessments should be undertaken prior to work commencing.
  • Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks, should be provided to workers with instructions on its correct use and fitting.
  • If workers are required to work alone, remotely or in an isolated place, PCBUs should ensure they always have an effective means of communication. Further information is available in the Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities.
  • PCBUs should remain aware of any bushfires near the proposed work area(s) and advise workers accordingly, including to follow instructions and advice from emergency services and evacuate the area if needed.
  • PCBUs should monitor outdoor air quality levels via the appropriate State and Territory authority: Air Quality in the ACTAir Quality Alerts NSW,EPA Air Watch VicAir Quality Monitoring SAAir Quality QldAir Quality WABushfire smoke advice in Tas, and NT Health Alert.
  • PCBUs can also access information on particulate matter relevant to elevated smoke levels via NSW Health and ACT Health.

6       Australia Post: Guidance Note (8/1/2020)

Some key points:

  • State Incident Response Committee to assess and manage risk and operations.
  • Committee to consult and advise unions on a regular basis.
  • Adopts Air Quality Index, applying community exposure recommendations.
  • Separate recommendations are suggested for indoor and outdoor work, and for health and sensitive individual (four combinations in total).

7       WorkSafe Victoria: Health risks of outdoor work in areas impacted by bushfire smoke (15/1/2020)

Some key points:

Air quality and recommendations

The information below provides guidance on what level of physical activity is safe to do in different levels of air quality, and recommended respiratory protective equipment. Employers should undertake an assessment of their specific work activities to determine the appropriate risk controls.

Physical activity

  • Light physical activity includes sitting with light manual work with hands or hands and arms, and driving.  Standing with some light arm work and occasional walking.
  • Moderate physical activity includes sustained moderate hand and arm work, moderate arm and leg work, moderate arm and trunk work, or light pushing and pulling. Normal walking.
  • Heavy physical activity includes intense arm and trunk work, carrying, shovelling, manual sawing, pushing and pulling heavy loads, walking at a fast pace.

Most postal delivery work is at least Moderate physical activity. 

  1. Very Poor Air Quality:    Limiting healthy workers’ exposure

Recommended advice: general population (not sensitive):

  • Avoid undertaking heavy physical activity outdoors
  • Reduce time spent doing moderate physical activity outdoors

For anyone indoors, including vehicle cabins, close the doors and windows to prevent smoke and dust entering the workplace. Switch air conditioners to recycle or recirculate, to eliminate or minimise the requirement for outside air. Do not use an evaporative air cooler.

Recommended respiratory protective equipment:

If employee is required to do light physical activity outdoors for minimal (short) period of time:

  • P2 disposable mask may be used as a precautionary measure.

If employee is required to do moderate physical activity outdoors for short periods of time, they should wear a P2 disposable mask. Employers should consider:

  • limiting the period of time spent outdoors
  • ensuring the P2 mask fits well to achieve air-tight seal
  • males must be clean shaven
  • masks fitted with exhalation valve may make it easier to breathe when doing physical activity
  • regular replacement of P2 disposable masks should occur if they become damaged, moist or contaminated

If an employee has facial hair, a P2 disposable mask will not provide protection. The employee should:

  • avoid working outdoors if possible
  • not undertake moderate to heavy physical activity outdoors
  • break up the day with time being spent indoors in a clean air environment and less time spent outdoors
  • Employers should restrict the requirement for an employee with facial hair to carry out physical activity outdoors in weather conditions that are rated very poor.
  1. Hazardous Air Quality

Recommended advice:

General population (not sensitive):

  • Avoid working outdoors
  • If going outdoors is unavoidable, only do light physical activity and minimise the time spent outdoors as much as possible.

For anyone indoors, including vehicle cabins, close the doors and windows to prevent smoke and dust entering the workplace. Switch air conditioners to recycle or recirculate, to eliminate or minimise the requirement for outside air. Do not use an evaporative air cooler.

Recommended respiratory protective equipment:

As for Very Poor air quality (above).

8       Conclusions and Recommendations (CWU Vic Branch 21/1/2020)

  1. A formal risk assessment should be developed and documented in consultation with workers, elected health and safety representatives, and the Communication Workers Union (Victorian Branch).
  2. Decision making, review and action should proceed as a matter of urgency.
  3. A formal ongoing consultation process for worker and representatives should be developed, agreed and commenced as soon as possible.
  4. There should be a preparedness to update procedures and advice frequently, as new information and experience are gained. An agile response is appropriate at this time.
  5. There should be an immediate (within days) attempt to quickly engage with potentially affected workers via suitable qualitative assessment techniques, such as documented toolbox two-way consultations, simple online surveys etc. This is quicker than more rigorous processes and will act as part of formative evaluation, to assist ongoing decision making.
  6. Key issues are: reasonable practicability of control measures, including but not limited to the following issues.
  • Usability and comfort of different types of P2 mask, including those with exhalation valves
  • fit of masks
  • overheating and fogging of glasses due to the mask
  • durability of masks and frequency of replacement throughout shift due to damage, moisture, soiling or contamination
  • potential obstruction of parts of the peripheral visual field of workers, particularly in relation to safety in road traffic for all delivery workers.
  1. The Australia Post guidance note should be reviewed and updated immediately taking into account the WorkSafe Victoria guidance note, which is the most authoritative, up-to-date and relevant statement by a workplace health and safety authority in Australia.
  2. In particular outdoor work should cease where and when Hazardous Air Quality exists, as at relevant nearby monitoring stations. If there are differences between monitoring stations in the areas near the working area, the worst of these ratings should be heeded, not the best.
  3. Australia Post should advise workplaces with evaporative cooling systems not to operate them during Very Poor or Hazardous air quality conditions.
  4. In mid 2020, after the end of the summer fire season in Australia, policies and procedures should be formally and rigorously reviewed, in consultation with Communication Workers Union Victorian Branch, using appropriate existing or new consultative structures and procedures. The aim is to enter future fire seasons with robust, workable policies and procedures for smoke exposure to postal workers, indoor and outdoor.

 

Leroy Lazaro                          Mark   Hennessy
Branch Secretary                 Branch Health and Safety Officer
21 January 2010

Provisional Improvement Notice and Safety Alert

A Provisional Improvement Notice has been issued to Australia Post regarding their actions re the recent hazardous air quality conditions. The HSR who issued the PIN does not believe there was adequate consultation and that Australia Post failed to ensure any risk assessments regarding the use of the P2 were carried out in a rigid manner, if at all and therefore the P2 masks potentially create further risks.

These risks include but are not limited to
Hyperventilating
Heat Stress
Poor fit

Wearing while undertaking physical exertion
Poor visibility due to fogging of safety/prescription glasses.
Distraction caused by general discomfort
Maintaining air tight seal especially when riding at speed.
The HSR is meeting with Comcare shortly.

Safety alert.

In the meantime members are strongly advised to not work outdoors under any circumstances if very poor or hazardous air quality conditions exist until such time as adequate risk assessments have been undertaken and there has been full consultation with HSR’s in the network and the P2 masks are deemed fit for purpose with no unacceptable risk.

You need to make yourself available for indoor duties unless you have a medical condition.Contact us on 9600 9100  if you require any further information

EBA 2020 member survey

Your survey for next years EBA 2020 is up online. We have already sent out paper based copies but if you would prefer to fill out online and have not already done so then click on the link below.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QMNQVKM

The survey takes less than five minutes and will assist us greatly in developing your log of claims.

Authorised Day Dispute

Our dispute regarding Australia Post notifying the Authorised day for 2019 in 2020 was in the Fair Work Commission this week. Australia Post argued that the Commission did not have jurisdiction to hear the dispute because the Authorised day is enacted by the Principle determination that is part of the Australian Postal Corporation Act and is not part of the EBA.

In-spite of the Commission agreeing that our arguments were logical and that the day should be in 2019  Commissioner Sarah McKinnon stated that she did  not have jurisdiction to make a recommendation  and that the Authorised day is not actually legally defined in the EBA. The clause surrounding the Authorised day is yet another one of a number of clauses that need to be fixed up in EBA 2020 and unlinked from the Principle determination.The Authorised  day goes back to the 1950’s .On the completed EBA 2020 surveys returned so far over 70% of members have stated that the Authorised day is a very important issue for them.

Indoor times, Back to the Future!

The same old Management are back in town with the reintroduction of  “Indoor times’. Some Managers are saying that your branch somehow agreed to this form of micro management. Let us be clear, your branch will NEVER support the timing of staff for any function in Australia Post. Quite simply the job takes as long it takes to perform safely while at the same time ensuring a high level of customer service.

Members should have regular counts of their parcels and mail conducted before engaging in any “chats” with management on this issue and ALWAYS ensure you have your Shop Steward or other witness/support person present.

Do not have meetings on your own and let us know immediately if your requests are refused.

Cynically Australia Post are using manipulated data from the “Say to Action” survey to infer that over 40% of staff wanted to see the reintroduction of indoor times , a completely ridiculous proposition!

The reintroduction of indoor times follows the renewed attack on your Authorised Day by senior management  and if the CEO thinks that such measures will help her to rebuild trust with the workforce then she is seriously misguided!

Dispute re use of Contract Labour at Melbourne North PDC

Your Branch has listed as a dispute the proposed use of contact labour at the new Melbourne PDC site at Somerton.

The sorting of Parcels is to be automated with the installation of a new Cross Belt Sorter Machine.

Australia Post are proposing to have a certain proportion of the Machine staffed by contact labour for the terminating product from 12.00am onwards .We are strongly opposed to any automation in any facility in Victoria been staffed by any form of contact labour.

We have sought a final meeting with Australia Post to resolve the dispute and failing that we will be left with no option but to escalate the dispute to the courts.

Authorised Day

Authorised Day Latest

Your Branch has received numerous phone calls regarding Australia Post’s move to declare the Authorised Day at a time other than the Festive season.

An nomination form is circulating that has two options

1) An additional flexible day of annual leave that you can use whenever and however you want.

2) Authorised Day on a date nominated by Australia Post.

Option 1 does not mention that there has to be 5% or less of staff rostered off on the day you would choose, so it’s at best misleading.

In regards to option 2 we have asked Australia Post on a number of occasions to put the day they are intending to nominate on the form so employees are able to make an informed choice, but to date they are refusing.

Australia Post are obliged under the current EBA to nominate a day for this year at some stage.

We have heard reports of mangers stating that Australia Post could declare the Authorised Day of 2019 in March next year.

This is false and misleading.

Please contact us directly if you feel you are been misled by management as this would potentially be a breach of the EBA.

Court case for alleged Part Time underpayments

Part time Underpayments for Public Holidays

Your Branch has listed in the Victorian Magistrates  court for conciliation the issue of Public Holiday Pro Rata pay for Part Time employees.

Many Part Time staff work additional hours and are paid Pro Rata for Recreation Leave  but Australia Post are refusing to pay the same for all Public Holidays.

Our claim is for Post to pay Pro Rata for all Public Holidays and to back date it for all Part Time staff for a period of 6 years which is the maximum allowed under the law.

If we are successful in obtaining a Judgement in the courts Australia Post may be subject to penalties that would be paid to your branch.

We will keep members informed of the case and the first hearing is scheduled  for Wednesday 18th of this month.

AEC Post Election Report

AEC Post Election report

Members are advised that a copy of the Australian Electoral Commission Post Election Report for the 2019 Branch Quadrennial election is available from the Branch or the Australian Electoral Commission on request.

Dispute re proposal for Indoor times for posties (ETOR)

ETOR IN DISPUTE

Australia Post management have decided to re-introduce ‘indoor times’ for posties. They are calling this new system ETOR (Estimated Time on the Road).

The union believes this is a backward step, and have placed the matter in dispute. (See below)

“Indoor times” went out of favour, when the union and management conducted a stop-watch trial in 2013 about Miscellaneous Times.  This established that these far exceeded the 65 minutes Australia Post had allowed and showed that they differed greatly from Delivery Centre to Delivery Centre.  At this time, there was also an understanding that the cost of producing accurate workload estimates in a timely fashion was very expensive.

The final nail in the coffin of individual indoor times was that new processes – sequencing small parcels and scanning were introduced and no-one knew what would be reasonable rates.

Now Vance Duke (Deliveries Operations Manager – VIC/TAS/WA) has randomly selected a rate for sequencing small parcels of 11 per minute!  He has also decided on a rate of 7 parcels per minute for scanning.  These are obviously far too high.

One of our main concerns is about the lack of suitable equipment for posties (and night-sorters) to deal with parcels inside.  It has been over 5 years since our jobs have transitioned from letters to a greater proportion of parcels.  Where is management accountability?  They want us to do our job better and faster, but they don’t do theirs!

Management are ignoring the dispute process and are planning on counting posties parcels and times over the next two weeks to validate their times.  This is NOT the right way to establish sorting rates.

Beware of ‘speed-ups’ and ‘bullying’ inside during the next few weeks.  Please report any of this to the union office and shop-stewards should monitor the figures and times being recorded.

As always, we will keep you informed of the issue as it develops.

4 June 2019

Vance Duke
Operations Manager
Australia Post

Deliveries –VIC/TAS/WA
45 Grosvenor Street
ABBOTSFORD VIC 3067

Vance.Duke@auspost.com.au

Dear Mr Duke

Re: Indoor Estimated on Road Tool (ETOR)

I am writing to place this matter formally in dispute under Clause 42 of the Australia Post Enterprise Agreement 2017.

The union does not agree with the implementation of posties’ ‘indoor’ times.

  • The dispute is primarily about the times that you are trying to set for the sorting of parcels and for scanning.
  • The union is also in disagreement with your arbitrary times set for miscellaneous times.
  • We are also at odds about the whole concept of managing posties’ indoor times in this manner.

As you will be aware, there have been various attempts at providing estimates of work-loads and work-rates for the indoor times for PDOs.

  • Management have employed Team Leaders who are supposed to supervise the PDOs’ indoor time.
  • The cost of data collection to an accuracy that is fair is more than any savings that could be achieved by having ETOR.
  • The time at which such data would be available (after night-shift finishes), comes at a time which makes it unfair to expect posties to have met that estimated time.  For example, a postie who starts at 6am would be unlikely to been given an estimated time until 7.45 or 8 am.
  • It was difficult enough to get reasonable sort rates when posties dealt solely with letters, now that they receive up to 120 parcels a day, it is obvious that the parcels can be a range of types (express, registered, etc), and completely different sizes and weights.
  • It is also clear that there is a compounding factor the greater the number of parcels to be dealt with.
  • The different equipment and systems used by posties also makes a difference to their sort rates.

So far, you have conducted a ‘mickey mouse’ trial with 3 people.  You presented the data to me and a delegate at a meeting on May 20, 2019.  It was clear from this, that the estimates management had made were not valid on most occasions.  Your reports of times achieved differed substantially from the times reported by the participants.

Management have not even tried to examine the different functions and methods involved in dealing with the parcels and scanners inside.  There have been no studies about whether the rates you seek to impose are safe from a manual handling and cognitive load perspective and whether these rates can reasonably be done by a significant majority of the work population.

I know that you are familiar with the required processes under the Work Health Safety Act for when an employer seeks to set a sort rate.  I know you are familiar with ‘the 18/13 small letter’ sort rate setting exercise conducted by LaTrobe University.

Either you need to adopt modern methods of supervising staff while they are working indoors or if you insist on a ‘time and motion” approach, you need to do the work involved in doing this properly.

The definition of a ‘time and motion’ study is: the systematic investigation and analysis of the motions and the time required to  perform a specific operation or task with a view to seeking more efficient methods of production as well as setting time standards.”

This needs to be conducted by experts in a proper manner.

In relation to the Miscellaneous Times I refer you to the stop-watch trials conducted jointly by management and the union over the whole of Australia several years ago which found a large variation in this time according to the size of people’s facilities and tasks.

This probably needs to be updated due to the modes of delivery and different work practices.

I seek your urgent response to this dispute notification.

Yours faithfully
Joan Doyle
Organiser

Communication Workers Union
Postal & Telecommunications Branch Victoria

0419 345 134

Notification from the AEC on uncontested positions

Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia Communications Division

DECLARATION OF RESULTS – E2018/281

Uncontested Offices

Scheduled Election

The results of the election for the following offices conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 and the rules of the organisation are:

Victoria Postal and Telecommunications Branch Branch President (honorary) (1)

Candidates

PUNSHON Christopher Roger

Branch Secretary (1)

Candidates

LAZARO Leroy Brendan

Branch Organiser (3)

Candidates

HENLEY Brendan Michael

HOWSON Andrew Barry

SHELLEY Cindy

Branch Vice President (honorary) (2)

Candidates

SAN JOSE Meredith

SHEAD Peter Thomas

Victoria Postal and Telecommunications Branch Postal Industry Section Divisional Executive Member (honorary) (1)

Candidates

LAZARO Leroy

Divisional Conference Delegate (honorary) (2)

Candidates

LAZARO Leroy

SHELLEY Cindy

Branch Committee of Management Member (honorary) (8)

Candidates

CRITCH Rob

DELGADO Alex

GOMEZ Kevin

GORMAN Ray

HELLER Rob

PATTI Sebastian

REDENBACH Wayne

VEGA Eva

Victoria Postal and Telecommunications Branch Lines and General Industry Section Divisional Executive Member (honorary) (1)

Candidates

BUTLER Valerie Ann

Divisional Conference Delegate (honorary) (1)

Candidates

BUTLER Valerie Ann

Branch Committee of Management Member (honorary) (3)

Candidates

BUTLER Valerie Ann

HUDSON Ross

OZELLA Angelo

As the number of nominations accepted did not exceed the number of positions to be filled, I declare the above candidates elected.

Benjamin Murray Returning Officer
Email: vicelections@aec.gov.au 24/04/2019

 

More Bad News For Post Hr

The Magistrates Court imposed a penalty of $4,500 on Post following a finding that Post breached several clauses of the Post EBA. The money is paid to our branch in Victoria.

The case was simple. A manager called 2 women into his office without notice, told them that the team leader was upset, that he was not going to listen to their excuses and told them that he was moving them to another job (no loss of pay).

The Magistrate found that the manager had denied them the opportunity to have a support person (EBA Clause 42.1.4) and denied them natural justice (EBA Clause 36.5) and denied them other rights (EBA Clause36.6)– which he described as a fundamental right of workers. The case involved 5 witnesses (3 workers and 2 managers). Your EBA is important and contains many protections.

Know your rights and let us know if you believe that they have been breached.

POST BAD NEWS – WHAT THE EBA SAYS

42.1.4 An employee who is a party to the dispute may appoint a representative of their choice, including a union representative, for the purposes of the procedures in this clause.

36.5 In exercising these rights, Australia Post shall not take action which is harsh, unjust or unreasonable.

36.6 Australia Post shall furnish written advice to an employee of a decision under clause 36.1 and of reasons for the decision together with details of the procedures for lodging an application for review.

REGULATOR Sanctions Australia Post For Their Treatment Of Injured Workers

A former Compensation Manager has blown the whistle on Australia Post to the Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (SRCC), the regulator of self-insurers under the SRC Act 1988.

He alleged that Managers had delayed decisions on workers’ compensation claims to benefit financially from meeting KPIs.  The SRCC’s investigation found evidence of delays in processing claims to meet Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate targets in 2012/13 and 2013/14 (under the previous CEO Ahmed Fahour)

The regulator has now imposed new conditions on Australia Post.

  • The CEO will have to provide annual confirmation that practices to delay workers’ compensation claims or manipulate reporting are not occurring.
  • Comcare will conduct targeted reviews of Australia Post’s claims files for the next 3 years.
  • Employees have to be informed of this license breach and will be asked to make claims if they have been disadvantaged.

The Victorian Branch of the union has been meeting with Compensation, Rehabilitation and Human Resources managers about the short-comings of their treatment of injured workers.

  • They have promised to take action against any Manager who refuses to provide an incident report or compensation claim to an injured worker.
  • They say they will give priority to determining claims for new starters and others without leave entitlements.
  • Managers are not to discourage workers from going through the Injury Management process.
  • Rehabilitation Programs have to be set in consultation with the injured workers and their treaters.
  • Managers are not to attend medical examinations.

CAN AUSTRALIA POST CHANGE
THEIR LONG-STANDING CULTURE IN THE TREATMENT OF INJURED WORKERS?

We need to make them for the sake of our injured members.  Please report any poor behaviour to the Union office on 9600 9100
Authorised by Leroy Lazaro Branch Secretary

Increase to Retail Shoe Allowance

In a win for retail members the shoe allowance will be increased to $128 per annum. This will allow retail members, who are on their feet all day, the ability to purchase quality footwear. The new allowance will commence from April 1st. Well done to all members who have assisted us with this  outcome.

If you have any questions on the application of this allowance contact your retail organiser Cindy Shelley on 0407 334 397
email cindy@cwuvic.asn.au

My Health Record

MEMBERS URGED TO CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE IMPACT OF MY HEALTH RECORD

Under a new Federal Government initiative, every Australian will shortly receive an online digital record of their medical history.

The My Health Record system, by default, records all interactions between patients and their medical practitioners, including test and pathology data, and is accessible by any health care provider who may be involved in your care.

This would include employer nominated doctors who may be conducting pre-employment medical evaluations, but, , those who may be examining sick and injured workers for the purpose of determining a workers’ compensation claim – including medical information unrelated to the claimed illness or injury.

Today, should an employer seek to access medical information unrelated to the injury or illness claimed as workers’ compensation, they must first obtain explicit permission from the employee with a medical release authority.

Therefore, your branch is strongly urging all members to carefully consider how this access to your medical information may impact employment related matters in the above scenarios.

Your branch believes access to this crucial medical information should not be permitted for employment related matters, full stop.

Submissions to a recent Parliamentary Inquiry in to the My Health Record heard from experts about concerns related to employment along with governance and privacy overall, along with a criticism of the technology being used to underpin the system and the lack of public communication about being able to opt out of having a digital record created.

A range of privacy and security controls allows individuals to restrict access to certain information contained within their digital record.

Your branch is urging all members to carefully consider those access controls. Information on available restrictions and how to enable them can be found at this web page:

https://www.myhealthrecord.gov.au/for-you-your-family/howtos/set-privacy-and-security-controls

For members who wish to opt out of having a digital record altogether, you have until 15 November 2018 to do so. Following this cut-off, every Australian will get a My Health Record.

To opt out, visit the following web page:

https://www.myhealthrecord.gov.au/…/opt-out-my-health-record

Authorised Holiday Arrangements

Authorised Holiday declared for December 31st

Authorised  Holiday

 Authorised Day to be declared on Monday 31 December 2018

All employees entitled to the Authorised day to be provided with an Expression of Interest (EOI) , and asked to nominate their preferred option as below.

Option 1: work the Authorised Day (with payment being in accordance with applicable “public holiday” penalty rates); or

Option 2: take the Authorised Day off on 31 December  2018 (with payment being in accordance with applicable ordinary rates); or

Option 3: bank an “Authorised Day credit”, to be taken at an alternative, locally agreed date (with payment, when taken, being in accordance with applicable ordinary rates).

AP have agreed that if option 3 is chosen that there will be no expiry date on the “Authorised Day credit”

Operational requirements:

Mail and Parcel Processing facilities: reduced normal public holiday roster (80- 100%) on the Authorised Day, with no deliveries on New Year’s Day. Processing facilities to operate according to normal public holiday arrangements, with respect to which will be negotiated with your branch as part of usual Christmas Arrangements. Parcel Processing Facilities will work a public holiday roster on Saturday 28 December 2018 to cater for Boxing Day volumes, which will be reviewed closer to the date – if volumes  do not  warrant this, a Sunday  roster will be implemented.

Transport: normal public holiday arrangements will apply on the Authorised Day.

Delivery: reduced public holiday roster (approximately 50-80%) – if the network does not have sufficient volunteers through the EOI to work the Authorised Day, the network may then consider asking  posties to work Saturday 29 December 2018.

Mail Centres will work a normal Saturday roster, which will be consulted with your branch in line with usual Christmas Arrangements.

Retail: relevant key carding locations to be open on the Authorised Day, and staffed by volunteers where possible. For Retail, the EOI will be provided to employees at relevant key carding locations as well as nearby facilities, to enable employees at closed outlets to express interest and volunteer to work the Authorised Day at an open outlet.

A list of relevant key carding locations  is currently being developed and will be provided to your branch  prior to the EOI opening.

Customer Call Centres: approximately 85% of normal staffing levels for the Authorised Day.

In all cases above, where there are insufficient volunteers available to meet the operational requirements for the Authorised Day, Australia Post will have further discussions with your branch.

The union recommends that you have a day off on the Authorised Holiday. We fought hard to win it many years ago. 

It is especially important now that management in Victoria are attempting to stop employees  being granted leave in late December and  early January.

However it is a matter of choice and some members may wish to avail of the opportunity to earn extra income if avaliable.

EAMB Meeting on 13th July 2018

Report Back on EMAB dispute’s meeting

DELIVERY SHOP-STEWARDS & MEMBERS BULLETIN

Meeting on EAMBs – 13 July 2018

The union (Joan Doyle, Martin O’Nea (Delivery Organisers), Mark Hennessy (the union’s OHS Advisor) & three shop-stewards – Enzo Mannuzza (Templestowe DC), Diana Grey (Mornington DC) and Rob Critch (Airport West DC) met with Australia Post (Vance Duke – State Manager, Tracey Smith, Michael Otteraa, Stephen Hehir (Enterprise Safety), Jamie Hamilton-Cox (Assets Manager), Monique Kokich (HR) to talk about the implementation of round conversions to EAMBs (electric bikes).

A written agreement is still to be provided but the union wants to consult delivery delegates about this agreement.  Many issues were canvassed but the main issues were as follows:

1.Working Party to be Set Up

Management agreed to establish a working party of posties with special skills and interest in electric bikes.This group will be tasked with making suggestions of how to make the electric bikes ‘fit for purpose” and with making suggestions about PPE and uniform for push-bike posties.

IF YOU HAVE ANYONE AT YOUR DC WHO WOULD BE GOOD ON THIS GROUP PLEASE FORWARD THEIR NAMES TO JOAN OR MARTIN OR THE UNION OFFICE ASAP.

2.Assessment of Rounds

Where there is disagreement with management or the local National Delivery Modelling Tool meeting’s assessment of which rounds are suitable for conversion or with for example, the length of the EAMB round, posties can appeal the Decision to a Review Panel made up of management and the union.

3.Genuine reasons

Management agreed that if individual posties had ‘genuine’ reasons not to convert to an EAMB round that they would not be coerced to convert to an EAMB.These may be medical reasons or may relate to exposure risks or other practical reasons.Again, an appeal right would exist to the Review Panel.

4.Reverting to your motor-bike mode of delivery if you give the EAMB a try and don’t want to proceed.

Management said it was current practice to allow posties to change-over in an eight week period i.e. posties can use their motor-bikes if they are sore or it is a heavy day until the posties are ‘work-hardened.’ The union asked that posties be allowed to remain on their motor-bikes if they have tried the EAMB and couldn’t get comfortable using it.The union started off suggesting a 2 week trial period while management wanted to have an 8 week trial period.WE WOULD LIKE YOUR VIEWS ON WHAT WOULD BE A REASONABLE TRIAL PERIOD.

5.Upgrades to existing EAMBs

If posties are on older models of the EAMBs and need to upgrade for some reason, they need to provide their names to the union office with an explanation of why they need an upgrade.

Authorised: Leroy Lazaro Branch Secretary
For further information ring the union office: 9387 0189
Joan Doyle: 0419 345 134; Martin O’Nea: 0437 409 770

Letter to AP on forced eAMB Rollout

15th June 2018

Vance Duke
Australia Post
State     Manager-Vic/Tas 

E Commerce Delivery

Dandenong Letters Centre
120 Nathan Road
DANDENONG SOUTH VIC 3175

Attention: Tracey Smith

Dear Mr Duke

Re: Implementation of e AMB Conversions

The union is fielding many complaints about the accelerated and widespread introduction of e AMBs. We believe that the implementation approach is causing unnecessary barriers.

We have been dismayed about the local notification of the ‘new approach’. To successfully implement this change we need rounds to be properly assessed and each postie to be assessed as to whether this mode of delivery is appropriate for them. We also need the pasties to be ergonomically fitted to their bikes.  To have Managers coming out  at Toolbox  meetings saying that all rounds are to be converted post-haste (e.g. Manager at Nunawading DC this week declared all rounds will be converted) is not helpful and is a breach of our consultation  rights  in the Enterprise Agreement.

There are already some rounds that have been converted that are inappropriate either because of size or terrain e.g. Round 41 at Ferntree Gully Delivery Centre. These problems need to be fixed to restore confidence in the process.

It is of no value to convert rounds ‘willy nilly’ and to end up with other safety problems e.g. serious muscular skeletal problems from riding bikes not suited to the pasties stature, of injuries caused by repetitive peak force incidents because there are no made footpaths and rolled gutters.

The union is seeking to set up a consultative group to review problems identified during the implementation of the roll-out of eAMBs.

We are also seeking a commitment to issue red step-through bikes to pasties who are currently on uncomfortable yellow eAMBs and retrofitted AMBs and want to elect to upgrade. We have come across quite a number of pasties who are having difficulty getting on and offthe older bikes and this is a serious WHS concern.

We are also seeking an understanding of what management believe are rounds that can only be delivered on a motor-bike. This could reduce the amount of disputation out in Delivery Centres.

We are also seeking a commitment that management will show some respect to the older pasties who do not believe they are physically capable of pedalling on an eAMB and who want to remain on their motor-bikes until they retire in a few years’ time.

I look forward to your prompt response.

Yours faithfully
Joan Doyle
Delivery Organiser

Letter to CEO Christine Holgate regarding AMP and Superannuation for Accumulation members.

Ms Christine Holgate

Managing director and group CEO
Australia Post

111 Bourke St
Melbourne 3000
20th April 2018

Dear Christine

I am writing on behalf of our members to voice our concerns regarding the disturbing news from the Royal Commission into the Banking Sector regarding the exposure of practices at AMP.

Our members who are in the default AMP accumulation Superannuation fund have potentially been exposed to unacceptable risk.  I am sure that you are as perturbed by these revelations as we are.

We would ask that you undertake a review of AMP’s status as the default Superannuation fund and also examine the circumstances of how and why AMP was appointed in the first place.  We would be extremely concerned if commissions have been paid to individuals and or if there were improper business arrangements between Australia Post and AMP to gain the default fund status.

Our Branch’s preferred default fund has always been for an Industry Fund to be appointed. Take Australian Super, one of the biggest Industry Fund as an example. Workers in the Australian Super default option would have been far better off in regards to both returns and fees and charges, than being in AMP.

For instance,

  • Australian Super Balanced

Over last 5 Years 12.44% p.a.

  • AMP Balanced

Over last 5 Years 7.39% p.a.

  • Australian Super Conservative

Over last 5 Years 9.26% p.a.

  • AMP Conservative

Over last 5 Years 4.12% p.a.

Not withstanding the unethical practices of AMP outlined at the Royal Commission, the above figures clearly show that the Australia Post accumulation fund members would have been far better off over the past 5 years in an Industry Fund and that is reason enough to end AMP’s status as the default accumulation fund. This is a benefit that Australia Post can offer employees without any cost to the corporation.

I look forward to your initial response and have full confidence that you will do all you can to deal with this issue

Best regards

Leroy Lazaro
State Secretary
Communication Workers Union

Public Holiday Rostering

The Fair Work Act 2009 ( s114) states that an employer may request an employee to work on a public holiday if the request is reasonable. Likewise, the employee can refuse to work on a public holiday if the request from the employer is not reasonable or the refusal by the employee is reasonable.

In the former situation, the onus of proof is on the employer, while in the latter it is on the employee(s). There is nothing in the Act to support the idea that employees can only be requested to volunteer to work on public holidays or that work on public holidays is prohibited.

How do you determine whether an employer’s request — or an employee’s refusal — is reasonable?

The Fair Work Commission’s test is as follows:

  • the nature of the employer’s workplace and the employee’s work
  • the employee’s personal circumstances, including family/carer responsibilities
  • whether the employee could reasonably expect the employer might request work on the public holiday
  • whether the employee is entitled to receive overtime or other penalty payments or other compensation that reflects the expectation to work on public holidays
  • the type of employment of the employee (e.g. full-time, part-time, casual or a shift worker)
  • the amount of notice given by the employer when making a request
  • the amount of notice given by the employee when refusing a request.

The relevance of each of these factors and the weight to be given to each will vary according to the particular circumstances. In some cases, a single factor will be of great importance and outweigh all others, while in others there will be a balancing exercise between factors.

Where an employee is employed in a workplace that requires a certain level of staffing on a public holiday  and has been given warning of the likelihood of being required to work on public holidays, a request by an employer to work may be considered reasonable.

On the other hand, a refusal by an employee of a request to work on a public holiday may be reasonable where, for example, the employee has notified the employer in advance that he or she will not be able to work on the public holiday because of family responsiblities .

Family responsiblities  may include

  • Caring for children
  • Travel with family
  • Family social events
  • Looking after elderly family members

If you are asked to work on a public holiday but are unable to due to family responsibilties , ensure you give management sufficient notice after the request to work has been made.

Remember that if you do work any public holidays then ensure you receive the public holiday loading of 250% and do not be conned into swapping any public holidays, including the Authorised Holiday, for another day later down the track.

Contact us directly on 03 9387 0189  if you need any further advice.

Another milestone for our Keep Me Posted campaign

Department of Treasury calls for submissions into banning charges for paper based bills and statements

The Department of Treasury has called for submissions on four options regarding fees/charges for paper based bills and statements in the latest milestone for our Keep Me Posted campaign.The options range from doing nothing to banning all fees/charges for consumers who wish to recieve their bills and statements via the traditional mail service. Members would be well aware of the increasing number of companies who charge a fee to tell Australians how much they owe!

Your Branch will be making a formal submission and we are urging members to do the same.Outlawing these unfair charges will increase the number of letters sent and will help protect your jobs

If you are involved with any community/advocate groups then please encourage them to make a submisson as well.

Here is the link to the Treasury submission page and the consultation paper that canvass the four options.

https://consult.treasury.gov.au/small-business-and-consumer-division/fees-for-paper-bills/

Submissions close on December 22nd

Federal Court AWOTE Superannuation Judgement

Unfortunately, the Federal Court did not rule in our favour on any of our 3 claims and has dismissed our Application.

Members would be aware of the decision by Ahmed Fahour that was implemented in July 2014 to cease AWOTE indexation thereby freezing the Final Annual Salary of 17,000 out of the 24,000 employees in the defined benefit Australia Post Superannuation Scheme.

To quote Justice Mortimer’s  Conclusion:

“This outcome may appear to give Australia Post some impunity for the way in which, without direct consultation with its own employees, it removed a superannuation entitlement of considerable benefit to a large number of employees, and which had been in place for a long time.  The timing of Australia Post’s decision-making, so soon after the approval of the enterprise agreement, could certainly have been seen by employees as involving some deliberate withholding of information from them.  At the least, it was far from good industrial practice.  However, it was not a contravention of the law in any of the ways alleged by the applicants in this proceeding.”

This Decision is very bad news for members, but we are not giving up.  We intend lobbying our parliamentary representatives about this retrospective attack on the retirement income of lower paid workers.

Thanks to Glenn Farley, Mick Walters and Gary Cleland, the members who helped bring the claim.

We will be arranging a meeting of affected members shortly to discuss this lobbying and any other further options.

Leroy Lazaro
Secretary CWU Victoria
Please find a link to the Decision below

Federal Court AWOTE Superannuation Judgement

Your Authorised Holiday under attack.Again !

The ink is not even dry on the recent EBA and Australia Post are up to their old tricks again. Recent communications from AP indicate that they are attempting to make a move on your hard won and worked for Authorised Holiday at Christmas time.

In typical fashion AP talk about giving you “choice” but your choice was made clear during EBA negotiations when the vast majority of Victorian members resolutely rejected the concept of adding this important day to your annual leave and it losing it’s importance.

EBA 9 is clear on the issue.

Clause 29 Public holidays

29.1 Designated Holidays

The following days will be observed as public holidays:

(a) New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Monday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day; and

(b) the following days, as prescribed in the relevant States, Territories and localities: (i) Australia Day; (ii) Anzac Day; (iii) Queen’s Birthday; and (iv) Eight Hours’ Day or Labour Day; and

(c) in addition to the holidays prescribed in clauses 29.1(a) and 29.1(b), the following days shall be observed as holidays:

(i) New South Wales: An Authorised Holiday on the same day as determined by Australia Post to apply nationally;

(ii) Victoria: Melbourne Cup Day or local equivalent;

(iii) Queensland: Royal National Show or the day gazetted for the local show in the appropriate area;

(iv) South Australia: Adelaide Cup Day;

(v) Western Australia: Foundation Day;

(vi) Tasmania: Royal Hobart Regatta (Southern Tasmania) or Recreation Day (Northern Tasmania); (vii) Northern Territory: Picnic Day;

(viii) ACT: Canberra Day

DO NOT BE BLUFFED OR BULLIED!

Remember that with the current status of the Authorised Holiday, if you volunteer to work on the day you receive public holiday rates – 250%.

The EBA is clear that the day must be observed nationally.

Between Christmas and New Years’ is the ideal time. Many businesses are either closed or running with a skeleton staff and there many people on holidays with their families.

The Authorised Holiday is in the correct place already!

You all work very hard during the peak period and many are unable to avail of annual leave during December.

Your Authorised Holiday, that provides you with that little bit extra time with your own families, is off limits as far as we are concerned and you should let local management know that and remind them of what the EBA says on the matter.

Leroy Lazaro Branch Secretary

Delivery Night-Shift Changes Proposed

DELIVERY NIGHT-SHIFT CHANGES PROPOSED

Management have announced major changes to Delivery Night-shift.

They wish to reduce night-shift operations to the following Delivery Centres:

  • Dandenong
  • Port Melbourne
  • Western
  • Airport West
  • Preston
  • Sunbury &
  • North Geelong / Corio

In additional to this re-structure, they are looking to down-size.  They believe about a third of Night-shift sorters are surplus.

This change is a consequence of the introduction of the new letter-sorting technology which allows the round-sorting of large letters. Management have released an Expression of Interest form which has been distributed to night-sorters.

The union is sceptical about the need to eliminate all other night-shift operations.  There are large night-shifts operating at Mooroolbark, Moorabbin and Hoppers Crossing DCs that it would make sense to retain.  We are concerned that the extra work in de-canting and distributing sequenced and round-sorted large letter mail and small parcels has been under-estimated.

(Small parcels going to Delivery increased by 46% last year, and 88% in the last month).

We are concerned about the long-distances some operations are being asked to shift (e.g. Templestowe, Mooroolbark and Deepdene are supposed to relocate to DLC and Brighton is supposed to go to Port Melbourne).

 We have not been informed how the residue work sorted at the large DCs will reach the smaller DCs in time for delivery and just who will deliver this mail.

Organisers are currently visiting night-shift operations to discuss options with members.  In the meantime, feel free to ring the union office (9600 9100) or Joan (0419 345 134) (any time if the matter is urgent, but preferably between 5am and midnight).

We would advise night-shift members to remember that

  • there are no compulsory redundancies
  • a reasonable redeployment is usually one with the same pay-rate and shift-time and within 30 kms and/or 30 minutes
  • that you do not have to fill in an Expression of Interest at all but
  • if you would really like to work at Melbourne Gateway Facility you should declare your interest immediately as there are only about 13 or 14 jobs available there
  • if you are actively seeking a Voluntary Redundancy Package (VRP) now then make your interest known
  • if your operations are slated to go to one DC but you would prefer to go to another, then make that known asap.
  • Don’t panic; we believe this process will be done with consultation and that implementation of this stage of night-shift changes may take until November before they are completed.

Day-shift PDOs dreaming of a consequential VRP should apply to the Swaps Register (Contact Post People 1st 9107 1308).

Postal News Bulletin 13th July

EBA9 BALLOT RESULT

The results are in and a majority of Australia Post staff have supported the EBA9 offer from Australia Post. Almost 60% of employees eligible to vote returned their ballots. 74% of employees nationally voted ‘yes’.

Australia Post workers in Victoria rejected the deal with 55% voting ‘NO’.

In the run up to the ballot, CWU members in Victoria were clear that the proposed offer was unacceptable and asked the Branch to conduct a Vote No campaign. A random survey conducted by your Branch saw 75% of members wishing to take some form of industrial action in order to secure a better outcome (21% were unsure and and 4% were unwilling.)

Despite, the mother of all scare campaigns waged by Australia Post management and others, Victoria returned the highest NO VOTE recorded over the last 3 EBA’s.

EBA9 VICTORIAN MEMBER SURVEYS AND FEEDBACK

Members were clear on the issues that were important:removing the Superannuation FAS freeze, ensuring ALL operational staff are paid equally, guaranteeing shift penalty rates and a decent pay rise fully built into your hourly rate. None of these were a part of EBA9 offer.

PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS

The support in other State branches for the EBA, would have been due in part to the issue of Payroll Deductions. A number of branches outside Victoria have a significant proportion of their membership on Payroll Deductions and any threats from Australia Post to remove such would have had influence.

At the end of EBA8 Australia Post removed Payroll Deductions from your Branch as  payback because your branch did not support EBA8 (due in part to inadequate Superannuation guarantees) and although it was a hit at the time, with strong member support we recovered and Australia Post no longer have any access to membership details and can no longer threaten the finances of your Branch.

POOR NATIONAL CAMPAIGN

Victorians were disappointed at the less than whole-hearted campaign run by the national union office.

The first signs of the campaign going off the rails was an email from the Divisional Secretary to the head of HR on 26 October, 2016 setting 3 EBA negotiation meetings before Xmas and then suggesting “resuming in February some time.” So much for achieving a back to back Agreement!

We were also worried about the fact that the Victorian Secretary was excluding from a meeting about the wage offer with Ahmed Fahour on 25 January 2017.

The Victorian representatives tried to get the EBA campaign back on track at a meeting of the Divisional Executive held on March 30, 2017 by moving a motion directing the Divisional Secretary to take action in the Fair Work Commission to secure a Protected Industrial Action Ballot.  This was supported unanimously! The Divisional Secretary took no action, and only stirred himself and the national office officials, to go out with management to Victorian workplaces to sell a Yes Vote!

WORK CONTINUES

Our fight to fully represent your issues goes on and campaigns such as “Keep me Posted” that advocate for outlawing charging for paper based bills and statements will continue.

We need decent care for injured workers and to stop the unequal treatment of 6.30am start posties.  Full enforcement of EBA terms and conditions will as always be a top priority.

With other mailing industry Unions such as the AMWU and CFMEU PPW we will be seeking a meeting with the new CEO as soon as Christine Holgate moves into the role in October. We will be putting the case for returning Australia Post to the position of the world’s best postal service. We will also be raising the other issues that were not secured in EBA 9.

DIGNITY INTACT

Victorian members can hold their heads high for the fight you showed during the EBA campaign. You did not succumb to the biggest scare campaign ever waged on postal workers in this country and it is an honor and a privilege to represent you all.

TAX TIME

It’s that time of year again. Remember that your Union dues are tax deductible and you may also be able to claim a deduction for the difference between any meal allowances that you receive and the meal allowance rate that is set by the taxation office which is currently $29.40. Discuss this with your Tax agent/Accountant. Shop Stewards and HSR’s may also be able to claim extra deductions for our of pocket expenses if they are related to your employment. Again discuss this with your Tax agent/accountant.

APSS AND AWOTE FEDERAL COURT CASE

We still await the result from the Court Case about APSS and the indexation of Final Annual Salary by AWOTE against Fahour’s decision that has seen the Final Annual Salary (FAS) for 17,000 of 24,000 employees frozen. Your branch took action in the Federal court on behalf of Victorian members and the case was heard at the end of March. A verdict is due any day now.

Authorised: Leroy Lazaro, Branch Secretary

EBA Vote no

EBA9 vote no

VOTE NO TO A PAY-CUT (IN REAL TERMS)

Ahmed is offering a pay-rise of 0.5%* in September & 1.5%** in December each year.

The CPI is already 2.1% and rising. It is expected to be at least 2.5% next year.

  • *0.5% for a base level postal worker on the top increment and with 15% penalty rates =14.5 cents per hour or $5.33 per week
  • It is equal to 11. cents per hour or $4.15 per week for a postal worker on the first increment without penalty rates.
  • **1.5% for a base level postal worker on the top increment and with 15% penalty rates = 43.7 cents per hour or $16.06 per week
  • It is equal to34.08 cents per hour or $12.52per week for a postal worker on the first increment without penalty rates.

VOTE NO – YOU DESERVE A REAL PAY-RISE

Australia Post has declared a $197 million profit for the half-year. We are done with tightening our belts. Remember EBA 7 with the three years of 1 ½ %. Remember the CEO’s and the General Managers pay hikes.

DON’T BE MISLED

MYTH 1: There is a government directive. For the government policy to apply to Australia Post the share-holder Ministers would have to issue a Ministerial directive. This has not been done as confirmed during the Senate Estimates hearing (24/5/17). There is a considerable political cost for the Government if they did this. It is selfevident that the policy does not apply because of the bonus on offer and the huge pay-hikes claimed by Executives.

MYTH 2: You will lose the RRR Agreement or your conditions.

EBA 8 continues on until a new EBA is voted up. A majority of staff would have to agree to giving-up our RRRAgreement and other entitlements. This is not going to happen!

MYTH 3. A Bonus is as good as a pay-rise.
The bonus on offer has strings attached to it and is therefore not guaranteed. It does not count for salary (e.g.allowances, penalties or over-time) or for Superannuation purposes. Once taxed and spent it is gone! The facts ofthe matter are that given the expected cost of living increases, if postal workers accept this offer we will have lower salaries in 2020 than we have now.

MYTH 4: You can’t do better.

We can and must do better. This offer is worse than even the government’s policy because most of it is paid at the end of each year. The last 1 ½ % will only be paid for the last few weeks of the agreement. We need to pursue better protection for retail, secure our penalty rates, including for newer starters and make sure that the value of our Superannuation is restored.

EBA9 – Vote No To A Pay-Cut

EBA 9 COVERS 2017, 2018 & 2019.

Ahmed is offering a pay-rise of 0.5%* in September & 1.5%** in December each year. The CPI is already 2.1% and rising. It is expected to be at least 2.5% next year. *0.5% for a base level postal worker on the top increment and with 15% penalty rates =14.5 cents per hour or $5.33 per week

It is equal to 11. cents per hour or $4.15 per week for a postal worker on the first increment without penalty rates. **1.5% for a base level postal worker on the top increment and with 15% penalty rates = 43.7 cents per hour or $16.06 per week

It is equal to34.08 cents per hour or $12.52per week for a postal worker on the first increment without penalty rates.

VOTE NO – YOU DESERVE A REAL PAY-RISE

Read More

EBA9 Update

  1. REVISED OFFER –  Australia Post have made small adjustments to their offer
  2. SURVEY –  Union member survey about EBA offer
  3. EBA OUT TO A VOTE –  We assume Aust Post will ask employees to vote on the EBA proposal.

If there are no changes to the current position from Australia Post, the Victorian Branch of the union STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE NO.

Read More

EBA9 – Update 21 March 2017

  1. AHMED ROADSHOW – offered a “One Team Reward”
  2. THE MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR MAN – real reason for CEO departure
  3. EBA9 CLAIMS & GOVERNMENT POLICY – caps EBA pay rise
  4. FOCUS GROUPS – employee testing of EBA9
  5. NEXT STEPS – reject current offer prepare for protected action ballot

Read More

EBA9 – Members Have 3 Issues To Consider

  1. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BARGAINING POLICY – The Turnbull bargaining policy for the Public Service and Government Business Enterprises including Australia Post, is designed to limit or reduce entitlements that already exist in EBA8 and places a cap on pay rises that can be negotiated.
  2.  AUSTRALIA POST CLAIMS – Australia Post have put 8 claims on the table and while 1 or 2 of these claims just amount to little more than tidying up the wording in the agreement the majority seem to be seeking an open cheque book for a range of issues.
  3. WINNING OUR CLAIMS – Your branch has submitted a number of claims on behalf of Victorian members that were identified from our member survey.

EBA9 NEXT STEPS
SUPERANNUATION COURT CASE

MEMBERS MEETING – Saturday, March 4th, 12 Noon
Union Office, 75 Melville Road, Brunswick West.

EBA9 Victorian Member Survey 1st

Members will be aware that the current Fair Work Agreement EBA8 expires on 31stt of December 2016. Negotiations for the new EBA should be starting anytime from the middle of August to the middle of September. Your branch is conducting a survey of the Victorian Membership so that we are well placed to put your issues on the table.

It’s your EBA and it’s essential that all Members take part in what is probably the most important EBA you will see in your time with Australia Post.
The survey is available for download >
and online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X8JHFDX

You can also access through the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CWU-Postal-Telecommunication-Branch-of-Victoria-216517875215594/

We have also posted out the survey and distributed via workplace visits and your local delegates. Let us know if you have any ideas or want to play a role in the campaign.

Read More

EBA9 Victorian Member Survey 2nd

Your Union needs to hear from you – EBA9 membership survey

The Victorian Branch has already commenced its EBA9 campaign and posted out the 1st EBA9 survey (below) to all members. Thanks to the hundreds of members who have returned their surveys. For those members who have not completed the first survey here is another opportunity to complete the 2nd survey and return it to the CWU P&T.
The second survey will be sent to you in the mail shortly, and is also available for download >

Read More

Authorised Holiday under attack Again!

7 September, 2016 Just over three years ago to the day, during EBA8 negotiations, Australia Post laid out its proposal to remove the Authorised Holiday (Union Picnic Day) and allocate employees with an additional Recreation Leave day instead. The proposal didn’t go very far. Members reacted immediately and in large numbers….

Union EBA9 Campaign Kicks Off

EBA9 campaign survey packs are in the mail. Over the next week members will receive a campaign survey pack in the mail containing an EBA9 Union member survey with a reply paid envelope to return it to your Victorian Branch. As your Union commences its campaign to deliver…. Read More>

Download Current EBA8 >

An EBA9 that delivers for postal workers and their families.

As Australia Post embarks on yet more changes, it’s more important than ever to ensure that our members are not forgotten and left behind in the process.

That’s why your Union will fight for an EBA9 that delivers the job security, the safety and the pay that postal workers and their families expect, deserve and rely upon.

Contact the Victorian Branch on 03 9387 0189 for union membership application forms and Reply Paid envelopes. Or use the Contact Us > link to order or share your thoughts with us.