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
