Meeting held : 23 October 1997
Chair of Meeting: The President, Com. J. Whelan
LABOR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MEETING HELD 23RD OCTOBER, 1997 IN THE
TRADES HALL AUDITORIUM
AT CORNER GOULBURN AND SUSSEX STREETS, SYDNEY, AT 6.05 P.M.
PRESENT:- M. Lennon (Acting Secretary).
The Acting Secretary, Com. M. Lennon, moved:-
"That the minutes as circulated be received."
Com. V. Higgins seconded.
CARRIED
The Acting Secretary, Com. M. Lennon, moved:-
"That the minutes as circulated be adopted."
Com. C. Hodges seconded.
CARRIED
CREDENTIALS:-
For tonight's meeting:
From The Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia - appointing K.
Price in place of K. Boyd.
Moved and seconded:-
"That the credentials be received
and the delegates welcomed."
APOLOGIES:-
Apologies were received and accepted from: P. Sams, M. Costa, L.
Darnley, J. Merchant.
EXECUTIVE BUSINESS
CORRESPONDENCE:-
1. From the Australian Council of Trade Unions - providing
correspondence from the Minister for Workplace Relations, the Hon. Peter Reith,
MP, concerning the Minister's proposal that the Commonwealth no longer provide
transcripts for parties appearing before the Australian Industrial Relations
Commission, and requesting Labor Council provide any input or suggestions.
Com. Lennon moved Executive Recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and Labor Council rejects the user pay
principle for the supply of transcripts which will unfairly impact on the union
movement and weaken its capacity to defend its members' interests in tribunal
proceedings. Labor Council should press its submission to the Government on
this matter."
Com. B. Riordan seconded.
CARRIED
2. From the Australian Workers' Union, Greater New South Wales
Branch - seeking Labor Council's assistance for the re-negotiation of the
ICI Redundancy Agreement. There were a number of matters relating to this
agreement which would have ramifications for this industry and other industries
of a similar nature.
Com. Lennon moved Executive Recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and the request for a meeting of ICI
Unions be agreed to."
Com. G. Livermore seconded.
CARRIED
3. From the Transport Workers' Union of Australia, New South
Wales Branch - concerning the Report into the `Transport and Delivery of
Cash and other Valuables Industry' by the Industrial Relations Commission.
Although the report had been delivered to the office of the Minister eight
months ago, not one measure to help protect armoured car drivers had been
introduced. The Union questioned how serious the Government was about making
the industry safer. It advised Labor Council it was calling on the Minister for
Industrial Relations to ensure all 74 recommendations of the Commission's
Report were made a priority by this Government and fully implemented. It sought
the support of Labor Council and affiliates in creating a safer working
environment for workers in the Cash in Transit industry.
Com. Lennon moved Executive Recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and Labor Council support the efforts
of the Transport Workers Union and other unions in seeking a safer working
environment for their members in the Cash in Transit industry. Further, Labor
Council seek an urgent meeting with the Minister for Industrial Relations
regarding the implementation of the Report's recommendations."
Com. T. Sheldon seconded.
CARRIED
4. From the New South Wales Department of Industrial
Relations - concerning the review of the `deemed employee' provisions
relating to Council Swimming Pool Operators and Supervisors, and advising that
it was coordinating the review and had prepared a discussion paper outlining
the issues it considered relevant to the review. The Department provided a copy
of the discussion paper to Labor Council and sought comments, in respect of the
three options outlined, by November 14, 1997.
Com. Lennon moved Executive Recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and referred to a meeting of Local
Government Unions for consideration and further advice."
Com. C. Hodges seconded.
CARRIED
5. From the Public Transport Union, New South Wales Branch - expressing
concern that the potential for major disruption to Sydney's rail network, and
ultimately the entire inner city transport, continues to exist due to the
proliferation of bomb threats. The turmoil caused to the transport system last
Thursday, October 16, when a suspicious item was located at Redfern, again
highlighted the need for a coordinated response including training for rail,
bus and taxi employees. The Union requested Labor Council arrange a meeting of
affiliates potentially involved in an endeavour to formulate a position on
behalf of members affected.
Com. Lennon moved Executive Recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and a meeting of relevant affiliates
be convened as requested."
Com. B. Plain seconded.
CARRIED
ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Acting Secretary, Com. M. Lennon, advised affiliates that last week's
Labor Party Party "Maintain the Rage" Rage had been a success, particularly the
great performance by Secretary, Peter Sams, on the cello.
COUNCIL ADJOURNED AT 6.21 P.M.
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