1. From the Public Transport Union, Bus Division - concerning a dispute with State Transit over safety issues regarding the northern approach to the Harbour Bridge. The Union expressed its appreciation to Executive Officer, Com. John Robertson, in ensuring that the Northern Depots only lost their Industry Allowance for one week. The Union condemned State Transit Management for escalating the dispute and their inability to handle safety issues.
Com. Sams moved Executive Recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and a copy of the correspondence be provided to Executive Officer, Com. John Robertson."
Com. N. Lewocki seconded.
CARRIED
2. From Australian Business Limited - thanking Labor Council and its affiliates for their involvement in, and commitment to, the New South Wales Small Business Company. Since its inception, in January 1995, 8252 small business traineeships had been created which was an achievement to be proud of. It particularly appreciated Council's positive response to the need to change the operations and structure of the Small Business Traineeship Company in the light of the new employment services market which comes into effect in May 1998. An Advisory Group would be established for its labour market services activities and it would welcome Labor Council's involvement on this Group.
Com. Sams moved Executive Recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and noted."
Com. S. Moait seconded.
CARRIED
3. From the Sydney May Day Committee - advising that it was currently finalising this year's May Day Activities to ensure a large and successful turnout for this year's events. The May Day toast would be held on Friday, May 1, 1998, 6:00 p.m. at the Graphic Arts Club. The May Day procession would be held on Sunday, May 3, assembling at the Town Hall Square at 12:00 noon and proceeding along George Street at 1:00 p.m., concluding with a rally in First Fleet Park at Circular Quay. The Union expressed the importance of organisations to commence their organising now to ensure maximum turnout and demonstrate our opposition to anti-worker, anti-community policies currently coming out of Canberra.
Com. Sams moved Executive Recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and the details of the May Day activities be advised to all affiliates."
Com. B. Robson seconded.
CARRIED
4. From the Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon. Brian Langton, MP - referring to Council's recent correspondence, written on behalf of the New South Wales Teachers' Federation, regarding call out charges made by the NSW Fire Brigades for attendance at false alarms. The purpose of the charge was to bring to the attention of the building owner that, despite efforts to ensure the serviceability of their system, it was generating an unacceptable level of false calls. The NSW Fire Brigades Act also allows the Commissioner the discretion to waive charges made under this part of the legislation and an appeal against any such charges may be made to him.
Com. Sams moved Executive Recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and a copy be forwarded to the New South Wales Teachers' Federation who originally raised the issue with Labor Council."
Com. B. Johnson seconded.
CARRIED
5. From the Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union - advising of the forthcoming International Day of Mourning for Dead and Injured Workers, with Child Labour as this year's special topic, which will be held on April 28, 1998. The Union requested Council advise all affiliates of the Day.
Com. Sams moved Executive Recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and details of the International Day of Mourning for Dead and Injured Workers be brought to the attention of all affiliates."
Com. G. McLean seconded.
CARRIED
6. From the Secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union, New South Wales Vehicle Division, Com. Bill Taylor - advising Council of his retirement, as of Friday, April 24, 1998, after more than 29 years as a full time Officer of the Vehicle Builders Union, and AMWU Vehicle Division, following the amalgamation in 1993. Com. Taylor had been a delegate to Labor Council from about 1970/71 and served as the Secretary of the Manufacturing Group 2 for several years and as an Executive member of Council. The Union's Assistant Secretary, Com. Gary Hingle, would become Acting Secretary of the Vehicle Division of the AMWU and he hoped that Labor Council would extend the same support to Com. Hingle that had been extended to him over the past 29 years. Com. Taylor wished the Secretary of Labor Council and his colleagues every success for the future.
Com. Sams moved Executive Recommendation:-
"That the correspondence be received and Labor Council express its appreciation and thanks to Com. Bill Taylor for his lifelong commitment to the labour movement and to the Vehicle Builders Union in particular. We wish him well in retirement and recognise with thanks his contribution to the collective union movement by his involvement with the Labor Council over many years."
Com. R. Collison seconded.
CARRIED
ANNOUNCEMENT:-
About Unions NSW
