Meeting held : 12 February 2004
Chair of Meeting: The President, Comrade. Sandra Moait
Location of the meeting : Trades Hall Auditorium, 4 Goulburn St Sydney
PRESENT: J. Robertson (Secretary), M. Lennon (Assistant Secretary), C. Christodoulou, A. Peters, M. Gadiel (Deputy Assistant Secretaries).
The Secretary, Com. J. Robertson moved: -
"That the minutes as circulated be received".
Com. B. Holmes seconded.
CARRIED
The Secretary, Com. J. Robertson moved: -
"That the minutes as circulated be adopted".
Com. B. Riordan seconded.
CARRIED
CREDENTIALS
From The Textile Clothing & Footwear Union of Australia (NSW Branch) appointing: - M. Edwards in place of J. Owens, H. Nguyen in place of S. Davis, P. Lane in place of B. Tubner.
From The Australian Workers' Union appointing: - G. Hillier in place of C. Bodnar, A. Stone in place of M. Wilmore.
From The NSW Teachers Federation appointing: - C. O'Sheades in place of M. Rosicky, B. Sexton in place of C. Emzin-Boyd.
FOR THE ENSUING YEAR
From The NSW Nurses' Association appointing: - V. Anderson, A. Claude, G. Davies, Y. Geczy, L. Griffiths, B. Holmes, J. Kiejda, F. McQuade, R. Martin, J. O'Brien, T. O'Grady, H. Rebeiro, L. Ridge, N. Scilinato, J. Scotti, D. St Clair, K. Sullivan, M. Waters, R. Whatman, M. Yates
From The Transport Workers Union appointing: - A. Sheldon, W. Forno, B. Penton, S. Connolly, W. Irvine, D. Lupton, R. Marsters, F. Altoff, J. Lawrence and alternate delegates T. O'Donnell, S. Novak, L. Hutchins, P. Bradbury, C. Hueston, M. Kaine, G. Nightingale, J. Crjen, N. Nyols.
From The Finance Sector Union of Australia NSW/ACT Branch appointing: - S. Walsh, P. Cashman, C. Wilson, J. Buckland, C. Gambian, M. Gatfield, G. Derrick.
From The Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union, Construction and General Division appointing: - A. Ferguson, T. Papa, B. Parker, P. Davey, G. Preston, R. Mallia, D. McLaren, K. Iles.
From The Flight Attendants Association of Australia, International Division appointing: - J. Brem, A. Smedley, M. Mijatov.
From The Police Association of NSW appointing: - I. Ball, P. Tunchon, M. Corboy, M. Spring, A. Whitton, G. Black, P. Remfrey.
From The Australian Workers' Union Greater NSW Branch appointing: - N. Allen, C. Bodnar, V. Falconer, D. Renshall, S. Rumph, R. Tripodi, M. Wilmore and alternate delegates K. Brown, L. Doherty, G. Hillier, P. Howes, T. Mitchell, A. Stone.
From The NSW Teachers' Federation appointing: - S. Callan, J. Lemaire.
The Secretary, Com. J. Robertson moved: -
"That the credentials be received and the delegates welcomed".
Com. G. Dwyer seconded.
CARRIED
APOLOGIES
Apologies were received and accepted for: - A. Perkins, T. O'Grady, D. Bliss, N. Lewocki, B. Tubner.
EXECUTIVE BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE: -
1. From the United Services Union: - advising Labor Council that on 28th January 2004 Commissioner Dangerfield of the South Australian Industrial Relations Commission delivered a significant judgement with regards to secure employment. The Union said the decision determined that two members of the South Australian Branch of the Australian Services Union employed by Direct Personnel who worked at Transport South Australia were entitled to be considered permanent employees and therefore gain access to annual leave, sick leave, redundancy pay and other award entitlements under the award. The Union said the Branch Secretary, Com. Anne McEwen believed it was the first decision of its kind in Australia and was an important step towards gaining the right to permanent employment for all long-term labour hire employees.
Com. J. Robertson moved the Executive Recommendation: -
"That the correspondence be received and a summary of the South Australian decision regarding the conversion of labour hire employees to permanent positions be circulated to affiliates for their information".
Com. M. Want seconded.
CARRIED
2. From the Oxfam Community Aid Abroad: - requesting Labor Council's support for the Oxfam Community Aid Aboard "Walk Against Want" providing assistance for the cost of certain equipment. Oxfam said the Walk Against Want was their longest running national fundraising event and that it had been taking place for 38 years. In 2003, Oxfam said over 10,000 people has participated from around Australia and raised over half a million dollars nationally. Oxfam said the money raised goes to aid the alleviation of poverty and to promote social justice through community based projects in 30 developing countries around the world including Indigenous Australia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Afghanistan. Oxfam said they were a not-for-profit organisation that operates within a very small budget relying on the generosity of trade unions, community organisations and others to assist in providing equipment, etc for their fundraising events. Oxfam said the Walk Against Want would be this year on Sunday 21st March.
Com. J. Robertson moved the Executive Recommendation: -
"That the correspondence be received and information regarding assistance for the "Walk Against Want" be circulated to affiliates and that they be encouraged to support the event".
Com. J. Leete seconded.
CARRIED
3. From Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union: - advising Labor Council that the Transport Legislation Amendment (Safety & Reliability) Act 2003 was introduced into the Parliament without genuine consultation with unions. Among other problems, the Union said they had raised the need for a secure and objective protocol for testing, rehabilitation and discipline procedures in relation to drug and alcohol use, fatigue and fitness. The Union said the offending sections of the legislation were not required, or even suggested by the McInnerney Report or any other rail safety expert. The Union said the changes they had proposed were not excessive and would not have impeded the effectiveness of the legislation or delayed its introduction, however, all their concerns were dismissed. The Union said they were not seeking to defend unsafe work practices and workplace safety was as much an issue for workers as it was for the public, but unless there was procedural fairness with standards that were objective and consistent then the legislation could not work. The Union said that for more than a month they had been attempting to speak with the Minster about problems with the legislation and had exhausted every means possible to speak with him, including making representations through local MP's. The Union said a meeting of AMWU rail delegates would occur tomorrow, 13th February, where a decision would be made about what action to take in response to the Minister's consistent refusal to meet and discuss their legitimate concerns. The Union requested Labor Council convene an urgent meeting between the Unions and the Minister so that any further inconvenience to the travelling public could be avoided.
Com. J. Robertson moved the Executive Recommendation: -
"That the correspondence be received and Labor Council seek a meeting between the Minister and rail unions, as requested".
Com. P. Bastian seconded and spoke to the resolution.
CARRIED
4. From the Rail Tram and Bus Union, NSW Branch: - thanking Labor Council for their support with the recent difficulties that rail workers were facing with the Carr Labor Government. The Union said assistance provided by Unions, Labor Council and Com. Amanda Tattersall in distributing 80,000 postcards across the City Rail network was very much appreciated. The Union said the solidarity shown by the Labor Council and other unions would not be forgotten in future campaigns.
Com. J. Robertson moved the Executive Recommendation: -
"That the correspondence be received and the Rail Tram and Bus Union be congratulated on their postcard campaign in support of their City Rail members".
Com. P. Jenkins seconded.
CARRIED
5. From the United Services Union: - advising Labor Council of an announcement this week by the Federal Government stating that agreement had been reached on the Australia US Free Trade Agreement. The Union said they had previously expressed concern at the manner in which trade agreements were finalised by the Federal Government with virtually no public or Parliamentary scrutiny. The Union said many affiliates in various manufacturing and services industries had previously campaigned to ensure that any such trade negotiations have no detrimental impact on jobs for Australian workers, on the standards of workers rights and environmental standards. The Union said this week's announcement gave Australians no comfort that their jobs would not be at risk or that their work, environmental and social standards would not be watered down to suit the USA's interests. The Union requested Labor Council call on the ACTU for the Free Trade Agreement to be the subject of proper scrutiny by a Senate Inquiry and for the deal to be rejected if it was not in Australian workers' best interests.
Com. J. Robertson moved the Executive Recommendation: -
"That the correspondence be received and Labor Council support the call for scrutiny by a Senate Inquiry into the Free Trade Agreement".
Com. M. Want seconded.
CARRIED
REPORTS
1. Returning Officer Report
The Returning Officer, Com. V. Falconer, reported that in accordance with Rule 24 as at 4:00 pm today, 12th February 2004 the following nominations were received for the positions listed: -
PRESIDENT one (1) to be elected. Nominations were received from:
* Sandra Moait, Labor Council
As only one (1) nomination was received for the position, I therefore declare Sandra Moait be elected as President.
VICE PRESIDENTS five (5) to be elected. Nominations were received from: -
* Barry Johnson, NSWTF
* Michael Williamson, HSU
* Russ Collison, AWU
* Michel Hryce, MEAA
As only four (4) nominations were received for the positions, I therefore declare Barry Johnson, Michael Williamson, Russ Collison and Michel Hryce elected as Vice Presidents.
TRUSTEES three (3) to be elected. Nominations were received from: -
* John Cahill, PSA
* Michael Want, USU
* Robert Hayden, RTBU
As only three (3) nominations were received for the positions, I therefore declare John Cahill, Michael Want and Robert Hayden elected as Trustees.
SECRETARY one (1) to be elected. Nominations were received from: -
* John Robertson, Labor Council
As only one (1) nomination was received for the position, I therefore declare John Robertson elected as Secretary.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY one (1) to be elected. Nominations were received from: -
* Mark Lennon, Labor Council
As only one (1) nomination was received for the position, I therefore declare Mark Lennon elected as Assistant Secretary.
DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARIES three (3) to be elected. Nominations were received from: -
* Chris Christodoulou, Labor Council
* Michael Gadiel, Labor Council
* Alison Peters, Labor Council
As only three (3) nominations were received for the positions, I therefore declare Chris Christodoulou, Michael Gadiel and Alison Peters elected as Deputy Assistant Secretaries.
GENERAL EXECUTIVE MEMBERS three (3) to be elected. Nominations were received from: -
* Rebecca Misfud, ETU
* Sonia Minutillo, LHMU
* Kristyn Thompson, ASU
As only three (3) nominations were received for the positions, I therefore declare Rebecca Misfud, Sonia Minutillo and Kristyn Thompson elected as General Executive Members.
ACTU EXECUTIVE MEMBER one (1) to be elected. Nominations were received from: -
* John Robertson, Labor Council
As only one (1) nomination was received for the position, I therefore declare John Robertson elected as ACTU Executive Member.
ACTU ALTERNATE EXECUTIVE MEMBER one (1) to be elected. Nominations were received from: -
* Mark Lennon, Labor Council
As only one (1) nomination was received for the position, I therefore declare Mark Lennon elected as ACTU Alternate Executive Member.
ACTU CONGRESS DELEGATES two (2) to be elected. Nominations were received from: -
* John Robertson, Labor Council
* Mark Lennon, Labor Council
As only two (2) nominations were received for the positions, I therefore declare John Robertson and Mark Lennon elected as ACTU Congress Delegates.
TRADES HALL COMMITTEE five (5) to be elected. Nominations were received from: -
* Barry Johnson, NSWTF
* Bernie Riordan, ETU
* Nick Lewocki, RTBU
* Robert Coombs, MUA
* Russ Collison, AWU
As only five (5) nominations were received for the positions, I therefore declare Barry Johnson, Bernie Riordan, Nick Lewocki, Robert Coombs and Russ Collison elected as Trades Hall Committee Members.
FINANCE COMMITTEE five (5) to be elected. Nominations were received from:
* Peter Remfrey, PANSW
* Brian Harris, USU
* Michael Williamson, HSU
* Richard Shearman, IEU
* Kristyn Thompson, ASU
As only five (5) nominations were received for the positions, I therefore declare Peter Remfrey, Brian Harris, Michael Williamson, Richard Shearman and Kristyn Thompson elected as Finance Committee Members.
DISPUTES COMMITTEE six (6) to be elected. Nominations were received from:
* Bernie Riordan, ETU
* Andrew Ferguson, CFMEU
* Derrick Belan, NUW
* Russ Collison, AWU
* Judith Kiejda, NSWNA
* Annie Owens, LHMU
As only six (6) nominations were received for the positions, I therefore declare Bernie Riordan, Andrew Ferguson, Derrick Belan, Russ Collison, Judith Kiejda and Annie Owens elected as Dispute Committee Members.
As only four (4) nominations were received for the position of Vice President I advise that nominations will remain open for the remaining position until 4.00 pm Tuesday 17th February 2004.
Should a ballot be necessary it will be held on Thursday 19th February 2004 between 5.00 pm and 8.00 pm in the Trades Hall Auditorium.
AFFILATE EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
I also advise that in accordance with Rule 5(b) the following have been nominated as Executive Members by the their Union: -
* Kevin Maher, AWU Newcastle Central Coast & Northern Regions Branch
* Bernie Riordan, ETU
* Annie Owens, LHMU
* Nick Lewocki, RTBU
* Tony Sheldon, TWU
* Brian Harris, USU
* Sue Walsh, PSA
* Brett Holmes, NSWNA
* Andrew Ferguson, CFMEU
* Martin O'Connell, APESMA
* Charles Donzow, AMIEU
* Amanda Perkins, AMWU Printing Division
* Richard Shearman, IEU
* Jennifer Leete, NSWTF
* Barry Tubner, TCFUA
* Greg Donnelly, SDA
* Matthew Thistlethwaite, AWU
* Jim Metcher, CEPU P&T Branch
* Geoffrey Williams, SDA Newcastle
* Peter Remfrey, PANSW
* Robert Coombs, MUA
* Peter Mylan, HSU
* Sally McManus, ASU
* Paul Bastian, AMWU Metals Division
* Geoff Derrick, FSU
* Chris Read, FBEU
* Stephen Jones, CPSU
Com. J. Robertson moved: -
"That the report be received".
Com. W. Wooldridge seconded.
CARRIED
Com. J. Robertson moved: -
"That the report be adopted and all those elected be congratulated".
Com. V. Herman seconded.
CARRIED
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Annual General Meeting
The Secretary, Com. J. Robertson announced that Labor Council's Annual General Meeting would be held on Thursday, 19th February at 6.00 pm at a venue to be advised.
2. War against the drugs
The Secretary, Com. J. Robertson, announced that APHEDA were assisting in the coordination of a Triva Night to raise funds for HIV treatments for workers in Southern Africa. He said the Triva Night would take place at 7.00pm on Thursday, 26th February 2004 at the Teachers Club, Mary Street, Surry Hill. He encouraged affiliates to support the night by attending.
COUNCIL ADJOURNED AT 6:34 PM
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