Page 5 - ETU Journal Autumn 2017

Supporting the CUB55
Our collective eforts in supporting the CUB55 campaign meant that when I went to Canberra to meet with politicians, I was able to get suicient support to initiate a Senate Inquiry into the Corporate Evasion of Fair Work Laws (see page 12).
Fighting ABCC
Tactically our political allies have also obstructed the introduction of the (demoted) Tony Abbott's and Eric Abetz's ABCC and Building Code. The ight is by no means over, but the gun put at our head from the double dissolution election has failed to ire for yet another year.
Save Our State
In the power sector our Save Our State campaign strategy has led the state government to agree to conduct a government inquiry into the reliability, sustainability, afordability and safety of our power networks. Expect an announcement early in the new year.
The power sector was plagued
with redundancies in 2016 that we have been addressing and starting to reverse, while bargaining is also back in full swing (see page 13). There has also been dedicated, detailed work into strengthening the professional recognition and security of line workers through licensing.
Hazelwood shutdown
Engie’s announcement of the closure of Hazelwood and proposed sale
of Loy Yang B is devastating for the workers and the region, as well as
for energy users, with the cost of electricity in Victoria projected to rise by 4–8 per cent as a result.
Since the announced closure the Andrew’s Government has met with the ETU and extended their initial proposal for support for the workforce. This is by no means the
end of the story as we continue
to campaign, lobby and ight for government initiatives to support a genuine transition for industries in the Latrobe Valley.
Libs kill off manufacturing
The Liberal government should hang their heads in shame at their killing of of our advanced manufacturing industries, just as we continue to push for better and more targeted support for the needs of our relatively higher skilled members in the vehicle manufacturing sector.
We will not rest in exposing the failed neo-liberal policies destroying our industries and economy. Other countries’ governments, meanwhile, are getting on the front foot to look out for their economies, industries and workers irst, before pandering to multinationals and empty theoretical promises of trickle down and beneits to all.
Union solidarity
One of the tremendous aspects of 2016 has been the growing solidarity of unions in Australia and also internationally. The multinational companies behind the CUB
dispute could have got away
with their bastardry if
it were not only for the
commitment of CUB55
themselves, but the
solidarity from national
and international
unions demonstrating
the principle we live by:
Touch one, touch all.
The unsung heroes
of our union are all the members and delegates
who are scattered across
all industries in workplaces without power in numbers. See what some of them have been up to in “Around the Sites”
(see page 20).
THE LIBERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD HANG THEIR HEADS IN SHAME AT THEIR KILLING OFF OF OUR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES...
WE WILL NOT REST IN EXPOSING THE FAILED NEO- LIBERAL POLICIES DESTROYING OUR INDUSTRIES AND ECONOMY.
Members in the community
This year we also continued to grow our reputation and support in the community. We are extremely proud of how active many of our members are in participating and providing opportunities for kids and grown-
ups alike in sporting and other endeavours. It’s extremely heartening when those members are just as proud to be sponsored and supported by their union (see pages 32–33).
Futuretech underway
It was also an extremely pleasing year for apprentices and training at the union. Futuretech was launched, with courses and students growing weekly. Many congratulations to ETU apprentices who had a terriic year, winning an unprecedented number of awards (see page 39).
I can only touch on some of the activities of the ETU this year. I
hope you take the time to check out this magazine for more news and beneits and share in the pride of the achievements of your union. n
In Solidarity,
Troy Gray
CHRISTMAS
SHUTDOWN
Please note that the ETU ofice will be closing for the summer break
on Thursday 22 December and will reopen on Tuesday 3 January.
www.etuvic.com.au
THE ETU > SUMMER 2016
5
BOYCOTT
CUB BEERS
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