July 2005 edition

Apprentice sacked on last day of probationary period

Commission agrees that an employer has a case to answer when it sacked an apprentice Sprinkler Fitter, without reason on the last day of his probationary period.

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Aurora workers win pay parity

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Chris Cotter knows the value of proper unfair dismissal laws

With the days of unfair dismissal protection numbered for most workers, Chris Cotter's story is a prime example of what Australian workers are set to lose.

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Easter Crash, Weekday Pileup

As the Government campaigns hard to reduce holiday road accidents, what is being done to combat the thousands of accidents occuring workplaces every year.

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Electrical & Plumbing Divisions combine in WA and SA

The Electrical & Plumbing divisions in Western and Southern Australia have formally amalgamated, consolidating their resources to improve services for members and to provide a united voice to defend traditional trades.

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Electrical trades most at risk

Australia is in the grip of a skills crisis with the biggest drop in apprenticeships occuring in the electrical and electronics trades.

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ETU NSW branch breaks through on super

The ETU NSW branch has had a big win in realation to superannuation winning super above the Federally legislated minimums for workers at Energy Australia in a new enterprise agreement.

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ETU stands up for rights in Tasmania

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Hotel shock sparks agreement in NT power and water corp

It has taken a shock to a member of the public to finally stop management at NT Power and Water Corporation stalling on improvements to their new EBA.

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July 1, Bully's Birthday

At a time where, worldwide, workplace bullying is on the rise, John Howard is about to deliver the mother of all birthday presents to workforce bullies.

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Minister's Electrical Worker Put Down "Cheap Shot"

"We can train a doctor in 4 years, why does it take 4 years to train an electrician," Brendan Nelson said.

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Ross ripped off

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SA power workers go hard

South Australian ETU members working for ESTA Utilities are campaigning hard for a new enterprise agreement, which properly recognises their skills and responsibilities.

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Southern States lateral approach to protecting workers rights

The ETU'S Southern States Branch has created another first, establishing a new type of legal agreement to protect important membership conditions.

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Super changes - Beware of the Shysters

All ETU members should be aware that from July 1, changes will be made to superannuation allowing for some workers to choose their own super fund.

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Territory campaign for more apprentices

Northern Territory ETU Organiser, Alan Paton, has been working hard to win more apprentices, as the skills shortage also bites in the territory.

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Territory news

The latest news from the ETU's NT branch

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Unions urge fair go for East Timorese in Timor Sea talks

The Australian Council of Trade Unions is calling on the Australian Government to ensure East Timor receives its fair share of benefits from gas and oil projects in the Timor Sea.

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Why have we got a skills crisis?

Right now traditional trades, including electrical and electronics, have a big question mark hanging over them. Australia's expanding economy has a chronic skills shortage, primarily brought about by a decade-long decline in apprentice training. Some radical solutions are being considered.

The Howard Government is looking at two main responses. A big intake of overseas labour, and breaking up traditional trades into "mini-trades", where lesser-qualified people will be able to do a lot of our traditional work.

There are a host of other implications for our economy, and young Australians.

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