Pandemic can’t stop the ETU: hard work pays off with massive QLD EBA win
High union density and strong, uncompromising organising have delivered huge wins for workers at QGC Contractor Decmil. SW QLD Organiser Dan McGaw shares the story of their success...
Another win against labour hire in WA shipbuilding
The ETU has long been battling with dodgy labour hire practices in WA's shipbuilding industry, and last week hit a key milestone stamping out the last of this at BAE Systems. Industry Organiser Mark Mocerino shares the story of how this hard-fought victory was won...
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WA Delivers for Crisis-Impacted Apprentices
Ash “Moose” Bamford, WA's Apprentice Organiser, shares the story of how the union has been looking out for apprentice members impacted by the crisis, tracking down secure work despite the failure of many employers to cooperate.
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Apprentice of the Year Applications EXTENDED TO MAY 31
**NB: This year's application period has been extended to May 31st to give everyone time to apply**
We are happy to announce that applications are now open for the ETU's annual award for an outstanding apprentice member. Apprentice of the Year recognises a member who embodies the union spirit in terms of leadership, achievement, and commitment to union values.
Does this sound like you or somebody you know? If so, get working on your application!
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Contracting Conference Condemns Casual Labour Crisis
At the National Contracting Conference in Adelaide last week, members from around the country came together to talk all things related to the contracting industry—and to call time up on Australia's casualisation crisis.
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ETU Take the Lead on COVID-19 Workplace Safety
Despite stark warnings flooding in from overseas, many Australians—our leaders amongst them—appear to have been caught off-guard and ill-prepared by the fallout from COVID-19.
But back when Scott Morrison was still proudly heading to the football and the WHO hadn’t yet declared a pandemic, electrical workers on a core Brisbane construction project were taking the initiative to get workplace measures into place before they became needed.
Q&A on Economic Stimulus
Below is a guide to some of the most frequently asked questions about the various Government's COVID-19 stimulus responses and how it will affect our members. You can also access this resource as a PDF.
It’s important to point out that the Government is making daily announcements, often with limited details, and continually update their announcements—making it very difficult to keep information up to date. As much care as possible has been taken in checking the accuracy of this Q&A and it will be updated as further Government announcements/details come to light. Please check back regularly.
In regard to the Wage Subsidy announcement on 30 March 2020 (referred to as “JobKeeper Payments"): there is limited detail on this program and the Government has not even drafted the legislation yet. The ETU will be fighting hard to make sure this program will support all workers, particularly apprentice, casual and labour hire workers.
If you have specific questions about your situation or your workplace rights, please contact your local ETU branch for advice. The ACTU also has resources and fact sheets available, including on JobKeeper payments, temporary early access to superannuation, and workers' compensation for those exposed to risks or confirmed cases in the workplace.
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New EBAs Secured in Sydney Contracting & Construction
NSW & ACT kick off the year with further success for their "It's Time" campaign
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First Companies Sign On to Queensland's New Contracting EBA
QLD ETU secures the first signatories for the new Agreement, covering 2020-2023
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Kangaroo Island Bushfire Recovery
SAPN members dig deep to get devastated KI’s lights back on
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