RTBU PacNat Member's EBA 2005 Update Newsflash! 12

In this edition of your EBA Update: - DELEGATES ENDORSE INDUSTRIAL ACTION - RTBU ISSUES PN WITH NOTICE OF INDUSTRIAL ACTION - PLAY BOSS BINGO!

RTBU Delegates Endorse Industrial Action

The RTBU Negotiating Committee conducted a telephone hook up of more than 40 National Delegates yesterday, where unanimous endorsement was given, for the decision to proceed with the industrial action in the form of a 24 hour National Stoppage which will take place from 0600 hrs on Friday 12th August 2005 until 0600 hrs on Saturday 13th August 2005. Another issue for discussion on the telephone hook up was the arrangement of meetings to take place at all worksites to update members of what has occurred in the negotiations to date, and to seek feedback from members on our next steps.

The decision to initiate industrial action has been taken as a result of the failure to reach a satisfactory resolution on a new Pacific National EBA after approx 5 months of negotiations. The RTBU is aware that Pacific National are saying that the negotiations had not reached an impasse. This is incorrect. Pacific National either could not or would not provide agreement on many issues, major and minor. The RTBU had made it perfectly clear to the company that time was running out to reach an agreement on those issues. The company failed to respond satisfactorily and the RTBU believes PN underestimated the frustration and anger of the members about the protracted dragging out of the negotiations.

RTBU Issues PN with Notice of Industrial Action

The RTBU has issued Pacific National with all of the necessary documents in order to take PROTECTED industrial action. Yesterday afternoon the company was supplied with the documentation via both fax and courier. If members are confronted by a manager who claims the industrial action to be illegal, they should contact the National Office for a copy of the documentation, which they can then supply the manager with.

Beware of Company Tactics

Members should expect the Company to undertake a campaign to undermine the unity of members around the country and divide the workforce from each other and your Union.

This action has been as a result of the unanimous support from the National Delegates conference, and is consistent with the resolution endorsed by recently conducted national workplace meetings. The decision has been carefully thought out and has not been taken lightly. The industrial action has been called to show the company that members are united and committed to achieving an outcome which is in the best interest of all members.

Play Boss Bingo!

There are a number of 'tried and true' tactics that bosses predictably use in situations where they are confronted with the prospect of industrial action. Below is a checklist for you to keep tabs on your boss during this campaign. You can even light heartedly turn the checklist into a game whereby you check off each of the boxes. The first person to check off all of the boxes against their boss becomes the winner of boss bingo!

• My manager told me the industrial action is illegal.
• My manager told me the union has not provided the correct documentation for protected action.
• My manager want to have a 'one on one' talk to me about the action.
• My manager has told me I might be putting my job in jeopardy.
• My manager told me the industrial action will achieve nothing.
• My manager told me the industrial action is ill thought out and ill advised.
• My manager told me that the industrial action will only serve to cost me money.
• My manager told me the company won't negotiate while there is industrial action.
• The company has sent me a letter to my home address or my work location.

Members should not be concerned about any of the dot points above. Remember it is illegal for the company to threaten anyone in any way regarding the industrial action. If you believe you are being threatened you should contact the RTBU immediately. Members should contact their local Delegate to seek further information on what is planned at your workplace.

Further Information

Further information on issues regarding the Enterprise Agreement negotiations please contact you local RTBU delegate, your respective RTBU State Branch or the National Office.

Newsflash! @ Home

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RTBU - PROUD TO BE UNION!