RTBU-PacNat Member's EBA 2005 Update Newsflash! 56

RTBU – Treading Cautiously to Protect Your Conditions:

The RTBU has continued to meet and exchange correspondence with representatives of Pacific National in order to progress the roll over of the current Agreement. Complicating matters at the moment is the introduction of the Howard WorkChoices legislation which dictates that some clauses of the Agreement need to be changed to satisfy the new laws and regulations.

The RTBU has taken a step by step approach to this process because it is important that we get it right and protect the conditions of employment of members to the greatest extent possible. Progress HAS been made and continues to be made on various issues. Unfortunately, as a result of the fact that even Howard's own Government Ministers appear to be uncertain of what half of the legislation actually means, both sides are having to resort to obtaining legal advice (sometimes detailed) before coming to any sort of in principle agreement on various matters.

RTBU members would, quite rightly, expect their union to check and double check that everything is above board and that is exactly what will happen. If that means the process and final outcome is slowed down, then so be it. As the old adage states, 'it is better to be safe than sorry'.

Prior to the latest meeting with the company (Monday) the RTBU was furnished with a copy of the Draft final Agreement. This was forwarded to members of your Negotiating Committee and the National Campaign Committee for their feedback and / or comments. That resulted in a number of issues that have been raised, and now addressed or in the process of being addressed.

The RTBU will not be rushed into making any decisions regarding the roll over of the Agreement, and will continue to tread cautiously to any extent that we believe is necessary.

A campaign committee teleconference was held yesterday 11th to bring your delegates up to date and as such they will be able to provide additional information upon request.

Further Information:

Members will continue to be kept informed of any significant developments through future editions of your Newsflashes. For further information on issues regarding the Enterprise Agreement negotiations please contact your local RTBU delegate, your respective RTBU State Branch or the National Office.

Newsflash!@Home:

If you would like to receive future EBA Newsflashes to your personal home email please email Greg Harvey at gharvey@rtbu-nat.asn.au with your name, your location, your classification and your email address and you will be added to the email list.

Your Rights At Work.....Worth Fighting For!!