September 2005   COLES/ BiLO NEW AGREEMENT     The Coles BiLo Negotiating Committee consisting of Graham Bird, Laurie Burley, Bob Savine, Mick Ashworth, Peter Dans, Deborah Holliday, Jason Peters, Rick Ryan, Sue Sheldrick, John Tuck, Colin Vernon, and Chris Wialletton, has had a number of meetings with Coles BiLo Management.   As a result of these negotiations the Committee has unanimously agreed to recommend a new combined Coles/BiLo Agreement for the next three years.  The Agreement will bring the BiLo and Coles workers together under the same conditions, which for BiLo workers means a catch-up on the Coles wages.   Having only one Agreement for Coles and BiLo is a great benefit for both the Coles and BiLo workers. The new Agreement will protect all Coles and BiLo meat room employees against the coming Howard Government assault on workers wages and conditions.       CHANGES TO THE AGREEMENT 1.   3 year Agreement. 2.   Wage increase of 3½% per annum compounded. The BiLo workers will receive 1.75% in November 2005 and 1.75% in April 2006, and then 3.5% in November 2006 and 3.5% in November 2007.          This will bring them into line with Coles workers who receive 3.5% in November 2005, 2006 and 2007. 3.   Retention of weekend penalties 75% for Saturday and 100% for Sunday.  The span of hours on Saturday has been increased to 6pm.  The Coles/BiLo Management was very determined to reduce these penalties to the SDA Agreement conditions. 4.   Protection of the adult rate of pay for all workers employed as Cabinet Attendants.  Once again Coles/BiLo wished to introduce junior rates of pay for Cabinet Attendants. 5.   Introduction of Salary Sacrifice.                                                                                  This means that any worker who wishes to contribute to Superannuation from their gross wages (prior to tax being deducted) will be able to do so. For some workers this means they will be able to contribute to Super and still have the same take home pay.  The clause also allows by agreement for pre-tax contributions to be made for other purposes. 6.   Extension of parental leave to 2 years by mutual agreement. 7.   Clarification of the rate of pay applicable on Rostered Days Off to guarantee that the rate of pay for the day off will be the rate applicable for the day the leave is actually taken, including any applicable penalties. 8.   An addition to the Payment of Wages clause to ensure that any mistakes in pay are to be rectified by no later than the following Sunday of the applicable pay week. 9.   An increase in redundancy allowance from 15 to 20 weeks for redundancies made for reasons other than the introduction of gas flushed/retail ready meat (RRM)          Coles BiLo Management has assured the Union that there are no plans to introduce gas flush meat into BiLo stores.  However, if it were to happen, the current Coles redundancy package would apply to BiLo stores.  The Union has agreed that under the current Coles RRM redundancy if a vacancy arises in a BiLo store Coles workers would be urged to take it rather than the redundancy package.  However it will be entirely voluntary. 10.   All allowances for meals, travelling, and working in the cold are increased, and a first aid allowance is introduced. 11.   There will be a new classification of clean up person in Coles stores. 12.   There is an explicit guarantee that part timers receive the applicable pro rata of full time leave entitlements. 13.   Minimum engagement for part timers and casuals to be 3 hours, but with no reduction to existing hours worked. 14.   All public holidays to be paid at 250%. 15.   The Compassionate Leave and Family Leave clauses have been re-written to make it clear that they include same sex partners. 16.   By agreement there will be an ability to work to 8pm Monday to Friday for full timers, part timers and casuals.  For all work after 8pm Monday to Friday normal overtime rates will apply.     It is the Committee's view that this is a very good result for Coles and BiLo members.   The Union urges all BiLo and Coles workers to vote for their new Agreement, which increases and safeguards your conditions for another three years.     Please indicate whether or not you are prepared to accept this proposal by ticking the appropriate box on the ballot paper enclosed and returning it to the Union office in the envelope provided by Friday 23rd September, 2005.     For further information please contact your Union Organiser, either Laurie Burley   0418 103627, Bob Savine 0417 328854, Jim Brittain 0417 590889 (Western District), Collin Ross 0417 593410  (Gippsland), or Colin Drew 0409 803047  (North & Central Vic).