18 November 2005 Somerville Retail Services Membership Since our last newsletter we have seen a continued increase in membership at SRS and a large part of the workforce are now Union members. This dynamic, coupled with your level of commitment to change, will put pressure on the Company for improvement in all areas of your workplace. Change of Attitude Workers advise us of a change of attitude by some of the supervisors in your workplace. The Company were so concerned about workers making complaints to the Union they engaged a Human Resources worker so problems would be referred to a Company representative. We will continue to press management and put individual managers on notice about inappropriate and rude behaviour towards workers. Lunch Room Meetings Your approach to the Company about lunch room meetings fell on deaf ears. The company said the few employees not in the Union did not want Union meetings to be held in the lunch room. We believe this is just a ploy to prevent you getting together for a joint meeting and showing non Union members what can be achieved by a united approach. We need to hold meetings regardless of this Company's diversionary tactics. It doesn't matter if we hold a meeting in the training room or out on the grass. Strength in numbers sends the greatest message to the Company that you are determined to improve your workplace. The Company sends out rumours of sackings if you talk to the Union. This is totally wrong and is in fact illegal. In two and a half years not one Union member has been sacked from SRS. WorkCover Assistance The Union has a fantastic WorkCover Officer who wins 99% of Workers Compensation disputes in our workplaces. As a Union member you are entitled to representation and assistance. Don't hesitate to ask. Occupational Health & Safety On health and safety issues please advise us of any problems in your workplace. We can help you achieve changes in this important area and press the Company to enforce government regulations to protect workers on the job. Attack on Workers' Rights John Howard's government has started the greatest attack on workers' rights since the beginning of settlement in Australia. He has attacked your right to protection from unfair dismissal. He has reduced the 20 minimum conditions underpinning a safety net Award to your AWA to just 5 minimum conditions, and even these are very watered down. Protest On 15th November hundreds of meat workers joined the community protest against these changes. In the City of Melbourne approximately 250,000 people let their presence send a message of protest to John Howard. This fight will continue until these rights are restored or the Howard Government is defeated. We cannot let this generation of workers be the first in Australian history to pass on to the next generation fewer rights and worse pay and conditions than we inherited. Commitment Victory in your workplace will only come through your commitment to change. The Union is committed to helping you improve your conditions and with your commitment this will happen, but it won't be easy. A strong and united workforce with everyone in the Union is the best bargaining tool you have. If you have any queries please call your Union Organiser Collin Ross 0417 593410.