Castle Bacon - KR Castlemaine    On the 6th July 2005 the Union sent a letter to K.R. Castlemaine requesting a meeting to discuss the Commpany's  position in relation to negotiating an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement to cover employees at K. R. Castlemaine in Victoria.   We also asked the Company about payment of the $17.00 National Wage Case. On the 14th July the Company responded saying they were prepared to meet and have discussions in relation to enterprise bargaining.   That meeting will take place in the second half of August 2005.   In relation to the $17.00 National Wage Case the Company put out a memo on the 11th July saying they would pay the increase.   The exception is entry level staff who will be paid the award rate.   THIS WILL BE THE LAST NATIONAL WAGE CASE DECIDED BY THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS COMMISSION   The Federal Government has consistently opposed the Wage Case decisions handed down by the Commission.  It is removing that role from the Commission and giving it to a hand picked group to make the decisions. Government Ministers have said they believe the Minimum Wage is up to $40.00 too high!!!.  So expect no favours in relation to wage rises in the future.   The only way to protect and improve your wages and conditions is by everyone becoming a member of the Union and the Union in conjunction with its members negotiating an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement with the Company.   Yours Union Delegates are: Graham Tonkin          -  works delegate Kevin Earl                   - kill floor boning Martin Neale              - Wattle Flat nightshift Cheryle Fary              -Wattle Flat dayshift Michael Ely                 -smokehouse   You can get Union membership forms off any of the delegates or contact Jim Brittain your Union Organiser on 0417 590 889. Jim Brittain Western District Organiser AMIEU