July 2006 KR CASTLEMAINE         ENTERPRISE BARGAINING NEGOTIATIONS   A number of meetings between Company representatives and Union officials and delegates have taken place since April.  These meetings have attempted to progress discussions about getting an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement in place to cover wages and conditions at KR Castlemaine.  These meetings have revolved around: 1.     How negotiations should proceed. 2.     The issues that need to be discussed. 3.     Scheduling of meetings. 4.     Negotiating teams.   As this is the first time there has been an attempt to negotiate an agreement at KR Castlemaine it is a slow process.  The Company have assured us they will have a document to us by Thursday 27th July which will contain levels and classification structures they believe should be applicable in any agreement that may be reached.  Once we have received that document we believe negotiations will proceed at a much faster pace.   We will look at the Company proposals, have some further discussions with the Company, and then meetings will be held with employees to seek their views about the proposals and what they believe should be included in any agreement.   The Company has assured us they are serious about trying to reach an agreement.  They have also assured us it is not their intention to introduce Australian Workplace Agreements (AWA).    The Union will continue to keep you informed as to the progress of negotiations.   With the new draconian industrial reform legislation introduced by the Howard Government it is more important than ever that you have the protection of being a Union member.    Contact your Union Delegates on the job Graham Tonkin, Kevin Earl, Martin Neal and Karin Gartside,  or ring Area Organiser Jim Brittain on 0417 590889