Castlemaine Bacon Enterprise Bargaining Negotiations Some time ago the Union approached Castlemaine Bacon seeking to negotiate an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement to cover the wages and conditions of Castlemaine Bacon workers. At that time the company informed us that they were happy to continue to operate under the Federal Meat Industry Award and their current over-award arrangements. The Union has now sent a letter to Castlemaine Bacon seeking a meeting to discuss the company's position in relation to a Registered Agreement for its workers.   Over Award conditions can be withdrawn at any time.  Your over award payments are not binding and can be withdrawn by the company at any time.  The only way to have these conditions protected and improved is through a properly negotiated and registered Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA).   WorkCover The Union has represented a number of its members who have had their Workers Compensation claims rejected. If you are injured at work: Do not talk to investigators who come to interview you about your injury.  They are not there to assist you in your claim, and you are not obliged to speak to them. As soon as you are notified your claim has been rejected, contact your delegate or ring the Union Organiser Jim Brittain on 0417 590 889. You have the right to see the doctor of your choice. You must attend all medical appointments arranged by the Insurance Company. Photocopy all WorkCover certificates from your doctor and any other documents relating to your claim. Keep a diary of who you have spoken to about your claim and what has been said. Make sure any Return to Work Plan has been seen and accepted by your treating doctor.          This will greatly assist the Union representative appearing on your behalf at any conciliation or hearing. Union Membership A strong, united workforce with everyone in the Union is the best negotiating tool you have.  The Union is committed to representing its members in all matters relating to wages and conditions, WorkCover disputes or other work related matters.  It is the cheapest insurance you can get. Union Delegates Your elected Delegates At Castle Bacon are: Works Delegate                       Graham Tonkin Killing Line                              Kevin Earl Salami Plant Day Shift              Joanne Saffron Wattle Flat Night Shift              Martin Neal   Delegates for other sections will be elected in the near future. Application forms to join the Union can be obtained from the delegates or by ringing your area Organiser Jim Brittain.   Superannuation - Weekend Workers The Company has informed the Union that it is about 70% of the way through calculating the amount of Superannuation owed to those who work weekends.  The process will be finalized shortly.  The Union is making arrangements to come and speak to weekend workers within the next month.   Overtime The Union has received phone calls alleging that people are being told their overtime will be cut or withdrawn because of poor attendance, or refusing to work overtime on short notice, or other workplace misdemeanours. If this is happening, these people need to come forward and advise their delegate or Organiser Jim Brittain so the Union can take action on your behalf.   Safety Net Review The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) this year sought a $26 increase for workers via the national wage case (Safety Net Review) in the Industrial Relations Commission.  The Industrial Relations Commission granted a $19 increase.  All pay rises you receive under the Federal Award are sought on your behalf by the Union Movement.  They are not given to you by your boss;  they are fought hard for by the ACTU in court hearings and opposed vigorously by employer advocates. So join up and enjoy the protection and support the Union affords you and be part of our efforts to improve your conditions.   The $19 Increase at Castle The Union have been told by Castle Bacon that the Executive will be meeting shortly to discuss the pay rise. The indication given to the Union is that the pay rise will be granted to workers at Castlemaine Bacon.   Occupational Health and Safety The following points should be remembered in relation to Occupational Health and Safety: 1.         Each designated work group elects its own OH&S Representative. 2.         Each properly elected OH&S representative has the right to choose the training course they wish      to attend. 3.       The Union runs accredited OH&S courses which are specific to our industry.  OH&S representatives from Castle Bacon are entitled to attend this course if they wish. Changes to Federal Meat Industry Award The Union, through its Federal office, is seeking changes to the Federal Meat Industry Processing and Smallgoods Awards. The changes we will be requesting are still being worked through, but will include the right of casual employees to become permanent. Anyone with any queries can contact the delegates listed or Jim Brittain, the Union Organiser for your area, on 0417 590889.