Peter Vining, a CEPU delegate was sacked late last year (2005) for allegedly telling off a custumer. The CEPU have vigorously contested the verbal evidence used against Peter Vining. In fact they have stated that

"Peter did not even talk to the woman. He even had witnesses to back him up. We are alleging that the management have colluded to 'get rid of' a strong and effective shop steward."

The campaign to reinstate Peter has had many twists and turns. Management tried to get a s 127s order against the union for taking illegal industrial action but were unsuccessful. The matter is now before the Federal Court as the union has charged Australia Post under s 298k of the Workplace Relations Act. Australia Post recently agreed to have mediation under the auspice of a Registrar of the Federal Court.

Brief Chronology:
(2005)

• Dec 16: Peter Vining sacked unfairly.
• Dec 29: Solidarity BBQ to support Peter Vining at CEPU union office.

(2006)

• Jan 5: A Board of Reference was convened on 5 January 2006 to review the decision to sack Peter Vining.
  
• Jan 6: Chairman of the Board of Reference decided that the dismissal was harsh. However Peter was transfered to a lower level, in Australia Post, a Mail Officer at the Melbourne Parcel Facility (MPF).
• Jan 25: Community Assembly outside Fitzroy Delivery Centre.
• Jan 27: Action continues with another community assembly outside delivery centre.
• Jan 31: Australia Post lawyers threaten legal action against Union Solidarity over leaflet organizing rally outside Federal Court.
• Feb 1: Solidarity BBQ for Peter Vining outside Fitzroy Delivery Centre.
• Feb 2: Union and Australia Post agree to mediation under the auspice of a Registrar of the Federal Court.
• Feb 3: Rally to support Peter Vining outside the Federal Court.
• Feb 19: A Fundraiser in support of Peter Vining at new union offices in North Melbourne.
• March 17: Rally outside Federal Court
  

Background: Fear and Intimidation | Australia Post at it again | Community Assembly to protect delegates job | Action continues | Rally to defend Peter Vining | GreenLeft Article | 3 Feb rally | Fundraiser for Peter Vining | March 17 rally, Federal Court
Indymedia Reports: 27 Jan Picket | 1 Feb BBQ | 3 Feb rally

Labels: Australia Post, Peter Vining