Friday, October 13, 2006
ETU members at Heinemann Electric in Mulgrave , Australia , whose employer refused pay ordinary weekly wages when the workers weren't available for overtime, have been victorious in reaching an in-principle agreement with the company.

In discussions today, the company concluded an agreement with ETU Organiser Shaun Leane and Heinemann Shop Stewards that fulfils the members log of claims.

The workers have been on strike for the past 6 weeks following the non-payment of their ordinary hours in the week proceeding the strike.

The wages claim of 12% has been satisfied by the company in that they have agreed to 1% of the members annual salary in a cash bonus on top of a base amount of $1100 (this amount will attract 9% super) plus 4% as of now, 3.5% next year and 3.5% the following year...more

more info: ETU article

Labels: Heinemann, strikes

Heinemann Picket
821 Springvale Rd
Mulgrave
[melway 80 A2]

Show our brothers and sisters at Heinemann that they aren't standing alone.

Striking ETU members at Heinemann are now heading towards their fifth week out on the grass. Recent reports are that trucks are going through the picket and the company has hired scabs. Heinemann are still not negotiating in good faith and have attempted to make the strike illegal through the commission. Heinemann workers received strong support at the recent VTHC delegates meeting but they really more support on the actual picket. If you can please visit the picket line and spread the word.

more info: ETU on Heinemann

Labels: Heinemann, strikes

TOUCH ONE - TOUCH ALL
The strike at Heinemann's is into its fourth week. Show our brothers and sisters at Heinemann that they aren't standing alone.

On the picket line
7.30am Wednesday
27th September
821 Springvale Rd
Mulgrave
[melway 80 A2]
download ETU media release

Labels: Community Assemblies, Heinemann

TOUCH ONE - TOUCH ALL
Show our brothers and sisters at Heinemann that they aren't standing alone.

Update: Friday 15/9
Struggle at Heinemann is still continuing. Supporters are asked to reinforce the roster. Phone Dave 0412 484 094 or the ETU to confirm.

On the picket line
8.00am Wednesday
13th September
821 Springvale Rd
Mulgrave
[melway 80 A2]
download ETU media release

As far as bad bosses go you don't get much worse than Heinemann Electrics. Heinemann have forced their workers onto the picket line by refusing to negotiate a decent agreement or to pay them for a whole week's work.

Donate to the Heinemann fighting fund
Donations are being collected at the picket
or
left with Linda or Jacqui at the ETU office
516-520 Swanston St Carlton South. Receipts for donations can also be issued via the ETU office more... | article by Cheryl Cemeljic

more info: ETU on Heineman | Heineman Photo Album | download ETU media release

Labels: Heinemann, strikes

Visit Community Assembly
Heinemann Electrics
Crn Springvale Rd & Faigh St
Mulgrave
[melway 80 A2: Between Wellington Rd & Princess Hwy]

• Support needed to reinforce roster
• download ETU media release

54 workers at Heinemann Electric in Mulgrave are on strike after management refused to pay for five days of work last month. The workers placed an overtime ban during an industrial campaign for a new EBA (enterprise bargaining agreement) and the company has retaliated by refusing to pay them.

The company claims they can do this because of a provision in Australian workplace law. The company has received legal advice from Freehills — a key architect of the Howard Government's new industrial relations legislation.

The overtime was a form of protected and legal industrial action sanctioned by the AIRC (Australian Industrial Relations Commission)

Management appear to be playing hardball and have proposed undermining the worker 38-hour week. They want an arrangement where staff would work an average 38-hour week over a month. Workers could be required to work 20 hours one week and 60 the next. South African company Circuit Breaker Industries took over Heinemann two years ago and has since received repeated warnings from WorkSafe for bullying workers…more
Source: The Age

More info: Dave Kerin 0412 484 094 | ACTU media release | background Age article

Labels: Heinemann, strikes