Gippsland Trades & Labour Council Inc in Morwell, Victoria | Community organisation

Gippsland Trades & Labour Council Inc

Locality: Morwell, Victoria

Phone: +61 3 5133 7684

Address: 120 Buckley Street 3840 Morwell, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.gippslandtlc.com.au

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24.01.2022 Workers at Polytrade recycling centres in Hallam and Dandenong have collectively clawed back about $1 million in back pay, having joined together in union to ad...dress an egregious case of wage theft and unsafe work. The workers, who are mostly Tamil refugees, were working up to 7 days a week, sometimes without breaks, in unsafe and unhealthy conditions. Vimalsan, a former Polytrade worker, described tasting blood in his mouth and nose from the crushed glass in the air. He would get chest pain and bloody noses. Another worker, Jeyaratnam, was sacked after taking sick leave, having worked 70-80 hours a week on night shift for two years. The conditions were brutal, but the workers saw little alternative. In Victorian refugee communities, it is well known that employers will use your visa status as leverage against you. The lack of support services or legal information in community languages leave refugee workers at the mercy of unscrupulous operators. Things began to change when Shachithanantham Sithiravelayutham fell four meters from an unsafe work platform, breaking his leg. The company instructed him to lie about how he sustained the injury. Instead, he contacted the Migrant Workers Centre for help. Shachithanantham was able to speak to Migrant Workers Centre organiser Lavanya in Tamil in September 2019, and received immediate support in lodging a WorkCover claim. But Lavanya and Shachithanantham also discussed health and safety conditions at the plant, and pay and conditions. They contacted organisers at the AWU - Australian Workers Union, and, in the face of fierce opposition from their employer, organised the recycling plant workers in union. There is power in a union. The workers had previously been too scared to speak up about the health and safety issues at the plant, fearing, with good reason, they would lose their jobs. We were scared to talk to them. As a refugee - it is extremely hard for us to find any jobs. I didnt want to lose my job, So I never raised any issues with management. said another worker, James.* Firing a worker for raising health and safety issues is illegal, but it still happens. In practice, only organised workers in union with trained health and safety reps are able to exercise their OHS rights. before the union... I was not aware that we are underpaid We knew we worked long hours... but did not know what were legal wages. Over the past year, the AWU members at Polytrade have stuck together to demand better working conditions, better pay, and respect at work. Workers who have languished on precarious casual contracts for years without leave entitlements have now been offered permanent contracts. Members have reported Polytrade to the Fair Work Ombudsman, and with the support of AWU officials, have won about $1 million in back pay wages that the company had stolen from their pockets and their families mouths over many years. There is a long way to go, but James is pleased with the progress so far. I am very happy. Our work hours have been reduced to 8 hours and five days. Management has changed their expectations of us - they dont force us [to work faster or skip breaks] these days. Migrant Workers Centre Director Matt Kunkel said it was typical for companies to underestimate the power of migrant workers. They think they can get away with these appalling workplace practices that they would never subject their own friends and family to. They dont realise that these refugee communities, theyve been through hell and they have fought their way out. They are survivors and fighters, and they know what justice is.

23.01.2022 Shaun works at Ovatos Victorian site, the third generation of his family to be employed there. He sent through this photo of his family so we could share their... story with you. "I have been at the Clayton site for the past 23 years and have seen the highs and lows of the print industry. The old Wilke site is my first and only employment, having been through three name changes - Wilke, PMP Print & now Ovato. I am the third generation of my family to be employed at the Clayton site: Joyce (grandmother) - 31 years Kevin (father) - 28 years Lynne (mother) - 17 years And myself, Shaun - 23 years Our family relocated to Sydney for three and a half years as our father was approached to help the Moorebank site with issues. This was a massive sacrifice for the family, all to help the company. The impact on my family if redundancy payments are reduced will be devastating as we are relying on full entitlements. Back in 2018 I suffered a head injury which resulted in substantial debt after having to take 8 months off work. I still have upcoming operations at the end of 2020. Our dreams of travel or buying a home will also be out of the question. We currently provide care for my 81 year old mother in-law which in itself has put a strain on things whilst being on JobKeeper. I sincerely hope the Hannan family are proud of the way they treat their workforce who make sacrifices day in day out to only make them richer, while we have an uncertain future." Show your support for Ovato workers like Shaun by emailing the company CEO here: https://www.megaphone.org.au//hands-off-ovato-worker-entit

23.01.2022 Well said Cindy. Lets not throw away all this hard work now.

23.01.2022 STEP 3 | From 11.59pm Wednesday night, regional Victoria will enter the third step of the COVID-19 reopening roadmap. See a full summary of what this means for you & your family, tonight on WIN News at 6pm, Channel 8 & 80 (HD). #WINNews6pm

22.01.2022 Regional Victoria is now at the Second Step. And will almost certainly progress further this week when we have had 14 days of an average of <5 cases per day, to... the Third Step. This progress belongs to everyone who has made so many sacrifices to bring case numbers down and keep them down.

22.01.2022 Friday is Equal Pay Day, and were coming together to demand the pandemic support that working women need. Here are 3 things you can do: 1. Sign the petition te...lling Morrison and the National Cabinet to take action at www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/working-women 2. Post a selfie on Friday, using the hashtags #EqualPayDay2020 #WorkingWomenNeed and #SafeRespectedEqual 3. Join the Equal Pay COVID-19 Panel at 1pm on Friday. RSVP at https://www.unionwomen.org.au/equal_pay_day_covid19_panel_d

22.01.2022 Doc has been a union member for his whole working life and is an ASU a delegate at Gippsland Water. Hes also a Crisis Champion. If you call the water authority... then Doc & his crew head straight out to your place and make it safe. Some days hell dig a hole, jump in, fix the pipe and then water comes on again. Other days, he inspects assets and prevents breakages or other problems. He works on-call and can sort out problems 24/7. Storms, floods, accidents you name it he has fixed them all. Docs a dedicated union man, even when on smoko hell sing out and ask a workmate to join the union. According to Doc, youd be mad to go into a meeting by yourself. I tell all the crew just sing out and we will be by your side.

21.01.2022 Despite more than 8,000 tip-offs, not one company has been penalised for rorting JobKeeper. The Government should be focused on fixing JobKeeper and ending the company rorts, not cutting it back.

20.01.2022 13 years ago, tireless social activist and anti-asbestos campaigner Bernie Banton AM died peacefully in his sleep. Bernie was the face of the major political an...d legal campaign to win compensation for thousands of people who contracted asbestos related illnesses after working for James Hardie or after being exposed to James Hardie Industries' products. Bernie fought this fight while diagnosed with asbestosis and also Asbestos Related Pleural Disease (ARPD). Bernie’s death coincides with Asbestos Awareness Week, and may he remind us all of the importance of workplace health and safety and the duty of employers, especially around hazardous materials such as asbestos and silica. Bernie Banton's legacy as a powerful advocate and strong voice for workers will not be forgotten. He fought for justice for the victims of asbestos - and the fight will continue. Vale Bernie Banton AM. 13 October 1946 - 27 November 2007

20.01.2022 More than ever with everything going on at the moment is it important to check in on your mates and say those three little words R U OK?

19.01.2022 Theres usually a bit of tidying up to do in the backyard after a storm. But after the winds last week, the roads crew at Wellington Shire had a bit more cleani...ng up to do than most of us ever face. This essential work keeps the roads open. But more importantly, Colin and his crew who work out of the Maffra Depot make sure branches dont fall on cars. This work saves lives.

18.01.2022 Mid Valley continues to play an essential role in our community, providing you with access to retail, food as well as essential household items, products and se...rvices. The OPTUS and Cutting Edge Keys stores at Mid Valley have been contacted by the department of health and advised that they have been identified as a Casual Contact point for a confirmed COVID-19 case on Thursday 27th August 2020. Both stores have since undertaken a thorough sanitisation of the store in accordance with Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recommendations. Optus will reopen tomorrow Tuesday 1st September 2020. The advice from authorities in this case is for any visitors to Mid Valley to go about your normal business, but monitor yourself for 14 days for the most common symptoms of COVID-19. If you have a fever or respiratory symptoms phone the COVID-19 24-hour hotline 1800 675 398, or a GP or emergency department to arrange for testing and appropriate care. We respectfully ask all visitors and staff to Mid Valley to observe social distancing measures in place, wear a face covering, exercise high standards of hygiene including washing your hands thoroughly and to stay at home if you are feeling unwell. We want to assure the community that we are monitoring and following all relevant advice and guidance issued by Federal and State authorities. For the latest health advice and to stay informed, we recommend visiting: health.gov.au/ or vic.gov.au/coronavirus These are trying times for all businesses at Mid Valley and appreciate your continued support. For more information please refer to our web site. https://www.midvalleyshoppingcentre.com.au/news/

18.01.2022 We joined with the Transport Workers Union - TWU this morning at the Amazon Fulfilment Centre in Dandenong for the global Amazon Day of Action. Amazon is one of... the most powerful corporations on the planet, headed by the world’s richest person, CEO Jeff Bezos. During the pandemic, we have seen Amazon grow into a trillion dollar corporation and Bezos become the first person in history to amass $200 billion in personal wealth. Meanwhile, Amazon warehouse workers work hard on low pay and it pays close to 0% corporation tax. Everyone knows THIS IS WRONG. Amazon's success would be impossible without workers. Amazon takes too much and gives back too little. It is time to #MakeAmazonPay.

17.01.2022 We are working with many employers trying to minimise the impact of corona virus on their businesses and on our members then we have some employers rorting jobkeeper.

17.01.2022 The Department of Health and Human Services have released advice that a person who has tested positive to COVID-19 has visited a number of locations in Latrobe ...City that are listed below. https://bit.ly/3gOs4Sp The person may have also been at Pakenham Station between the time of 2pm-3pm on 22 August. If you have been to one of these locations during these times please monitor yourself for symptoms. If you are feeling unwell do not go to work, immediately get tested and stay home. For further information refer to www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/getting-tested Additional testing resources have been established to assist with demand. Current testing sites can be located at the following addresses: NEW SITE FROM TOMORROW, 2 September. - Traralgon Town Hall, Cnr Breed and Grey Street Traralgon. Hours Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm. No appointment required Latrobe Valley Respiratory Clinic 185-189 Princes Drive, Morwell, open weekdays 9am-5pm and Saturdays 9am-2pm Book online or phone 5191 9321. Appointment needed, no referral. Latrobe Community Health Service Kmart Moe Car Park Bell Street, Moe Enter - Bell Street, Exit - Albert Street Phone 1800 242 696. Extended opening times: 3 September 2020 Thursday 9:00-12:00 noon and 12.30 -3:00pm 4 September 2020 Friday 9:00-12:00 noon and 12.30 -3:00pm 7 September 2020 Monday 9:00-12:00 noon and 12.30 -3:00pm 8 September 2020 Tuesday 9:00-12:00 noon 9 September 2020 Wednesday 9:00-12:00 noon 10 September 2020 Thursday 9:00-12:00 noon 11 September 2020 Friday 9:00-12:00 noon Drive-through, no appointment needed, no referral required. This is a good time to remember that to prevent the spread of COVID, you should remain at home at all times except; to shop for food and necessary goods or services to provide care, for compassionate reasons or to seek medical treatment to exercise or for outdoor recreation for work or education, if you cant do it from home When you leave your home you should also be wearing a mask.

17.01.2022 This man needs to resign now.

15.01.2022 For my new trackies. For the kids craft supplies. For the letters from grandma and pop. Our posties are out doing a heroic job for Victorians. Our reliance on... mail has never been greater, while at the same time hard working posties face attacks from their employers at Australia Post, trying to make cuts to the network! As workers we extend our solidarity and gratitude to the members of the mighty Communication Workers Union. Join them in sending Federal politicians a message to keep Australia Post running strong! https://postalpandemic.com.au/ Communication Workers Union National Office

15.01.2022 After a devastating year for the Australian screen industry, it's good to hear the Federal Government is considering a local content quota for Netflix and other... streaming services that currently have no obligation to produce original Australian content. This is something Australian writers, producers, directors, actors and crew have been lobbying for for the last four years. #MakeItAustralian See more

15.01.2022 "We all have our tipping points. Everyone knows at the moment, that particularly nurses, midwives and carers are challenged with the work challenges around COVI...D and staff resourcing and patient care and all of those things. Only then ... look after children in home care, looking after elderly parents, just keeping food on the table. All of these things can stack up and can take a very heavy toll on us." Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed and want support? The Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria is here for nurses, midwives, carers (private aged care personal care workers), student nurses and midwives. Run by nurses & midwives, NMHPV understands what youre facing. CEO Glenn Taylor talks to you from his car about how NMHPV can help (hes working from home too!)

14.01.2022 Australia is in recession. Over half a million workers have lost their jobs and families are struggling to pay their bills. The notion that senior Australia Po...st executives could be handing themselves millions in bonuses is both obscene and out of touch. Where are the Liberals and Nationals? CEPU - The Communications Union

14.01.2022 Meet Kent. He wont admit it - but hes one of the hidden heroes of this pandemic. While Australia is in lockdown, hes one of the many workers keeping the country running. Have a listen to his story, and give him your support by signing our petition: https://utm.io/uI2v

13.01.2022 All workers have the right to be free from all forms of violence and harassment at home and at work. We invite you to add a frame to your profile photo from tod...ay to December 10, to show your support during our 16 days of activism campaign. Please sign our petition here: https://www.megaphone.org.au//ratify-ilo-c190-violence-and Frame 1: www.facebook.com/profilepicframes/?selected_overlay_id=826014408194478 Frame 2: www.facebook.com/profilepicframes/?selected_overlay_id=2573170156229182 Frame 3: www.facebook.com/profilepicframes/?selected_overlay_id=373399077251040 Frame 4: www.facebook.com/profilepicframes/?selected_overlay_id=769363236978621

13.01.2022 Victorians are making big sacrifices to keep everyone safe.

12.01.2022 The Grand Final has been moved back a month - and so has the public holiday. The government has gazetted that the holiday will now be on Friday 23 October. And ...this year it will be known as "Thank You Day". That means the last weekend of September is no longer a lockdown weekend for us. To assist the 75% that will have missed a couple of months of work, the new Grand Final weekend (the one in October) wont be a lockdown either. Youll still be able to catch the Grand Final, because it kicks off in the evening this year. All RDOs remain as scheduled, and there are no changes to the Cup Day break.

12.01.2022 #BREAKING The Victorian Government has today announced an extension of its wage subsidy scheme for public sector venue workers until 28 March 2021. This is a ma...ssive win for #MEAAcrew members in Victoria. Our online petition combined with members campaigning on social media shows that when workers come together and take action, it gets results. See more

12.01.2022 Weve always said wed be guided by the data. That wed listen to the experts. And that we would ease restrictions as soon as its safe to do so. Regional Victo...ria has now met the trigger point to move to the Third Step with a 14-day average of less than five, and no mystery cases. Our public health team have given the go-ahead and that move will happen from 11.59pm tomorrow night. A fair bit will change then, so Ill run through it all as quickly and simply as I can. Just before I do that one important point. Moving from the Second to the Third Step is probably the most significant step we take in Victorias roadmap. Regional Victorians will go from only having four reasons to leave the house to well, plenty. But the pandemic hasnt gone anywhere, and we still have active cases in regional areas so its not like the risk has just disappeared. Lets not kid ourselves about that. Thats why at every turn, in every interaction, were asking everyone to take care and use common sense. In terms of whats changing: Restaurants and cafes can reopen to seated customers but in keeping with the outdoor dining plan announced yesterday, tables will be mostly outside. Tourist accommodation can welcome regional guests, and people can travel within regional Victoria. Weddings will increase to 10 people. Funerals can be attended by 20. All school students will return to onsite learning in Term 4. Outdoor community sport can restart for 18 and unders, with non-contact for adults. And beauty and personal care services can operate alongside hairdressers, so long as masks can be worn at all times. I know everyone has been missing friends and family. Were all in that boat. But we also know that get-togethers at home are a particularly high risk. We tend to let our guard down when were in familiar surroundings with those we love. Thats just human nature. And in these early stages of reopening, we still have to limit the number of people we have contact with as much as possible. Thats why in Step Three, two households can form a bubble meaning up to five members of one household can visit the other at home. If you want to catch up with other mates or relatives, you can still do that at the park, pub or other public space up to 10 can meet up outside. Please only see those you really have to, and limit the number of different people you interact with. That means your third-best friend from primary might have to wait. And because we now know the risk of transmission is up to 20 times higher indoors compared to outdoors, were also encouraging people to do as much work, socialising and recreation outside as possible. Thats whats changing heres whats not: Were still asking everyone who can work from home to keep doing so. Face coverings remain mandatory when youre out in public. And if youve been coming to metro Melbourne for permitted work or caregiving or vice versa that can continue. But we cant have people traveling between metro and regional areas without a good reason. If you live in Melbourne but are in regional Victoria for work, or to see your partner, the First Step restrictions travel with you. That means you wont be able to eat out, for example. This is a big step and this success belongs to the whole state. Its down to regional Victorians doing the right thing and following the restrictions, no question but it couldnt have happened without metro folk staying away too. I know how hard thats been. I havent seen my mum since Christmas either. But know that your sacrifices have helped to give your loved ones that bit of extra freedom that bit faster. Now its up to all of us to guard these low numbers. I appreciate todays news might be hard for Melburnians, who are no doubt looking on with some degree of envy. But we will get there too. Regional Victoria had more than 500 active cases just a few weeks ago. Now theres just 43. This is testament to the fact that the strategy is working. And I want to thank every single one of you for your patience. Your resilience. Your determination to see this through. This is about moving forward and we dont want to risk any backward steps. I know we can do it.

12.01.2022 Very proud to be apart of this amazing social inclusion week project. The Project highlights the love of cooking that most cultures share and has some amazing recipes from many different people of different cultures who reside in Gippsland. Each recipe can be screenshot and includes the instructions to follow along at home, There are some beautiful stories shared which tell of the rich cultural history not only Gippsland has, but of different countries around the world. Please take some time to explore the playlist below and enjoy the fantastic work that "Together Gippsland" has created with the help of many different people across Gippsland.

11.01.2022 One rule for them, another for the rest of us.

11.01.2022 Remember it is ok to be not ok. Your Union is here to support.

11.01.2022 NAME AND SHAME: GERRY HANSSEN Yesterday, Gerry Hanssen's construction company, Hanssen Pty Ltd was fined a piddling $60,000 for health and safety violations ide...ntified as part of the investigation into the death of German backpacker Marianka Heumann. Marianka fell 13 floors down an open shaft to her death. Gerry Hanssen and his management didn't even stop work. They made Marianka's collogues keep working while she lay on the concrete covered with a canvas sheet. The site was not shut down or secured properly and this ultimately led to difficulties in any prosecutions for Marianka's death. So the fine handed down yesterday was for other failures to cover open perpetrations on the site as a result of the investigation. Hanssen was given no direct penalty at all for Marianka's death. Just for the record, Gerry Hanssen is a Liberal Party hack who donates prolifically and as a result enjoys a cozy relationship to Liberal Party leaders in WA and in Canberra. This shows exactly why we needed Industrial Manslaughter laws in WA. Unfortunately they didn't come soon enough to protect Marianka Heumann or told Hanssen accountable for the disgraceful failures that killed her. Gerry Hanssen has no place in the WA construction industry.

11.01.2022 Click for Vic help support local Victorian business

10.01.2022 Today is Equal Pay Day. It takes a woman an extra 59 days to earn the same as a man in the same field. Thats an extra 2 months of work. Its time to stamp out one of the most outdated sexist assumptions. Pay Equity is a union issue, and its time to close the gap.

09.01.2022 The latest message for our community, from Latrobe City Mayor, Cr Dan Clancey.

09.01.2022 Even Malcolm Turnbull wants to protect our superannuation system.

07.01.2022 #SaveQantasJobs

06.01.2022 Are you worried that a friend might be struggling with their mental health, or want to be ready to support someone in the future? Take the pledge to show your s...upport by checking in. Its not just any pledge, but a pledge that could change the lives around you. Jump online at https://www.llg.org.au/checkinwithafriend and be a change-maker with us. Once youve made the pledge, youll have access to resources to help you feel confident about checking in with those around you. Printed copies of these resources can be sent through if you add your address, including a sticker to pop on your car door or business window anywhere people can see it! Lets send a message that we care! A huge thanks to Latrobe Health Assembly for their support to make Check In With A Friend a reality. Lets make a change at a local level. Check in with a friend today. See more

04.01.2022 STATE BUDGET: The Andrews Government’s $40 million kick start to implement nurse/carer to resident ratios in private aged care to improve the clinical care, saf...ety and dignity of residents has put much needed safe staffing firmly on the table. The funding will support an increase in aged care student placements for registered nurses, enrolled nurses and personal care workers subject to the Federal Government accepting and funding recommendations (the final report is due February 2021) from the aged care royal commission to introduce mandated minimum ratios in private and not-for profit aged care. https://otr.anmfvic.asn.au//after-covid-19-lesson-andrews-

03.01.2022 The next time you hear a politician or business lobbyist argue against the superannuation guarantee increase, think of this image. This is the reality of life ...for so many older Australians. We know that on average, workers will run out of retirement savings ten years before they die, throwing them on to the age pension and pushing them into poverty. Workers need more super, not less. Workers deserve dignity and comfort (and yes I cant believe this has to be said) enough to eat, in retirement.

02.01.2022 LIVE: Qantas workers are at Parliament House calling for 2,500 Qantas jobs to be saved, not outsourced

02.01.2022 A CONVERSATION CAN CHANGE A LIFE If your gut instinct is telling you somethings worrying a workmate, start a conversation to see how theyre going. You coul...d: Find a time that is convenient for them to have a chat Go grab a takeaway coffee and get away from distractions Mention specific things that have made you concerned for them: You seem less chatty than usual. How are you travelling? If theyre not ok, listen and dont judge them and encourage them to connect with appropriate support. For more tips to help a workmate, visit ruok.org.au #STRONGERTOGETHER

01.01.2022 Huge news out of Queensland this afternoon, where new laws have just passed to make wage theft a crime like in Victoria! Were celebrating with you from a safe distance. Queensland Unions