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TWU INDUSTRIAL RIGHTS, EDUCATION AND
TRAINING FUND: THE FACTS
There have been a number of erroneous claims about the Industrial Rights, Education and Training fund made over the past few days, including comments made by Workplace Relations Minister Joe Hockey this morning on ABC’s AM program.
Mr Hockey’s comments attacking a Union which stands up for
working Australians are hardly surprising: what else would you expect from a government which has stripped the rights of working families through WorkChoices and AWAs, and is facing a federal election?
To set the record straight:
• This fund has always been used in the best interests of transport workers and their families.
• This fund is used to increase awareness in the transport industry of workplace safety, and to help protect workers against unscrupulous employers.
• The fund has had regular independent audits by AJ Williams & Co.
• The Union has commissioned Deloitte to undertake an additional independent audit.
• Union provided training, like a whole range of employee-benefits, is banned under WorkChoices; meaning employer-contributions to the fund are now contained in common-law arrangements.
• Allegations the TWU negotiated a 30% wage cut are false.
• The TWU is concerned that workers at the labour hire firm 'Blue Collar' have been underpaid and commenced legal action against the company weeks ago.
• In the event that the Coalition Government calls an inquiry, the TWU will be willing to cooperate.
25 September 2007
Media Contacts:
Zoe Arnold 0408463199
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