In the news: NSW/ACT Branch Secretary Mark Northam speaks to the media (Channel 7, SBS and Channel 9) in support of members as coronavirus outbreaks emerged in two high schools. The union also featured in various print and online publications (pictured left) during the same week.
Union snaps
Organiser Jeff Pratt presents Jennifer Gardiner of Wycliffe Christian School at Warrimoo in the Blue Mountains region with her 30 year membership badge.
Switching on solar: IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Secretary Mark Northam and Organiser James Jenkins-Flint flick the switch to “on” following Ausgrid’s official commissioning of the new solar system at the union’s Ultimo headquarters.
In a show of solidarity, the IEU joined Woolies workers (members of the United Workers’ Union)on Friday 31 July during their lockout from the Woolworths distribution centre at Warnervaleon the Central Coast. The Woolies warehouse workers had walked off the job for 24 hours as many were being paid up to 17 per cent less than the company’s workers doing the same job in Sydney. They were also seeking an end to insecure work through the conversion of casuals to permanent roles, and an end to unsafe stock picking rates. Woolies responded by locking them out of the warehouse for five days without pay, then capitulated and offered wage increases over three years leading to parity with their Sydney colleagues. IEU members at nearby Mac Killop Catholic College, Warnervale, expressed strong support for the UWU members.