Additionally, it is no secret that Cleanaway have been relentless across the board. This is an issue nation-wide, and the ACT is, unfortunately, no exception this. In the wake of Cleanaway’s attacks on workers, I would like to congratulate you all on standing strong and fighting back. Your demonstrations of power through solidarity have sent a strong message to Cleanaway, and have only been further enhanced by support from your comrades across the country.
ACT Ambulance Service Caucus
Following the significant achievements in late 2022, the ACT Delegates Caucus has been dedicated to rolling out the outcomes in 2023.
The Communication Centre realignment for the One Comms ESA will be completed in early April with Support Services and Workforce Planning to follow shortly. This will ensure vital core components of operations returned to the Service, increasing capacity and consistency.
The Roster Reform Committee are set to make announcements confirming the timelines for the roll out of the new roster.
Following members’ motion of no confidence, the ACT Government has engaged an independent team, including Professor Tony Walker ASM, former CEO of Ambulance Victoria, which will conduct the Review considering the operation of the ESA senior executive leadership team. There will be a focus on how they set direction and align the organisation.
We continue to engage in Agreement negotiations with early success in securing career advancement and improved structure in Non-Emergency Transport Service and a draft restructure in the Communications Centre.
Swissport – Back in the game
TWU members at Swissport have sent a strong message to management that the ACT are union strong. With over 70 percent of the workforce in Canberra have been rallying in support of the TWU Agreement negotiation.
With current attrition rates, this is a significant achievement by their delegate Jake, whom has achieved a great outcome with a committed and active union presence back at the Canberra airport. Swissport members are planning aviation meetings across the Airport sector in May and will keep members up-to-date as meetings are confirmed.
Cleanaway
Members at Cleanaway C&I in Hume continue to take Industrial action in the fight against the company’s ideological stance on compulsory weekend work. ACT members joined hundreds of their comrades across NSW in taking strike action at Easter. In the case of the Canberra garbos, the 48 hour strike was the third and fourth days of industrial action. TWU delegate Peter (Dingo) Herringe said,
“This fight is not about money. It’s about preserving a reasonable balance in our lives. The ability to spend some time over the weekend with our families. The members are determined to see this through.”