BLUE MOUNTAINS UNIONS & COMMUNITY
Politics in the Pub: BMUC convenes regular public forums in the Blue Mountains
Download Blue Mountains Union News (PDF):
Nov 2005, Oct 2006, Feb 2007, Jun 2007, Sep 2007, Jan 2008, Mar 2008,
May 2008, June 2008, Oct 2008, May 2009, July 2010, Oct 2010, Dec 2010
Mar 2011, Aug 2011, June 2012, Nov 2012, June 2013, Aug 2013, Mar 2014
June 2014
Oriental Hotel, Macquarie Rd, Springwood Tuesday 25th July from 5.30pm Includes Q&As from the audience
(download A4 poster) (download flyer)
Blackburns Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster)
Blackburns Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster)
Blackburns Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster)
Blackburns Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster)
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Blackburns Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster)
Blackburns Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster) (download small flyer)
Blackburns Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster) (download small flyer)
Blackburns Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster) (download small flyer)
Blackburns Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster) (download small flyer)
Blackburns Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster) (download small flyer)
Blackburns Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster) (download small flyer)
Blackburns Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster) (download small flyer)
Blackburns Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster) (download small flyer)
Blackburns Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster) (download small flyer)
Blackburns Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster) (download small flyer)
Blackburns Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster) (download small flyer)
Mount Vic Flicks, Harley Ave, Mount Victoria (02 4787 1577)
(download A4 poster) (download small flyer)
Blackburns Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster) (download small flyer)
Blackburns Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster) (download small flyer)
Blackburns Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster) (download small flyer)
Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster) (download small flyer)
ROD BROOKS MEMORIAL FORUM 2010
Saturday, 11 December 2010, 3.00 pmPublic Schools – Our Future
Future Funding and the National CurriculumA survey of over 11,000 public school principals and teachers shows:
Teachers overwhelmingly believe the best way to lift student outcomes is to cut class sizes and increase the individual attention every child receives.
The under-funding of public schools has led to higher teacher and principal workloads and a reliance on fundraising by parents to ensure students receive a high quality education.
Principals say fundraising is being used to provide much-needed classroom equipment (71 per cent), library resources/textbooks (58 per cent) and computers (57 per cent).
Speakers
Gary Zadkovich: Deputy President NSW Teachers' Federation
Dennis Fitzgerald: Vice President NSW Teachers' Federation
For more information, call Deb Smith on (02) 4787 1401 or email BMUC
Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster) (download small flyer)
Saturday, 30 October 2010, 2.30 pm
Sham Contracting
Sham contracting occurs when an employer avoids their responsibilities to pay all of a worker's legal entitlements by hiring workers as "independent" contractors rather than on an employment contract such as an award or collective agreement. This is illegal, short changes the worker and creates unfair competition for employers who abide by the law.
The Speakers
John Sutton: National Secretary, Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
Eleanor Gibbs: Blue Mountains Councillor and Greens industrial relations working group
John Sutton Elenor Gibbs According to the CFMEU hundreds of thousands of dependent contractors include backpackers, international students and apprentices who are being paid as little as $10 per hour with no other entitlements. They believe that the practice is prevalent for low paid workers on building sites, in restaurants and hospitality in general, and in the cleaning industry.
John Sutton says that it is too easy to get an ABN and has recently called on the Federal Government to tighten up the tax rules.
"The system is being abused by some employers who are forcing people to set themselves up as so called contractors to get a job."
"We have statistics from the ABS that show 116,000 people nationally holding ABN’s who describe their job as labourer. Being a labourer is inconsistent with being a bona fide business".
For more information, call Deb Smith on (02) 4787 1401 or email BMUC
Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster) (download small flyer)
Saturday, 17 July 2010, 3.00 pm
Federal Election Special
Meet the candidates for Macquarie - Australia's most marginal seat
The Candidates
Greens: Carmel McCallum
Labor: Susan Templeman
Each candidate will be given ten minutes to make an opening statement of their policies, and then the meeting will be thrown open to questions from the floor.
Liberal: Louise Markus:
Liberal candidate Louise Markus was also invited to speak at the politics in the pub several months ago. While she told the BMUC at the time she would "very much like to take part", she also said that there was always a possibility because of her position as Opposition spokesperson on Veteran's affairs that she could be called by the leadership to attend other events. On July 7th she emailed BMUC to say she would not be attending the July 17th event. Her electorate office explained that Mrs. Markus would be attending a "portfolio related responsibility" in Queensland on the 17th.The politics in the pub event will go ahead as planned, with the ALP and Green candidates.
For more information, call Deb Smith on (02) 4787 1401 or email BMUC
Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster) (download small flyer)
Sunday, 13 December 2009, 3.00 pm
Union Recruitment
Stuart McGill: play mp3
The trials and tribulations of growing union membership in the 21st Century
In the last two years, the Australian Education Union in Victoria, as well other unions in several states, have used a new methodology pioneered by Dr Stuart McGill. It has seen a dramatic growth in membership.
The Secretary of the AEU, together with Stuart McGill, will discuss the new approach and its successes, as well as the controversies that surround it.
Can this new method play a major part in making unions even larger social movements than in recent years? What works for 20 somethings? What happens to unions when the baby boom retires? Can workplaces get greener via workplace bargaining? How do we build productivity, make work more interesting, and get better paid?
These and more issues and questions will be discussed. Come and hear the burning debates in modern unionism.
Speakers:
Brian Henderson, Secretary of Victorian Branch of Australian Education Union (AEU),
Dr Stuart McGill, CEO of Work Partners
For more information, call Deb Smith on (02) 4787 1401 or email BMUC
Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 poster) (download small flyer)
Saturday, 21 March 2009, 2.00 pm
Timor-Leste: Community to Community
Hatu Builico, in the mountains near Mt Ramelau in Timor Leste, is the adopted place of the City of Blue Mountains. Any proceeds raised on the day through raffles etc will go directly to the people of Hatu Buillico
Speakers:
Peter Jennings, Executive Officer, Union Aid Abroad APHEDA
The overseas humanitarian aid agency of the Australian Council of Trade Unions
Suzie Van Opdorp, Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters and
Blue Mountains-Hatu Buillico Friendship Committee
For more information, call Deb Smith on (02) 4787 1401 or email BMUC
Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A3 poster) (download A4 poster) (download small flyer)
Saturday, 18th October 2008, 3.00 pm (listen to streaming forum)
The Future of TAFE:
Rod Brooks Memorial ForumThe political climate underwent what appeared to be a massive change at the last election.
What plans has the Rudd Labor Government for TAFE?
What has changed in attitudes to education and training?
How will the models of funding for schools and TAFE be affected by the Education Revolution?
How will attitudes to the teaching profession be affected by the Education Revolution?
How will TAFE's Outreach Programs and community access to TAFE be affected?
Speakers:
Dr Peter Kell, Professor of Education, Wollongong University
Phil Bradley, Assistant General Secretary, NSW Teachers Federation
Phone 0413866520 or email BMUC
Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 Flyer) (download small Flyer)
Saturday, 17th May 2008, 3.00 pm
Industrial Relations: where to now? (Download Newsletter PDF)Industrial Relations in the Howard government guise of AWAs and WorkChoices played a critical part in the election of the Rudd Labor government and saw a massive change in our political climate.
Our two speakers will present their views about the future of Industrial Relations Laws and what that could mean for workers and unions in the new political climate following the demise of John Howard and eleven years of anti-union policy at a Federal level.
Speakers:
Sharan Burrow, Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) President
Doug Cameron, Former Metal Workers' (AMWU) National Secretary and Senator Elect for NSW
Book Launch: Chris Kempsters' Songs of Henry Lawson: revised Second Edition
Further information:
Phone 0413866520 or email BMUC
Blackburn’s Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 Flyer) (download small Flyer)
Sunday, 23rd September 2007, 2.00 pm
You've Never Had It So Good!
IRate about Howard's IR laws?
This Politics in the Pub sees the launch of two documentary films:
LOCKOUT
"In 1929 one of the darkest chapters in Australian industrial history was written in blood and bitterness on the Northern Coalfields of NSW …"
Presented by award-winning actor Chris Haywood, LOCKOUT re-tells the miners' story and how community anger lead to the violent battle of Rothbury, when police fired on unarmed miners, killing one and wounding many.
CONSTRUCTING FEAR
The film you must see before the next election!
A documentary exposing the activity of an industrial inquisition targeting building workers across Australia. "Constructing Fear" shows how these workers are the front line in an attack on civil liberties that has implications for every Australian.
Guest Speakers include:
Bob Debus, Labor Candidate for Macquarie
Greg Hall, Producer of Lockout
Further information:
Brett O’Brien 0413866520 or brett.obrien@amwu.asn.au
Blackburn’s Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 Flyer) (download small Flyer)
Saturday, 16th June 2007, 2.30 pm
The Privatisation of Education
Education is an important part of our community, but increasingly
government sees it as just another business. Find out what economic
rationalism is doing to schools and TAFE, locally and across Australia,
and find out what you can do about it.This Politics in the Pub is a must see event for every parent, student
and educator in the Blue Mountains.Speakers include:
Angelo Gavrielatos, Australian Education Union (AEU) Deputy Federal President
Janice Frape, Blue Mountains P&C
Local TAFE StudentsFurther information:
Phone 0413866520 or email BMUC
Blackburn’s Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
(download A4 Flyer) (download small Flyer)
Saturday, 24th February 2007, 2.30 pm
Stop the Scams: defeat the IR Laws
The past few months has seen a host of anti-worker and anti-union scams by employers emboldened by Howard’s IR Laws.
With the upcoming State and Federal elections we will have a chance to show the emphatic community opposition to these laws and to the types of backwardness they encourage amongst some employers.
The most recent scams include:
Qantas selloff ... management profit via loaded up debt:
reducing job security
Tristar moving offshore ... trashing redundancy payments
Misuse of 457 visa scheme ... Filipino workers in Brisbane:
using the excuse of gaps left by 10 years of cutbacks in local trainingSpeakers include:
Paul Bastian, NSW State Secretary, AMWU
Special Guest, Tristar delegate from the Sydney factoryFurther information:
Brett O’Brien 0413866520
Saturday, 7th October 2006 2.30 pm
(download A4 Flyer) (download small Flyer)"WorkCoices or No Choices?"
Come for lunch, stay for the Forum
Community Forum about WorkChoices
Blackburn’s Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, KatoombaSpeakers include:
Associate Professor Joellen Riley, author of a book, WorkChoices
Mark MacDiarmid, Senior Solicitor, Elizabeth Evatt Community Legal Centre
Justice Paul Munro, former Senior Deputy President, AIRC, Sydney
Martin Cartwright, ‘Your Rights at Work Campaign’, Macquarie, Unions NSWFurther information:
Phone 0413866520 or email BMUCBlackburn’s Family Hotel, 15 Parke Street, Katoomba
Saturday April 8th 2006 at 2.00pm (download Flyer) (read Report)
"Saving Medicare"
Speakers:
Bruce Childs ex Senator and Save Medicare Alliance
Dr. Con Costa Doctors Reform SocietyCall on the Federal Government to use the record budget surplus to restore Medicare to world-class standards.
While the big end of town clamber for yet another tax cut, federal government under-funding continues to threaten our healthcare system, in particular Medicare.
With almost daily revelations about poor staffing levels at hospitals, declining bulk billing rates and escalating costs of medicine, thousands of hard-working Australians face ever-increasing health costs in the family budget.
Those that try to ensure high quality healthcare by joining private funds face a rat race of spiralling costs that bear no resemblance to wage growth.
Hotel Gearin, 273 Great Western Highway, Katoomba
Saturday November 26th 2005 at 2.00pm (download Flyer)
"Be informed, alerted and alarmed"
Speakers:
Tim Ayres: Assistant Secretary AMWU
Peter Primrose: MLC Government WhipThe changes to the Industrial Relations Act
What is before the Federal Parliament: will debate be allowed?
The High Court challenge
How who and when?
And
How will this effect your employment
Part time, full time, casual, pensioners and young workers
These matters touch all of us
Hotel Gearin, 273 Great Western Highway, Katoomba
Saturday July 9th 2005 at 2.00pm (download Flyer)
"YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU GOT TILL IT'S GONE"
John Howard wants Total Control of:
Your Job Security
Your Health and Safety
Your Wages and Working ConditionsWhat you can do to protect your rights
Speakers include:
Jennifer Dowell, AMWU
Luline Comerford, ASU
Amber Jacobus, UWS Students Union
Book Launch
Uncharted Waters
Author: Greg Mallory
Launch: Jim Angel
Hotel Gearin, 273 Great Western Highway, Katoomba
Saturday April 30th 2005 at 2.00pm (download Flyer)
Are You "Relaxed and Comfortable"?Will you Still Be "Relaxed and Comfortable"
When John Howard Takes Total Control of
Your Job Security
Your Health and Safety
Your Wages and Working Conditions
After July 1st 2005?Learn about the plans John Howard has in store for You
Speakers include:
John Robertson, Secretary, UnionsNSW
Mick Rattigan, Health and Safety Officer, AMWU
Brett O'Brien, Education Officer, AMWU
Mark Gregory, Organiser, CPSUHotel Gearin, 273 Great Western Highway, Katoomba
"Challenging the Howard Nightmare"
To discuss the issues of :
Challenging Howard - Building Grass Roots Movements and Coalitions
Speakers:
Peter Murphy from: Now We The People
and
Mark Gregory from: Blue Mountains Unions Council
Hotel Gearin, 273 Great Western Highway, Katoomba
Saturday September 25th 2004 at 2.30pm
"Young People & Trade Unions"
Featuring:
Heather Chaffey (Blue Mountains Youth Worker)
Paul Morris (ASU Organiser, Unions NSW Organiser of the Year 2003)
Joel MacRea (Greens candidate for Macquarie)
John Hayden (Democrats Candidate for Macquarie)
and the Blue Mountains Trade Union Choir
Hotel Gearin, 273 Great Western Highway, Katoomba
"Tackling the problems confronting young people"
April 17th 2004
"Refugees have Rights"
Speakers
Sally McManus, Executive President of the Australian Services Union,
John Valder, Patron for the Bridge For Asylum Seekers Foundation and former federal President of the Liberal Party.
Michael Farrell-Whelan from the Blue Mts Refugee Support Group
Hotel Gearin, 273 Great Western Highway, Katoomba
January 2004
"All the way ... with the FTA???"
Speakers
Dr Pat Ranald : Convenor of the Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network and Principal Policy officer at the Public Interest Advocacy Centre
Mr Brett O'Brien : National Education Officer Australian Manufacturing Workers Union
Senator Kerry Nettle : Australian Greens Senator NSW
Hotel Gearin, 273 Great Western Highway, Katoomba
October 2003
"Union Bashing - Charity Smashing"
Hotel Gearin, 273 Great Western Highway, Katoomba
August 23rd 2003
"With These Arms: MUA Centenary CD launch"
A concert with many of the performers from the CD including
Margaret Walters, Chris Kempster, Alison Jones, Bill Berry, John Hospodaryk
Hotel Gearin, 273 Great Western Highway, Katoomba
Feb 15th 2003
"Peace is Union Business" an anti Iraq War concert
Performers included: Blue Mountains Trade Union Choir, Denis Rice, John Hospodaryk, Chris Kempster, Urban Guerillas, Alison Jones, Kate Cooke, Mark Gregory, Denis Kevans
Hotel Gearin, 273 Great Western Highway, Katoomba
Feb 29th 2000
"Support the Teachers"
Speaker: Sue Simpson: president NSW Teachers Federation
The Family Hotel, Katoomba
Sept 19th 1999
"Republic? Yes!"
Speakers: Malcolm Turnbull, Greg Barnes
The Royal Hotel, Springwood
Feb 20th 1999
"Unions, jobs and the environment"
Speakers:
Meredith Burgmann and Jack Mundey
Book Launch "Green Bans, Red Union"
The Family Hotel, Katoomba
Sept 26th 1998
"Unions and election issues"
Speakers: Alex Bukarica: Assistant National Secretary CFMEU
"Uranium mining at Jabiluka"
Speakers: Sabine Erika: Jabiluka Action Group, Chris Doran: Wilderness Society
The Family Hotel, Katoomba
