In the June edition of your Member Benefits Update we encourage you to check your home loan to ensure you are getting the best rates, we highlight our great car insurance offer, we have an update on the recent increase to the minimum wage, we present ‘Change the Rules’ merchandise and we pay tribute to union legend, Ark Tribe. Plus you can win one of six Madman DVDs!
Photo: Unionists marching in the ‘Change The Rules’ rally in Melbourne, 9 May 2018
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Time to check your home loan
The start of a new financial year is an ideal time to review your home loan – it can put money back in your pocket. Taking a few minutes to take stock of your mortgage makes a lot of sense. As a major financial commitment, your loan is likely to be one of your household’s largest outgoings. So it needs to provide you with a competitive rate while still providing flexible features. How does the rate compare? You don’t have to wait for the Reserve Bank to cut rates to get a better interest rate on your loan. It’s possible to make big savings by switching to a cheaper mortgage – do your research and compare your home loan against other home loans in the market. Check the fees Ongoing monthly fees do little more than add to the loan cost, yet it’s an expense that can easily be avoided. This article is brought to you by ME. For more information, please visit mebank.com.au |
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Photo: ACTU Secretary Sally McManus speaking outside the FWC in Melbourne on 1 June 2018 |
Minimum wage increase on 1 JulyOn 1st July 2018 the minimum wage will increase by 3.5% (or $24.30 per week) to $719.20 for full-time work. The new hourly rate will be $18.93. All award wages will also increase by 3.5 per cent. This is the biggest percentage increase the Fair Work Commission has awarded and it has only happened because union members fought hard for it. It means 2.3 million workers will get a pay rise next month. But working people need more – we need a living wage. The minimum wage should be pegged at 60% of the median wage, which is the mark set by the OECD for a wage that can support a worker and provide a comfortable life. Even with today’s increase we are still below that mark. |
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There’s more to car insurance than priceThere’s more to car insurance than finding the cheapest premium, it’s about the right features at the right price. Having the right features can help you get back on the road quicker and with less stress. Always read the PDS to know exactly what you are covered for and the limits. In particular, look out for the excess as a large excess can cancel out the savings you made in the premium. Through Member Advantage, Vero Insurance offers premium comprehensive car insurance features at the right price:
Visit your Australian Unions Member Benefits website to find our more or give Vero a call on 1800 250 962 for a quote on car insurance. Conditions and Exclusions apply. A Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) is available for these products and can be requested when you call for a quote, or can be downloaded from the Vero website: www.vero.com.au. You should consider the PDS before deciding whether to buy any of these products. The insurer is AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 AFSL 230859 trading as Vero Insurance. |
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Vale Ark TribeIt is with much sadness that we report on the untimely death of SA unionist Ark Tribe last month. Ark was the first construction worker to be charged with not attending a hearing under John Howard’s original ABCC laws. In 2008, Ark participated in a workplace meeting over safety issues on a site in Adelaide that had such poor safety that WorkSafe shut it down. The ABCC then demanded Ark appear at a secret interrogation. When Ark couldn’t be bullied into saying what was discussed at the workplace meeting that was called to demand greater safety, he was charged, dragged through the courts and threatened with jail. He was later aquitted and awarded costs. He never set out to be a hero, but he was prepared to go to jail in order to defend the rights of work of the hundreds of thousands of men and women who work in the Australian building and construction industry. Ark has the admiration and respect of the entire union movement. Farewell to a union warrior. |
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Amnesty for stolen super lets thieves walk freeLate last month, minister for Revenue and Financial Services Kelly O’Dwyer suggested an amnesty which would allow the employers who have stolen superannuation from 2.4 million Australian workers to avoid punishment. Employers should be facing increased, financially meaningful penalties, instead they are being let off scot-free by a Government which has never demonstrated any interest in protecting the rights of working people. ACTU Assistant Secretary Scott Connolly said, “The Government should be increasing penalties to try and stop wage theft and theft of superannuation; instead they are giving employers a green light as long as they return the money they stole. “We need to change the rules so that employers are held to account for their actions, and if this Government won’t protect the rights of working people, then we need to change the government.” |
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Want to work for a union?If you’ve ever wanted to get a job working for the union movement, have we got a website for you! The ACTU Job Vacancies web page has a variety of positions vacant, from Organiser roles to Communications, Admin and everything in between. So if you’re in the market for a great union job check out what’s on offer today. |
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Get your ‘Change The Rules’ activist gear here!Last month we proudly announced the launch of our new online shop where you can purchase all your activist gear. Wear your union pride to help Change the Rules. |
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WIN a Madman DVD this month!Enter the draw to win one of 3 copies of both ‘Manifesto‘ and ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer‘ that we are giving away to 6 lucky union members this month! Manifesto To enter the ‘Manifesto’ DVD competition email [email protected] with your name, address, union name and membership number before close of business Friday 29th June 2018. The Killing of a Sacred Deer To enter the ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ DVD competition email [email protected] with your name, address, union name and membership number before close of business Friday 29th June 2018. |
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ACTU Congress 2018Next month over 800 delegates representing workers from every industry and sector in Australia will attend the ACTU Congress at Brisbane Convention Centre on Tuesday 17th July 2018 and Wednesday 18th July 2018. This is the largest and most important gathering of Australian Unions and it sets the Union agenda for the next three years. Delegates will debate and vote on policies regarding the workplace, rights and campaigns to improve wages, conditions and the standard of living for Australian workers and their families. The ACTU thanks all sponsors and partners for their support of the 2018 ACTU Congress. Find out more about ACTU Congress |
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Member Benefits Update June 2018