Vale Bob Hawke

It is with immense sorrow and gratitude that the Australian union movement acknowledges the passing of Bob Hawke on 16 May 2019.

The Australian union movement has enormous pride that a great and respected representative of working people and ACTU President went on to become a loved and legendary Australian Prime Minister.

Millions of working people owe their health, their prosperity and their dignity in retirement to Bob’s work.

All our thoughts and sympathy are with Bob’s family and loved ones during this time.

We will never forget him.

Solidarity and vale Bob Hawke.

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Five first home buyer traps to avoid

The number of first home buyers in Australia’s housing market has hit a six-year high, according to new ABS data, but when it comes to buying a home, errors can prove costly.

Industry super fund-owned bank ME highlights five key pitfalls that first home buyers need to be aware of.

• Buying blind

Buying a first home is a big deal, so it makes sense to be clued up on what’s involved.

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Retail sales down as wage crisis continues to bite

Six years of record low wage growth continues to cut into consumer spending, according to figures released on Monday 3rd June by the ABS showing retail sales dropping by 0.1 per cent in April.

Working people are cutting almost all discretionary spending as wages continue to flatline.

ACTU Assistant Secretary Liam O’Brien said “It shouldn’t be surprising to anyone that we are seeing low consumer spending and retail sales when we are still near record low wage growth, and have been for six years.”

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Have you logged into your new benefits website yet?

Discover yearly savings on everyday essentials through your brand-new Australian Unions Member Benefits website.

• Use discounted gift cards to buy essentials like groceries & fuel, apparel, furniture and appliances.
• Save on leisure activities like travel, theme parks and dining.
• Protect your home & contents, car and more.

Plus, access your newest benefit to save up to 20% off* your next car. Get personalised assistance, delivery to your door with a full tank of petrol and 12 months roadside assistance*.

Visit your Australian Unions Member Benefits website to register and login or call 1300 853 352 for more information.

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Find super confusing?

This election saw everyday Australians trying to unravel the puzzle that is superannuation. With terms like ‘franking credits’, ‘co-contributions’ and ‘retirement income tax’, it’s safe to say there was a lot of confusing terms being thrown around with not a whole lot of people actually knowing what they mean.

Superannuation is full of jargon, great for parliamentary policy wonks – not so great for your average Joe Blow.

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Want to work for the union movement?

There are some terrific union roles currently listed on the ACTU Job Vacancies web page.  A variety of positions are available from Organiser/Advocate roles to Industrial Officer, OHS roles, Office Coordinator and everything in between.

So if you’re in the market for a great union job see what’s on offer today.

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Photo: ACTU Assistant Secretary Liam O’Brien speaking outside the FWC in Melbourne

Win for workers but long road left to living wage

The three per cent increase in the minimum wage announced in late May is a step in the right direction for the millions of workers who rely on it and the awards system, but still falls far short of re-establishing the living wage and ensuring that no worker lives in poverty.

An extra $21.60 per week is welcome but clearly not enough to establish a living wage and falls well short of the union submission for $43.

The Fair Work Commission has again roughly split the submissions made by unions and the most extreme anti-worker employer lobbies, which argued for a freeze on the minimum wage.

ACTU Assistant Secretary Liam O’Brien said “We have a long way to go to ensure that the minimum wage is enough for workers to live on and support their families.”

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WIN one of 6 DVDs from Madman

Enter the draw to win one of 3 copies of both ‘Siberia’ and ‘Vitamania’ that we are giving away to 6 lucky union members this month!

Siberia
Siberia tells the story of an American diamond merchant who travels to Russia to sell rare blue diamonds of questionable origin. As the deal begins to collapse he falls into an obsessive and passionate relationship with a Russian cafe owner in a small Siberian town Mirny. As their relationship builds, so does the treacherous world of the diamond trade from which he is unable to extricate himself.

To win a copy of Siberia email [email protected] with your name, address, union name and membership number before close of business Friday 28^th June 2019.

Vitamania
A documentary about vitamins: the history of their discovery, the dietary supplement industry, and the dangers of both deficiencies and excessive intake. Is it true that vitamins are “natural” and therefore can’t do you any harm? How are they regulated, and how can parents make the right choices for their children’s health. These surprisingly urgent questions are investigated by scientist Dr Derek Muller in Vitamania, the latest documentary made by Emmy Award-winning Australian filmmakers, Genepool Productions.

To win a copy of Vitamania email [email protected] with your name, address, union name and membership number before close of business Friday 28^th June 2019.

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