Here we are, dear readers, our last instalment for the year that was 2020! In December’s edition we highlight how to show some sparkle at Christmas time on a scaled down budget and there’s an excellent deal for union members from our friends at Union Health. We bring you ACTU Secretary Sally McManus’ speech to the National Press Club (it’s a beauty!), we take a look at the Federal Government’s threat to reverse the legislated increase to the super guarantee and there’s ten double passes to see ‘Monster Hunter’ to win!
Member Benefits Update December 2020
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Christmas sparkle on a small spendThe festive season brings fun, joy and celebration. And we could all do with plenty of that in 2020! Christmas can also mean splashing the cash – although this year could be different. Research by industry super fund-owned ME Bank shows 77% of Australians are taking a more cautious approach to spending during the pandemic. Claudio Mazzarella, ME’s General Manager Personal Banking, says, “It’s important to manage our spending carefully during uncertain times. COVID has definitely highlighted the value of having some rainy-day savings.” The good news is, you can make your Christmas sparkle without racking up a sleigh-load of bills. |
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Christmas is sorted with Union HealthIf there has ever been a time where we needed the Spirit of Christmas – it’s the Summer of 2020. Not only will you wrap up 2020 knowing you have great health cover from one of Australia’s most trusted health funds, but one lucky winner will be spoilt rotten when they win the Ultimate Australian Christmas package. Union Health have put together some special treats from some of their Mates Rates partners, plus a few festive fabs from Australian companies who have done clever things through COVID times, that will add to your happy ho-ho-hos this Christmas. HOW TO WIN THE ULTIMATE AUSTRALIAN CHRISTMAS PACKAGESwitch to Union Health before 17 December for a chance to win this cracker of a prize PLUS get your 2nd month FREE!* Go to https://unionhealth.com.au/actunwa to find out more! |
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Greenfield agreements will not be supported if workers lose rightsACTU Secretary, Sally McManus says that the union movement will not support any extension of greenfield agreements in the absence of additional safeguards for workers. In comments to the National Press Club on Wednesday 2 December Sally McManus said that the union movement would consider extensions to agreements but only if fairness and protections were present. “In the IR working groups we proposed a new form of greenfield agreements exclusively for large resource construction projects of over 5 billion which could be extended for an additional year as long as workers had fair means of resolving disputes when working on these construction sites, with a number of additional safeguards including the right to represented by a trade union.” Sally McManus said. Read Sally McManus’ full speech to the National Press Club |
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The evolution of ESG implementationOver recent years, there has been a growing trend to emphasise the importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) aspects of shares held in investment portfolios. ifsinvest has observed an increased level of awareness across their membership base, irrespective of age or gender. This article briefly describes the history of ESG implementation and ifsinvest’s approach to helping clients understand their needs and options. The most basic ESG implementation taken by investment managers, prevalent in the early days, was to invest as they always had but to eliminate a handful of shares from the portfolio. This is often referred to as ‘negative screening’ because the manager is simply screening out certain shares, usually based on the industry. This approach, whilst concrete, must be taken with care. One downside of this approach is that removing too many shares from a portfolio’s investment universe could lead to lower returns. Negative screens are the most basic form of implementing ESG. ifsinvest would question however, if it is sufficient. |
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“The pandemic cannot be used to justify an attack on super”In a keynote address at the ACTU’s Superannuation Trustees Forum on Friday, ACTU President Michele O’Neil updated superannuation trustees on preparations being made by the peak body for working people to defend workers’ retirement savings. The Morrison Government is continuing its long-running campaign against superannuation by threatening to reverse the legislated increase to the superannuation guarantee at a time when the average Australian is expected to run out of super 10 years before they die. This comes at a time when 70 per cent of women have estimated super balances of less than $150,000 and almost a quarter have balances less than $50,000. Women retire with roughly half as much super as men, and older women are currently the fastest growing group of homeless Australians. Michele O’Neil said, “The pandemic cannot be used to justify an attack on super, the average worker is already expected to run out of super 10 years before they die. We need to reform the system to make it stronger, not gut it.” |
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Jobs with the union movement – apply nowThere are some terrific union roles currently listed on the ACTU Job Vacancies web page. A variety of positions are available from Research Analyst, Industrial Assistant, Digital Marketer to Organiser roles and more. So if you’re in the market for a great union job see what’s on offer today. |
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Relatives of workers killed at work push for nation-wide industrial manslaughter laws183 Australians were killed at their workplace in 2019 – an increase of 37 avoidable deaths since 2018 and the first increase since 2007. A delegation of relatives whose loved ones lost their lives tragically at their place of work spoke in Canberra on Thursday, campaigning for the introduction of industrial manslaughter into model workplace health and safety laws. ACTU Assistant Secretary, Liam O’Brien said, “Employers that cut corners that kill workers should face serious consequences. Sadly, this is not the case. Every year hundreds die in workplaces and their families deserve justice. |
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WIN one of 10 double passes to MONSTER HUNTER this month!Behind our world, there is another: a world of dangerous and powerful monsters that rule their domain with deadly ferocity. When an unexpected sandstorm transports Captain Artemis (Milla Jovovich) and her unit (TI Harris, Meagan Good, Diego Boneta) to a new world, the soldiers are shocked to discover that this hostile and unknown environment is home to enormous and terrifying monsters immune to their firepower. In their desperate battle for survival, the unit encounters the mysterious Hunter (Tony Jaa), whose unique skills allow him to stay one step ahead of the powerful creatures. As Artemis and Hunter slowly build trust, she discovers that he is part of a team led by the Admiral (Ron Perlman). Facing a danger so great it could threaten to destroy their world, the brave warriors combine their unique abilities to band together for the ultimate showdown. Based on the global video game series phenomenon MONSTER HUNTER. Directed By Paul W.S. Anderson Starring Milla Jovovich, Tony Jaa, Tip ‘T.I.’ Harris, Meagan Good, Diego Boneta, Josh Helman, Jim Au-Yeung and Ron Perlman Only in Cinemas 1 January 2021 (Double passes available from 2 January 2021 onwards) #MonsterHunter © 2020 CTMG. All Rights Reserved. COMPETITION: To enter simply send an email with your name, address, union name and membership number to [email protected] before 5pm AEDT Thursday 17th December 2020. |
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Member Benefits Update December 2020