As you know 2015 has been a challenging year for workers and our union.
The unprecedented attack on the union movement launched by the then Abbott Coalition Government in 2014 continued in 2015 as they attacked workers’ superannuation funds, our right to organise together to ensure better wages and conditions and our right to a safe and healthy workplace.
But we fought back and in many cases we triumphed. They did not get through their regressive changes to superannuation, they did not succeed in resurrecting the Australian Building Construction Commission and they did not achieve their dream of weakening workers’ entitlements under the Fair Work Act.
In fact despite the attacks together we managed to achieve many gains.
Our persistent campaign got rid of Tony Abbott.
We managed to win extra protections in the worst ever agreement for workers, the China Free Trade Agreement, an unprecedented accomplishment in the face of big business and their lobbyists.
And we brought back unions’ rights to ensure health and safety in workplaces in Queensland which was taken away by the fanatical Newman government.
This does not mean that the battle is over. This week’s the Productivity Commissions recommended to the Turnbull Government that they slash penalty rates even though many Australians are battling to stay afloat.
And that is just the tip of the iceberg. We know that the attacks will keep on coming.
So in 2016 we will stand united as never before and keep fighting for our jobs, our families and our communities.
Have a safe and happy festive season and thank you all for your support in our ongoing struggle.
In Unity
Michael O’Connor
CFMEU National Secretary
The unprecedented attack on the union movement launched by the then Abbott Coalition Government in 2014 continued in 2015 as they attacked workers’ superannuation funds, our right to organise together to ensure better wages and conditions and our right to a safe and healthy workplace.
But we fought back and in many cases we triumphed. They did not get through their regressive changes to superannuation, they did not succeed in resurrecting the Australian Building Construction Commission and they did not achieve their dream of weakening workers’ entitlements under the Fair Work Act.
In fact despite the attacks together we managed to achieve many gains.
Our persistent campaign got rid of Tony Abbott.
We managed to win extra protections in the worst ever agreement for workers, the China Free Trade Agreement, an unprecedented accomplishment in the face of big business and their lobbyists.
And we brought back unions’ rights to ensure health and safety in workplaces in Queensland which was taken away by the fanatical Newman government.
This does not mean that the battle is over. This week’s the Productivity Commissions recommended to the Turnbull Government that they slash penalty rates even though many Australians are battling to stay afloat.
And that is just the tip of the iceberg. We know that the attacks will keep on coming.
So in 2016 we will stand united as never before and keep fighting for our jobs, our families and our communities.
Have a safe and happy festive season and thank you all for your support in our ongoing struggle.
In Unity
Michael O’Connor
CFMEU National Secretary
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