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23 April 2010

Queensland AWU Secretary Bill Ludwig has welcomed today's decision by Forestry Plantations Queensland (FPQ) employees to approve a new enterprise bargaining agreement.

Of the 319 employees throughout the State that participated in the ballot conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission, 92 per cent registered their approval for the new 3 year deal.

Deal exposes myths about asset sales

 “This is a great result for AWU members and employees of Forestry Plantations Queensland”, said Mr Ludwig.

 “Through open and mature dialogue with the Queensland Government and FPQ workers, the AWU has been able to deliver a deal for its members that gives job security, a guarantee of all existing entitlements and generous wage increases and bonuses.”

 “It also exposes some of the myths that are being bandied around at the moment about the proposed assets sales and how they will affect workers.”

Union concentrates on what we do best for our members

 “Our members at FPQ have spoken overwhelmingly and they know that the sky is not going to fall in over the future sale of FPQ, like some people would have them believe.”

 “It also demonstrates that unions should be concentrating on what they do best – focusing on the real needs of their members and working cooperatively with the Government through this process.”

 Key features of the new deal include –

•  Current FPQ employees cannot be retrenched for a period of three years from date of sale

• 3 year agreement
• 4% annual wage increases throughout the life of the agreement
• Existing award, enterprise agreement and public sector conditions included in the new agreement (eg. superannuation, long service leave, annual leave, sick leave, family leave, penalty rates, allowances)
• Continuity of service will be recognised and maintained for all existing FPQ employees