It has been reported that the CFMEU is referring to this agreement as a roll-over of the previous CFMEU agreement but we have noted some enhancements to employment conditions in this agreement compared to the previous one. We will be producing a comparative summary to ensure that members are aware of any additional items.
It has also been reported that the CFMEU is instructing employers to sign a declaration form and return this with the signed agreement to them for lodgement with the Workplace Authority along with payment of $400 for processing by the CFMEU.
Members should note that the Workplace Relations Act 1996, specifically requires employers to make the declarations and to do the lodgements of workplace agreements themselves.
Failure to comply with this requirement or any of those procedural requirements stipulated in the declaration, (eg providing employees with the agreement and an information statement for a minimum of 7 days before voting on it) can result in fines of up to $33,000 per offence as breaches of the Workplace Relations Act 1996.
Any member who receives an approach of this sort is advised to obtain advice before committing to anything. Any such enquiries should be directed to Rick Knowles on 0407 095 007.
