Like I said before , the system works . This has been a long drawn saga but we have got there .
This has been a full on year , there is no denying . All sorts of issues have contributed to the delay in creating this EBA . But at the end of the day , we are triumphant !
No I'm actually joking because that's not how it feels . No victory dances here , just a quiet satisfaction that we stuck together in a civilized way to obtain our due . What we perceived to be our due !
Perception is everything , and this EBA has been a watershed for the employees at Manildra . I think that Management made a mistake and misread the mood of the workforce . The ensuing fall out resulted in increased Union membership and significant support from the NUW .
I suspect never again will we be fractured like in the past .
One of our delegates mentioned " playing the game " and unfortunately he is right , Management negotiated by the tried and tested ways of the past when this time a more nuanced response was required .
It was not forthcoming and for the future the bosses are going to be saddled with an organized and united workforce .
Having said that , I must point out that Brunners and Chillers were polite and civil throughout , even sometimes in the face of hotheadedness from our side . So fair go , they played the game even perhaps when they were not calling the shots .
Another unintended consequence has been the renewal of the Delegate ranks where we have a nicely balanced team . Special mention to Spence for his commitment , Muldoon for his drive and courage , Mick Gibbo for his smarts and organizational ability .
Bob Kizana has put in a long innings as delegate and has bowed out . Many many employees have benefitted from his time as delegate , including me ! Thanks Bob .
There are a couple of things to iron out before the EBA is bedded down , including an important meeting where we officially vote on the four per cent . Last meeting we voted but that doesn't count , Garry Cripps will be present on the 9th Dec for a proper vote .
We need everyone to come along because the number of votes is officially recorded by Fairwork Australia . Even though we have a result , please come and vote . It's quite important .
Also every employee should get a copy of the EBA around that time . The idea is that everyone reads it before the document becomes official on the 14th . Any concerns or clarification please let us know .
This is a great thing . Believe me the previous EBA was hard to get a copy of .
Now we have a new era and congratulations to the workforce at Manildra . In spite of the longevity of the process we have just endured , it has been to our immense benefit .
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