Logo
Prev
search
Print
addthis
Rotate
Help
Next
All Pages
Browse Issues
Home
'
The Border Watch : October 22nd 2013
Contents
2 - The Border Watch, Tuesday, October 22, 2013 From front page CHH officials are expected to fly into Mount Gambier next month to hold another round of crucial meetings to resolve the impasse. The news comes just 12 months after timber workers protested and rallied in Adelaide and Mount Gambier calling for a reduction in log prices to support the company. The outcry coincided with the company threatening to close its operations in Mount Gambier because of what it claimed was high log prices from ForestrySA. Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union Green Triangle secretary Brad Coates said workers were angry CHH had proposed the wage freeze and had not acknowledged the workers public fight. "The membership are not very happy that the company has not acknowledged that effort last year," Mr Coates said. He said a mass meeting of workers voted to reject the offer. The high-profile union official said three counter proposals from the company were also not attractive, including taking away some entitlements for a one per- cent increase. With the enterprise bargaining agreement expiring on October 31, he said work- ers wanted a pay increase in line with the consumer price index. "But the company is not keen to negotiate - they have said that this was the first and final offer on the table," Mr Coates said. Conceding times were "tough" in the sector, he said CHH s offer was below other timber com- panies in Australia, including Timberlink at Tarpeena, as well as AKD Softwoods. He said a 2pc wage increase had been secured for workers at the Tarpeena mill. "CHH have fallen behind other timber companies," Mr Coates said. He said the company was pushing for a wage freeze across its Australian sites, including at Morwell, Murtleford and Tumut. "Hopefully we can bring the matter back to the table and work from there, but there is some angst in our membership," he said. Mr Coates said the company had yet to budge over its proposed wage freeze for 12 months. But he said workers needed wages to rise to meet increasing cost of living pressures, including electricity and petrol hikes. Meanwhile, he said there had been a slight improvement in the region s timber processing industry following the turmoil last year that rocked the sector. "Things are not as bad as they were, but we are still not out of the woods," the union leader said. He said the slow housing sector would continue to impact on the buoyancy of the region s timber sector. Meanwhile, Mr Coates said the consolidated Carter Holt Harvey site on Jubilee Highway East had now settled down after some employees were transferred from Lakeside and Pine Mouldings. These two sites - apart from a section at Lakeside - were closed late last year following asset rationalisation by the company. From front page Mr Murray said he was unable to provide additional information on the fires than was already in the news. "We had a briefing this morning and all I know is there is concern the three fires might move into one and that rough weather is expected for Wednesday," he said. The regional officer said it was a timely reminder for the region s residents to prepare for upcoming bushfire season. "Even though it is wet and cold at the moment, people should have their properties prepared for summer and their bushfire survival plans practiced, " he said. Meanwhile, New South Wales Premier Barry O Farrell released a statement on Sunday declaring the state of emergency. "We are planning for the worst but hoping for the best," Mr O Farrell wrote in the statement. NSW Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons was appointed as the coordinator of the declaration. "This is not an action taken lightly by either the commissioner, the minister or myself, but it s impor- tant the Rural Fire Service and other emergency services have the powers and the resources they need to combat this threat," the NSW premier said. The RFS has the authority to force evacuations and destroy buildings that pose a danger. There is currently a total fire ban across NSW. NEWS VISIT US ONLINE borderwatch.com.au 2Wage freeze rejected Reinforcements fly out to battle Sydney blaze Woman to face assault charges Workers reject Carter Holt Harvey pay proposal POLICE arrested a woman on Sunday afternoon after a distur- bance at a Beachport address. The 24-year-old Beachport woman was charged with assault after allegedly being involved in a dispute with a woman known to her at about 3pm. The victim received minor injuries not requiring medical treatment. The arrested woman was bailed to appear in the Millicent Magistrates Court on December 18. In other news, a Millicent woman was stopped by police at 11.45am last Tuesday for a mobile driver screening test. The 53-year-old returned a read- ing of 0.056 and was issued with an expiation notice. Police called to break-in MOUNT Gambier police are investigating an early morn- ing break-in at a bike shop on Commercial Street East. Someone broke into the premises at about 3.40am on Friday and police are still determining what was stolen. Anyone with informa- tion about the break-in or who noticed any suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact the police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Officers investigate city home invasion A MAN is accused of entering a Commercial Street East property in Mount Gambier and confronting the victim in his home at 9pm on Sunday. The alleged perpetrator is known to the victim and Mount Gambier Police will investigate the serious criminal trespass matter. Officers have urged anybody with further information about the matter to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www. sa.crimestoppers.com.au. Hopefully we can bring the matter back to the table and work from there, but there is some angst in our membership CFMEU Green Triangle secretary Brad Coates new dentures full and partial • denture repairs • denture relines • mouthguards • existing denture problems • private and health funds • Department of Veteran Affairs • South Australian Dental Scheme • DENTURE CLINIC ANDREW BOLWELL 22 ALEXANDER ST • MT GAMBIER All Welcome PHONE FOR CONSULTATION 03 5382 3930 • 0418 351 444 624716 Willow Financial Services Pauline Hill and Scott Wilson have decided that they are too young to think about retirement and after a couple months of holidays, they have decided to start up their own Financial Planning Business, Willow Financial Services. Why not pop into their new office at Plantation Timbers, 2 Eleanor Street, Mount Gambier and find out what Pauline and Scott have been up to over the last couple of months and what services they can provide for you in the future. Scott Wilson, Scott Wilson Pty Ltd t/a Willow Financial Services are Authorised Representatives GWM Adviser Services Limited ABN 96 002 071 749 t/a MLC Financial Planning an Australian Financial Services Licensee, Registered office at 105-153 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060 and a member of the National Australia group of companies. Phone 08 8724 7745 Mobile 0447 616 611 2 Eleanor Street, Mount Gambier scott@willowfinance.com.au pauline@willowfinance.com.au 629514 A DIVISION OF THE PARAPLEGIC AND QUADRIPLEGIC ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA INC. SHOP 5 & 6 RIPLEY ARCADE, MOUNT GAMBIER. PHONE 08 8723 3788 630642 630642 Come in and see our range of lift recliners SEE THE Credit Union Christmas Pageant ON THE BIG SCREEN! WIN TICKETS TO Your family can share in all the fun and excitement of this year's Credit Union Christmas Pageant by watching it live on the big screen. All you have to do is drop into your local People's Choice Credit Union or Police Credit Union and pick up a postcard entry form. All the lucky winners will receive a family pass (4 tickets) and popcorn and drinks on the day as you watch the parade of magical floats, clowns, marching bands, Nipper and Nimble and the Pageant Queen and of course the arrival of Father Christmas himself. Entries close 25/10/13 so 'Ho Ho' hurry. The Credit Union Christmas Pageant on the Big Screen: Saturday November 9 10.30am to 12.30pm at Oatmill Cinema, Mt Gambier. RDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2013 S ATU
Links
Archive
October 23rd 2013
Navigation
Previous Page
Next Page
