Dear Union members and supporters,
I write to request your help in preventing Bruck Textiles from proceeding with its desperate attempt to exploit WorkChoices - before the laws are changed - by putting approximately 240 workers onto AWA that will strip Award entitlements and conditions and will last for the next five years.
The Union movement successfully helped to drive the Howard Government from office and we now have a chance to see the end of its extreme WorkChoices laws. But until the new Rudd Government makes the necessary changes to the laws, rogue companies will cling to the discredited WorkChoices and lock workers into unfair and sub-standard AWAs.
Wangaratta-based, Bruck Textiles, that makes fabric used in Australian Army and Victorian Police uniforms, lodged an application to terminate the current Union agreement the day before the Federal Election and has since given out to its workers five year sub-standard AWAs that will reduce their rights and conditions. Some workers at Bruck have not received a pay-rise for three years and the company pays some workers wages that fall below the Australian Fair Pay Standards.
With the Christmas break just over a week away and with the threat of their collective agreement being terminated, the Bruck workers are feeling extremely pressured to sign the AWAs.
You can help put some of the pressure back on the company by contacting Bruck Textiles on:
Email : brucksales@bruck.com.au
or Fax 03 57231101 or Fax 02 9366 3388
And request that the company listens to the will of the workers by withdrawing the AWAs and join the TCFUA at the negotiating table.
Thanks for your time and support.
In solidarity,
Michele O'Neil
Victorian State Secretary of the Textile Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia
