Listen Up Cochlear! Say Lane Cove Staff
Conveners
Dear Supporter,
World famous and highly respected Australian company Cochlear, is
refusing to allow a collective agreement with staff, in conjunction
with the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU).
Cochlear manufactures hearing implants, however, it appears that the
democratice voice of their workforce is not being listened to!
After two ballots, the 260 Cochlear manufacturing staff have decided
themselves that they prefer to be represented by the AMWU, versus
negotiating individually for their employment conditions.
The factory is based in Lane Cove (Joe Hockey's electorate of North
Sydney), and we are keen to support the staff there.
To show your support, please sign the e-petition at :
http://www.labourstart.org/cgi-bin/solidarityforever/show_campaign.cgi?c=272
Why we are supporting the 'Listen Up Cochlear!' Campaign?
Collective bargaining (where employees negotiating as a group) is an
important part of a fair Industrial Relations system, which is what
our group is campaigning for, along with many others across NSW and
the rest of the country.
Collective bargaining is recognised as an important part of decent
international labor standards. The Howard Government's 'WorkChoices'
laws seek to prevent collective bargaining in favour of individual
agreements (AWA's). This is just one aspect of the unfair laws!
If you'd like more information on Collective Bargaining visit
http://www.rightsatwork.com.au/collectivebargaining . (Both Labor and
The Greens strongly support collective bargaining).
Representatives from Cochlear may be joining us at the North Sydney
Markets next month on Saturday 8th September, so come along and say
hi, and pick up some 'Listen Up Cochlear' information.
If you'd like to be mailed any brochures from the AMWU please provide
us with your postal address.
Also, to show your support for Collective Bargaining and other
important conditions that should be a part of our employment
arrangements, make sure you download a petiton at:
It also happens to be Hearing Awareness Week, so let's hope Cochlear
are prepared to listen.
Julia Armitt
North Sydney Your Rights at Work Group