Childcare workers need more than ABC

Date: 15 September 2004

Childcare workers employed by Eddy Groves, at his growing ABC conglomerate, have rung LHMU Childcare Union offices across the country asking for membership forms - and details of how they can protect their wages and conditions.

" Union membership among childcare workers has grown rapidly over the last few months - and this week the number of enquiries by phone and e-mail has shot up rapidly.

( Click here to apply to join the union)

New growth records

" But this month we expect to break all records.

" And that's largely because of concerns about the way the profit-oriented conglomerates are changing this industry."

Information meetings about ABC takeover of Peppercorn

" The key advice being given to worried workers is not to sign any forms that ABC Childcare presents to you," Jo-anne Schofield said.

" Get independent advice from the union immediately on being asked to sign any material from ABC."

Here are the details of some of the meetings:

- Victoria - Saturday, September 18, 10am-12 noon, 117 Capel St, Nth Melbourne ( near Victoria Market) Free parking available at the rear. Children welcome

- South Australia - LHMU Childcare union reps will be visiting centres over the next few weeks to discuss questions about the merger. Ring Liz Pierce or Helen Gibbons on 8352 3511 for more info

- NSW - Information mailout to all NSW childcare members working at these centres has started;Childcare organisers are currently systematically visiting all centres; Childcare activists are being encouraged to assist in site visits; Ring NSW LHMU Childcare Union organisers, Damian Ogden, Shane Hall and Karen Mc Keown on 02 8204 7204 for further info

- Western Australia - Info meeting Monday, September 20 at 7pm. Union office, 61 Thomas St, Subiaco

- Queensland - Brisbane Southside, September 27, 6.30-8.30pm, Springwood Community Centre Board Room (Cnr Cinderella Drive and Vanessa Blvd) Brisbane Northside, September 28, 6.30-8.30pm, Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre Betty Black Building (Cnr Francis and Gympie Rds) Lawnton. Regional meetings to come.

- ACT - LHMU Childcare union reps will be visiting centres over the next few weeks to discuss questions and hand out information leaflets about the merger. Ring Lynda Stubbs on 02 6273 1238 for more info

Winning a stronger voice

" Childcare workers will be able to win a stronger voice in their workplace, and across this important industry, by working together and being active in campaigns to improve childcare pay and childcare policy.

" Our aim is to give a voice to this important workforce to ensure we have some power to control our own futures - and not allow the millionaire profit-takers to decide what is good for our children, and what is good for the workers in this industry.

Childcare Phone-in

" The LHMU Childcare Union is sponsoring a national Childcare Phone-In, and urges childcare workers and parents, to call 1300 362 223 to tell us of your concerns and the issues you worry about in childcare.

The Phone-In, from 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday, will continue until Friday 17 September and it is a local call cost only.

" The LHMU, along with the ACTU, will collate the results and inform the major political parties in the lead up to the federal election," Jo-anne Schofield said.

Childcare workers win stronger voice, more influence, as membership grows

" As our membership grows childcare workers get more powerful.

" But we want to grow it even faster. We need everyone to be part of the union, we need every hand to help us win real influence over our jobs," Jo-anne Schofield said.

For further information

Contact:	Sue Bellino
Union:	LHMU
Phone:	8204 7212
Fax:	92821 4480
Email:	sueb@lhmu.org.au
WWW:	http://www.lhmu.org.au/

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