WORKPLACE TRAINING
SEA-Unite is running a 2-hour training session for members in SkyCity Hotel and the Grand Hotel on basic employment rights.
PART 1: What is the minimum wage? Can my pay day be changed? Can I get paid in cash? Who can deduct from my wages? How many public holidays are there? Should I get paid on the public holidays if I didn't work? Can I be compelled to work on a public holiday? When am I eligible for sick leave? Do I need to supply a medical certificate? Who gets paid parental leave? How many weeks and how much is paid? Can an employer refuse to grant parental leave? How many days bereavement leave can I take if family members die? When are strikes legal? What does it mean if the employer suspends me during a strike? How many sick days do we get? How many weeks annual leave do we get?
PART 2: Your collective agreement - what you get that is above these minimums.
Date: Sunday 7 October 2.30pm-4.30pm, Monday 8 October 2.30pm-4.30pm
Venue: Welcome Room at SKYCITY Hotel

COA LICENCE REFUND
Because of the SEA-Unite negotiations last year all staff who have a COA and have worked at SkyCity for two years will be refunded $250. Those who paid $500 will get a second payment of $250 next year. The company tried to reneg on this deal by only wanting to pay this to full-time staff. They had to be reminded that a deal is a deal.
We have asked the company to look at paying this money to those who hold licences and are working in non-licensed positions.

SALARY REVIEWS
These reviews should have been done with your involvement. All salaried staff should have been consulted, had the opportunity to make submissions and negotiate changes in good faith. We understand this has not been the case for many. Many staff won't know what their percentage increase is until they see it in their pay.
This is why we want as many salaried positions as possible in the CEA. Then the company has a duty to be up front and negotiate openly with your elected representatives. Join up before the CEA negotiations next year.
We are stronger together.

HOUSEKEEPERS GET EXTRA PAY RISE FOR EXPERIENCE
Housekeeping staff in the Hotels are to get a new 'experienced' rate of $13.40 after 18 months working in the industry. This rate is to be put into the CEA by way of a variation to the agreement.

CONTINUED UNDERPAYMENT OF STAFF
We continue to pick up case after case of staff on the SEA-Unite Collective Agreement who are not being paid their proper rate. This never means they get paid above their rate - it is always below. So check your rate on the noticeboard and talk to your delegate.

20 TOP REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO BE A SEA-UNITE MEMBER
1. Union office on level 1 staffed every day (see noticeboard for times)

2. On site active exec members and delegates 24-hours, 7 days a week.

3. Day-to-day concerns addressed through the drop box.

4. Regular updates through the newsletter and noticeboard.

5. Representation when you need help with disciplinaries or other employment problems.

6. Regular paid stop work meetings and delegate training.

7. Negotiation and enforcement of pay and work conditions that go into the Collective Agreement.

8. Regular meetings with senior management to take up issues of concern raised by members.

9. Free legal support in cases of unjustified dismissal

10. This website

11. Being part the most active and fastest growing union in New Zealand

12. Access to union offices Level 12, 300 Queen St, 9am-9pm Mon to Friday (and most weekends as well)

13. Access to free computer courses worth $5000.

14. Access to home-based courses worth $2000

15. A Lifetime membership card with benefits to follow (including a discount booklet being produced)

16. Access to cheap loans through the United Credit Union (UCU)

17. Free copies of Unite News.

18. After 12 months 80% wages will be paid for up to 3 months in cases of unjustified dismissal.

19. A funeral benefit to your family of $5000 in case you die

20. Access to emergency loans through the credit union to cover travel costs in case of a bereavement overseas

MORE MEMBERS = A BETTER RESULT

DISCIPLINARIES FOR ABSENTEEISM
If anyone receives a 'your rights' letter for a disciplinary meeting you should contact a delegate immediately. Some departments are issuing these without any prior discussions with people who have attendance problems. In some cases we have people being called in for genuine illness where they have provided a medical certificate! It seems they are just looking at a computer printout sent from HR without giving it any serious thought. In cases we are told about we have been able to stop these meetings before they go too far. Remember to consult your delegate whenever you receive one of these letters. 'She'll be right' never quite works at SkyCity.
We agree that in some departments absenteeism is a problem This puts pressure on all staff. Management have a duty to manage. This doesn't mean leaving it for years then suddenly trying to use a club to fix it.

MEDIATION UPDATES
SEA-Unite took the dismissal of TG Supervisor Alex Cooke to mediation and then filed a case for unfair dismissal with the Employment Authority. Before going to court a settlement was reached that was satisfactory to all concerned.
A mediation was held over the issue of Gaming Tech annual leave. Unfortunately no agreement was reached. It is currently with our lawyers to see if we should go to court.
A mediation was held over an attempt to push a worker out on medical grounds. It was agreed that he would continue working and the rehabilitation issues would be dealt with at SkyCity.

TABLE GAMES CONSULTATION CONTINUING
Table Games delegates and TG management have monthly meetings to go over concerns. The most recent meeting discussed concerns over the shuffle machines and the need to rotate staff off the blackjack tables to avoid repetitive strain injury.

SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE
SEA-Unite has been concerned at the staffing levels in Security and Surveillance. This impacts on the health and safety of all staff and customers. It seemed that in a drive to boost profits there was a cutting of staffing levels below what was needed to do the job properly. Certainly there appeared to be no way they could cover unexpected absences or sickness. Several meetings have been held with management

COMPANY GUARANTEES THAT THERE WILL BE CONTINUED SHUTTLE SERVICE
After protests led by SEA-Unite, the company engaged in consulation that has led to the continued servive after July. The company is still looking for ways to save money so we need to remain on guard that the service remains adequate and affordable.

UCU CHRISTMAS CLUB
If you open up a Christmas club account with the United Credit Union you get a 5% interest on a minimum monthly balance.

CONGRATUATIONS DES HUNT
Des , senior host gaming machines, won $1000 when he activated his lifetime SEA-Unite membership card with the United Credit Union. If you want to join the Credit Union and get your card, ring Siu 09 909 1396. More competitions to come.

CONGRATULATIONS JOANNE PAKU
Fortuna Chef (and SEA-Unite member) Joanne Paku won the Culinary Fair Pacific Chef competition.
Joanne gets a trip to Rarotonga with spending money.