Bunnings workers deserved a far better deal. Every Agreement outcome is directly proportionate to the level of direct action RAFFWU members are prepared to take. To achieve better conditions — like at Apple, Better Read Than Dead or Readings, workers need to be prepared to take responsible direct protected industrial action. BUNNINGS BANK ABOLISHED BUT STILL A SUBSTANDARD DEAL Jim Reynolds, RAFFWU Bargaining Team Member, Bunnings Tasmania I joined Bunnings in 2012 having come from the other hardware store. There was almost no talk of the 2013 EBA until it was time to vote. The SDA had been virtually silent on the issue and nobody knew what was in the log of claims, even the SDA delegates. I was unhappy with the lack of consultation or feedback from the SDA and its Organisers. After an extended period negotiations were to begin on a new EBA in 2019. I decided to join RAFFWU to get better representation and feedback on negotiations. I submitted my proposals for the log of claims and was a happy camper. Unfortunately, COVID hit and for various reasons Bunnings withdrew the agreement that was before the commission. Finally 2023 arrives and we are to begin negotiation on our long expired agreement. Once again, I submitted my wish list for consideration in the log of claims. This time however, Josh contacted me and asked if I would be interested in direct participation in the bargaining process with four or five other members. I was keen to see how this sausage was made. It was clear from the outset that Bunnings had been working on this for a while. They seemed to be determined that most things were set and only a small amount of tinkering at the edges was going to be acceptable. But we pushed on. It seemed evident during the negotiations that the SDA had no objections to any of the proposals put forward by Bunnings or any new or creative ideas of their own. When Bunnings finally presented their first wage offer it was a take it or leave it deal. Not unexpected. I was pleased with the acceptance of five weeks annual leave but disappointed with the loss of public holidays additional day off. Removal of Bank of Hours was a good outcome for most. Was disappointed with the level of wage increases especially the clawing back of wages for those who had earned above EBA rates achieved through performance bonuses. I see this EBA as a small first step in what will be a long process. Things can only improve if the workers are organised and in large numbers. I believe we did quite well considering our numbers. We will never achieve a great outcome without greater numbers. I know that overall, most of us consider Bunnings a reasonable place to work. That doesn’t mean that we cannot make it better though. Looking forward to next time. 13 The 2023 Agreement at Bunnings will end the Bank of Hours and improve rates at some times of the week. It will also pay a base rate of $27 per hour, but not full penalty rates on top across the working week. There is an additional week’s leave for non-casual workers but the Agreement leaves much to be desired. Our action at the Fair Work Commission secured promises that no worker would be required to work at 5am or to change days of work without agreement. We don’t trust big business for a second so if these things impact you, don’t hesitate to contact RAFFWU. AGREED TO MEET RAFFWU IN APRIL
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