As you all know the vote has been taken and it was close. Less than 10 votes in it but nationally you have spoken.

What this means for you all now is. Nothing changes. What I mean by that is you carry on doing what it is you are currently doing.

As you know also took a number of other resolutions around the country and the key one was that we would not take any more industrial action whilst our negotiating team was bargaining. This is important as it is our sign to the department that we are going into this part of the talks in a positive manner and want to get the talking done in a prompt fashion.

As you know PPS have dedicated an entire week to sorting their contract and we are hoping that the department are taking the this approach across all of their contracts.

I have passed on this information to the minister and have given him an assurance that we will not be taking any industrial action whilst negotiating. I also told him why this offer was not accepted.

1. No trust in CIE
2. CIE have not paid Muster allowance yet
3. CIE still owe our members half a days wages from the illegal lock out after the suspension.
4. CIE have made promises before and not fulfilled them.

He has taken this on board and will be seeking answers. Hopefully we can move on and get a new collective for our members.

The thing not to lose track of is the fact that for the first time ever CIE have funding for your salaries. Not only your salaries but also up to 16% over the next 3 years.

What I require from you all, is nominations for representatives to be on the Action team and the Negotiating team.

The Action team should consist of a rep from each sector if possible. They will be contacted via con call after each days talks to make sure you Neg team isn't getting carried away.

The negotiating team should consist of an advocate and 1 or 2 CIE reps.

So if you are interested please send me an email by this Friday stating which team you would like to be on. If we get enough interest we will have to conduct a vote in the very near future.
All this is to happen in a very short time frame. As soon as CIE come to us to say they are ready we will be go. So hopefully that will be in less than a week.

Beven Hanlon
CANZ National Officer