As you may be aware, the government has issued several new directives to set out processes for restructures of the public service, and how affected employees are dealt with.  These Directives are:

The critical issue of job security for public sector workers is still at the forefront of our union campaigning.

In excellent news our union, Together, will have - Senior Witness Status - as part of the Queensland Child Protection Commission of Inquiry occurring now.

Your delegates have finalised the negotiations regarding your Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) with Mater Management and the Mater will shortly begin consulting with staff as required by the Fair Work Act.

This afternoon from 4:30pm we have been meeting with government representatives in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission as part of the 'conciliation' process. We are working through the list of issues that were 'on the table' during negotiations and working out if there is any more movement available to get us closer to an agreement.

Yesterday morning the Premier was peppered with questions from concerned Queenslanders on talk back radio but was still maintaining that Queenslanders are thankful for his governments cuts. Every day more and more vital services, jobs and programs are being cut.

On 13 August 2012 NRM Departmental representatives met with our Union NRM delegates and provided an update on the organisational change process in Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM).

On Tuesday Together delegates as well as representatives from other unions -  United Voice, CFMEU, ETU, APSMEA, the Plumbers Union, and the AMWU - met with Minister Flegg.

Every day there are new announcements and rumours about restructures of departments and jobs being lost. I know it is affecting my friends and family members as well as union members I talk to every day. The latest announcement in Queensland Health could affect potentially thousands of members’ livelihoods and have a devastating impact on services.