In the November Member Benefits Update we pose the question ‘are you missing out on some super?’ We bring you some terrific union member discounts on accommodation, tips on how to be a better saver, there’s an update on our Change the Rules rallies across the country, we highlight some exciting job vacancies here at the ACTU, plus you could win a $100 WISH gift card (which you can spend at Woolies, Big W or Dan Murphy’s).
Member Benefits Update November 2018
Photo: A proud marcher at one of the many ‘Change the Rules’ rallies last month (click to view more rally photos)
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Five signs you could be saving more
Is it time to show your savings some love? Check out industry super fund-owned bank ME’s five telltale signs that your savings could do with an uptick. If you don’t think you’re saving enough, then you probably aren’t. ME rounds up five classic red flags that suggest it could be time to start tucking away a little more.
Who doesn’t love payday? But if you’re regularly sweating the arrival of your next pay cheque, it could be a sign that you need to take action – fast.
So much of our spending is digital these days, and it can be hard to know where your money is going. Try tracking your spending for a week or two. It’s a simple way to see where you could cut back. This article is brought to you by ME. For more information including the latest member offers, please visit mebank.com.au |
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Are you missing out on some super?Each year in Australia, employers are failing to pay billions of dollars in superannuation to their workers. Figures released by the ATO last year revealed that workers were underpaid $17.1 billion in compulsory super entitlements from 2009 to 2015 and $2.85 billion in the 2014/15 financial year alone. The ATO audit points to small-to-medium businesses in the construction, retail, food services and accommodation sectors, as the worst offenders. Recent media attention has also pointed to the changing workforce and growth of the gig economy which will leave thousands of Australian workers with inadequate savings for retirement. But Cath Bowtell, Chief Executive, Industry Fund Services (IFS) says, “We are kidding ourselves if we think non-payment of superannuation is confined to casual or contract labour working short engagements for multiple employers.” IFS which, amongst other services, collects unpaid super on behalf of a number of industry super funds collected almost $178m from 37,972 employers on behalf of 218,439 members in the 2017/18FY. |
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Recharge with up to 60% off at selected hotelsThrough Australian Unions Member Benefits you have access to specially negotiated deals in over 700,000 hotels in more than 71,000 destinations worldwide! Why not take advantage of these great offers and have a much-needed break with your loved ones this festive season? you could save hundreds on yearly groceries and fuel. There are over 100,000 promotional deals and competitive rates on hotel accommodation with the world’s largest online travel agency. Hurry, popular locations and times will fill up fast for the summer peak season. Find your promotional code at your Australian Unions Member Benefits website or call 1300 853 352 for more information. Please note: Terms & conditions apply. Savings dependent on availability and location. |
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Change the Rules ralliesThousands of workers filled the streets across the country in October calling on the Federal Government to change the rules so working people have pay rises that keep up with the cost of living. Wage growth is at near record lows, with four out of five working people not getting pay rises that keep up with the cost of living. The current Australian minimum wage is not a living wage, and is no longer keeping people out of poverty. Forty percent of working people are in insecure work – either in casual work, dependent on contracting, in labour hire, getting too few hours, or in the gig economy. We need to change the rules so working people get a fair go, fair pay rises, and jobs they can count on. We have two more rallies in Brisbane and Canberra on 20 November so make sure you RSVP if you live in those cities. |
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Morrison announces wasteful and ineffective apprentice schemeThe peak body for working people condemns the Morrison Government’s so called ‘bush wage’ – a hugely wasteful and ineffective band aid over the massive funding cuts made by the Abbott/Turnbull/Morrison government to apprenticeships and vocational education and training. If rolled out nationally the new program is projected to cost $11 billion over four years with the aim of placing just 1630 apprentices. Between Sep 2013 and Sept 2017 apprentice and trainee numbers dropped by a staggering 150,000. A 37% drop over the life of the Abbott/Turnbull/Morrison government. ACTU Secretary, Sally McManus said, “This program provides a perverse incentive to employers to stop and restart apprentices in order to get the subsidy. This program, like all other employment and skills programs created by the Abbott/Turnbull/Morrison government, treats workers as disposable.” |
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Positions vacant in the union movementWant to work for the union movement and be part of changing the rules? Well look no further than our Jobs page! The ACTU Job Vacancies page has a variety of positions vacant, from Industrial Officer, Organiser, Communications, Admin and everything in between. This month, check out recently posted positions here in Melbourne at the ACTU such as Events Coordinator and also Digital Project Officer in the ACTU Organising Centre. So if you’re in the market for a great union job check out what’s on offer today. |
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WIN a $100 WISH gift card this month!Enter the draw to win a $100 WISH gift card that we are giving away to one lucky union member this month. You can use the WISH gift card at all Woolies stores and their subsidiaries such as Big W, Dan Murphy’s, Caltex and BWS. Best of all, there is no expiry date either! To enter the competition email [email protected] with your name, address, union name and membership number before close of business Friday 30th November 2018. |
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A great deal on Movie TicketsWant to get a great deal on movie tickets? Union members can make big savings on movie tickets by using our movie vouchers. Just head to australianunions.org.au/movies and click on the ‘Entertainment’ tab to find out how to access this great union member discount. |
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The team at Australian Unions australianunions.org.au/member_benefits
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Member Benefits Update November 2018