IntroductionI
Current campaignsI
Media contactsI
Political contactsI
SubmissionsI
Useful links
This is a tool box - full of useful things to get the job done.
The harvesting and cartage sector has often been at the frontline of attack from people who are opposed to balanced and sensible use of forest resources.
It's the ordinary working people in this sector who bear the brunt of protest action, who lose their livelihood, who have their safety compromised by green protest action.
Like it or not, our work is politicised. This means we have to act to influence the policies of government and the attitudes of the community in both the cities and the bush. Often that also means engaging with the media.
This tool box will link you into the contact details for your local state and federal politicians, your nearest newspaper, TV and radio and other useful names and contacts.
When we are running campaigns we will provide 'how to' tools so you can be more active in the campaigns. In the meantime you can also see our latest media releases - click here to view them.
Keep up to date with our newsletters(click here to view them )
Final Saw Log Volume Figures to read these files you will need acrobat reader )
Log of Claims Current Dispute
VFHCC - Victorian Forest Harvesting & Cartage Council
and
CFMEU - Construction Forestry Mining & Energy Union
February 2003
OUR CLAIMS ARE AROUND THREE AREAS OF CONCERN:
Central Highlands Dispute
1. Immediately implement mill door sales in the Central Highlands FMA.
2. Under the auspices of the ITT and in consultation with the VFHCC and
the CFMEU, set up a new system of harvesting and haulage management in
the Central Highlands, which is based around transparency, fairness and
equity and includes the following:
" an equitable rate setting mechanism whose methodology is objective
and fair,
" an economic return to the sector that ensures the financial capacity
to meet the high OH&S and environment requirements
" fair allocation of wood volume
" the implementation of agreed work organisation and infrastructure
reforms
" an objective dispute resolution mechanism
" medium term contracts so that contractors can make the enormous
capital investments required with a modicum of security
Fire Salvage Operations
3. Set up a salvage working party under the ITT to:
" oversee salvage operations
" consult with appropriate industry groups including VFHCC &
CFMEU
" negotiate appropriate issues including: rates, conditions, training
& accreditation
4. Address the many OH&S concerns surrounding salvage operations and
ensure full protection of contractors and crews
5. Establish mill door sale of salvage log and determine appropriate storage
options
6. Ensure availability of OFOF exit packages post salvage
Statewide Harvesting and Haulage Reform
7. Statewide reform of harvesting & haulage based on the introduction
of mill door sales.
8. Reform of harvesting & haulage to be carried out under the auspices
of the ITT and in consultation with the VFHCC and the CFMEU. Reforms to
include:
" establishment of not-for-profit management of harvesting &
haulage operations which is inclusive of the appropriate state and local
stakeholders and which is in direct relationship with the Government as
land owner and producer
" binding fair & reasonable contracts throughout the entire harvesting
& haulage contracting chain
" fair contract rates and volumes based on an appropriate rate setting
model
" an effective response to forest protests and the subsequent economic
loss currently borne by contractors and their crew
" recognition of the importance of a skilled, stable and economically
viable harvesting and haulage sector
" recognition of the high OH&S and environmental care requirements