ALCOA WORLD ALUMINA AUSTRALIA

AWU OFFICE FOR KALGOORLIE

AWU WA Branch with the assistance of the Alcoa Combined Sites group consisting of the two refineries of Wagerup and Kwinana and the two mine sites of Huntly and Willowdale and also Bunbury Port ship loading factuality, representing some 1300 members, have successfully opened a new branch in Kalgoorlie to service the Goldfields region.

The AWU WA Branch expresses it's thanks to the Combined Sites executive and its members for the solid support provided in making this happen. This support shows what true unionism is all about; members helping other members for the greater good.

There will be an official opening of the AWU Kalgoorlie office in the near future. The WA branch believes expansion is our only option, the Kalgoorlie Branch have already signed up a number of new members.

Two organisers currently rotate every two weeks in manning the office. The Branch's aim is to employ a full-time organiser who will reside in Kalgoorlie or someone willing to relocate.

THANK YOU Alcoa Combined Site workers.

The Alcoa combined site group and Pinjarra refinery are involved in discussions on a drug and Alcohol policy, this policy if successful, will be a benchmark in drug and alcohol policies, the core values of the policy are a non intrusive testing regime.
Other policies have urine and blood samples taken, the Alcoa draft policy has a test that involves a saliva test. Alcohol is tested by breathalyser. The testing will only take place with justification; there will be no random testing.

The over ridding policy is called fitness for work it has three core components:
1. Fatigue and stress
2. Alcohol and other drugs.
3. Medical conditions.

Current Legislation applying to all Alcoa Australian operations require a provision of a safe and healthy work place, the Australian Workers Union fully supports this.