The Australian Council of Trade Unions has expressed its sadness and condolences at the tragic loss of more than 180 lives in the bushfires that swept Victoria over the weekend.

Unions have pledged $250,000 and are asking other union members and supporters to donate to the Red Cross Appeal, and to let us know of their pledge. Union members are encouraged to take up a collection in their workplace and to ensure that employers at least match whatever is raised.

Call 1800 811 700 to make a credit card donation or log onto www.redcross.org.au The website is experiencing heavy traffic so please be patient if it takes a while to get through.

If you have any details about members or activists who may be directly or indirectly affected and who require help, please contact us at appeal@actu.asn.au

The ACTU call centre (1300 4 UNION) has also been briefed to handle inquiries and requests for help for individual union members.

For more information click here

Kick start your deposit for your first home with a Members Equity Bank First Home Saver Account.

You’ll earn 8.00% p.a.* on every dollar, every day plus 17.00% p.a. from the Government on your first $5,000 saved in each financial year.

Open an account today and make the most of Government contributions before the end of the financial year. For example, if you deposit a minimum of $5,000 before 30 June 2009, you’ll receive the full $850 contribution from the Government.

Make home ownership a reality, visit www.membersequitybank.com.au/firsthomesaver and find out more.

IFS Marketing & Distribution has prepared IFFP News Summer Edition. In this issue IFFP focus on the current market volatility, recommend useful credit card habits, highlight the importance of powers of attorney and discuss why superannuation cash option returns vary.

Main topics include:

• On the bright side – Is the current market turmoil putting you and your family under unnecessary stress? In this edition IFFP discuss other matters that can contribute to life and happiness.
• Better credit card habits – Are your credit cards another source of your financial burden? IFFP suggest some useful tips to keep your plastic debt in control.
• Powers of Attorney – Did you know you can appoint someone else to deal with various life and legal matters on your behalf? IFFP provide a quick overview about different types of powers of attorney.
• Why do Superannuation ‘Cash’ Option returns vary? – Are you thinking ‘Cash’ is a secure investment option and are you considering of switching some of your superannuation into ‘Cash’? Be aware, not all Cash Options are the same. This edition will look at different investments and why returns from cash can vary.

Member Connect is the 100% union owned membership services arm of the ACTU. We will be working hard again this year with unions to provide benefits that add value to your union membership. To make sure we are on the right track we are keen to hear from you about what you'd like to read about in our 2009 Member Connect newsletters.

COMPETITION: Fill in our short online survey and go in the draw to WIN a double pass to the movies + a copy of the book Issues of Our Time. The book features writing by leading Australians on significant issues such as climate change, children, democracy, Indigenous discrimination, higher education, housing, sexuality and bioethics.

Click here to fill in the survey and enter the draw to WIN!

Have you...

• Changed jobs in the last 10 years?
• Had more than one job at the same time?
• Changed address?
• Changed name?
• Forgotten how many super funds you have?

You may have left super behind!

Read more…

AUSfund, Australia’s Unclaimed Super Fund, holds approximately $515 million in lost super – some of it could be yours!

AUSfund’s online Super Search enables you to search for lost or unclaimed super that may be held by AUSfund – and it couldn’t be easier!

Simply add your name and date of birth to search for a possible match. All at no cost. Look for your lost super at: unclaimedsuper.com.au

Disclaimer

Are you looking for a new car to bring in the New Year? Discount New Cars is a great place to start your search. ACTU Member Connect in association with Discount New Cars, have put together a package for union members that will give you tremendous benefits in cost savings when it comes to purchasing a new motor vehicle - in fact over and above what Discount New Cars currently offer to the general public.

This Union Specials page is where you will find the best prices available on a selected range of new motor vehicles. The complete range of manufacture vehicles available to union members is found on the left hand side of the page.

It is important that union members know how to make the most of their membership in 2009. Why not brighten up your workplace with Member Connect posters that showcase the great services available to union members?

To order: email Member Connect
To view: click here

As a registered member of a Union Shopper affiliated union you have exclusive access to the Members Only area of their website. Another brand new service now available to registered members is Request A Quote which aims to respond to your enquiry regarding product prices within 4 business hours! This new and very convenient service has been developed in response to feedback from union members.

As always, have the product details on hand for the item(s) you want to buy including brand, model number, and the best price you've obtained.

Click here to visit Union Shopper for more information.

Read all about it; improving our super system, lifting returns and the national savings pool, addressing longevity risk, strategic infrastructure investment, shifting to a low carbon economy...

Download the full transcript of the big picture address by Chair of Industry Funds Management and former ACTU Assistant Secretary Garry Weaven to the National Press Club on 4th February.

At the end of February, the report from the inquiry into the new IR laws - called the Fair Work Bill - will be tabled in the Senate. These new laws are an important step in the right direction to restore fair and balanced workplaces. Workers will be able to stand together with their colleagues and not be picked off individually as they were under WorkChoices.

But, already we have the Coalition indicating their preparedness to fight any amendments to WorkChoices. And of course they're being cheered on by their big business friends and donors. The various employer groups are already forecasting doom and gloom if the Fair Work Bill passes using the same rhetoric they used to justify the need for WorkChoices.

Australia stands to be a very different place for our children and grandchildren as a result of your commitment to continue fighting for our rights at work. While the new laws are an important first step, we have more than ten years of harm to undo, so there will be much more to do.

Get the latest information at crucial times in the continuing campaign to restore our rights at work - join the Rights at Work mailing list.