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Union Member Benefits Update August 2010
The countdown to the Federal Election has begun. This month make sure you visit the ACTU Campaign Shop to order your outfit for the big day. Our August competitions are run exclusively for union members so get involved and reap the benefits your membership can bring!

Image: ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence and Prime Minister Julia Gillard pay tribute to Sharan Burrow.
ME Bank's First Home Saver Accounts offers even more value
ME Bank's First Home Saver Accounts offers even more value Recent changes to the First Home Saver Accounts make saving with ME Bank even more appealing for union members.

The Federal Government has increased the Account Balance Cap and Contribution Threshold on First Home Saver Accounts in line with Average Weekly Earnings as it promised when the savings product was first introduced in October 2008. The increases were effective from 1 July 2010.

The Contribution Threshold is defined as the amount that a First Home Saver Account customer can put into the account in a financial year that will receive the additional 17% p.a. Government contribution.

Union members can earn a high 6.25% p.a. interest rate on every dollar they deposit in an ME Bank First Home Saver Account.

It is worth noting that anyone opening a First Home Saver Account this financial year could have access to their money as soon as July 2013, if they were to make contributions before June 2011, 2012, 2013 and in July 2013.

For more information click here
WorkChoices – Whatever the name, never again T-shirts
WorkChoices – Whatever the name, never again T-shirts Get your campaign T-shirt now! WorkChoices – Whatever the name, never again T-shirts are available in black only for $10 plus delivery.

Hurry as stocks are limited. Order your Tshirt now at ACTU Campaign Shop online at www.actu.org.au/campaignshop

GIVEAWAY: Member Connect have two WorkChoices – Whatever the name, never again T-shirts to giveaway plus 10 matching bumper stickers! To win a FREE T-shirt email Member Connect before 5pm on Friday 13th August 2010.

Please note our current stock of T-shirts are printed in Australia on imported T-shirts due to unavailability of Australian made T-shirts in the election timeframe.
Five Minutes Of Heaven for Union Members!
Five Minutes Of Heaven for Union Members! Thanks to our friends at Madman Entertainment, we have another fabulous giveaway for union members.

To face the future they must face the past.

In 1975, 11-year old Catholic Joe Griffin witnessed the killing of his brother by a young Ulster Volunteer Force member, Alistair Little. The impact of the murder destroyed the lives of Joe and his family, who could not come to terms with the loss.

From acclaimed director Oliver Hirschbiegel and starring Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt, FIVE MINUTES OF HEAVEN is a story inspired by two extraordinary lives, which explores the challenges of coming to terms with Northern Ireland's troubled past.

start start start start "Hirschbiegel almost relentlessly builds tension leading to the all-important meeting... HEAVEN offers spectacular acting, stark staging and, thankfully, a slight catharsis"
-- EMPIRE     

Competition – To win one of three copies of the Five Minutes of Heaven DVD email Member Connect Entries must be received by 5pm on Friday 20 August 2010.
ME Investment Funds Continue Long Term performance
ME Investment Funds Continue Long Term performance The latest Morningstar investment reports to 30th June 2010 reflects the continued out performance of ME Investment Funds against benchmarks over 1, 3 & 5 years. Stand out performers include the ME Secure, High Growth & Income Plus funds, which have generated consistent top quartile returns for investors.

For members looking to build a nest egg for the future an ME Investment Fund account can be opened with a minimum $1,000. Or start with no initial investment balance and a minimum amount of just $80 per month, which will be drawn via direct debit from your nominated bank account

Why ME Investment Funds?
No entry or exit fees and low ongoing management fees**
Flexibility to withdraw your money when you need it
No commissions paid to advisers
A range of investment options to choose from including pre-mixed and sector-specific

To find out more, call 1300 655 286 or visit: investwithme.com.au

*Minimum monthly contribution of $80. ** Transaction costs do apply
This information is of a general nature only. It has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should obtain a copy of the latest Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or obtain financial advice before making any investment decisions based on this information. The PDS is available for download at: investwithme.com.au or by calling 1300 655 286. Super Members Investment Limited (SMI) ABN 61 095 974 100, AFSL 231 230, RSE Licence L0001151 is the Responsible Entity of ME Investment Funds. SMI is not an authorised deposit-taking institution and its obligations do not represent deposits or liabilities of Members Equity Bank (MEB). Members Equity Bank does not stand behind the capital value and/or the performance of securities issued by SMI
Want a holiday? Need to hire a car?
Want a holiday? Need to hire a car? Need to plan a post election get away? For your next holiday escape why not try this great Hertz car rental offer for union members:

  • New corporate discounted rates guaranteed 365 days per year, including peak periods
  • Vehicle Registration Recovery fee is waived = $5.50 p/day saving
  • Lower standard Accident Damages Excess of $770 instead of the usual excess of $3,300
  • Lower rates on optional renter protection = up to $6.00 p/day saving
  • Free membership to Hertz #1 Club Gold which is valid worldwide
  • 10% discount off international affordable rates for NZ, UK, Europe, USA & Canada

Simply quote your ACTU Member Connect CDP number 1862758 when making your booking. Offer is subject to availability at participating locations in Australia only and conditions apply. Visit the Hertz website for an online quote or phone Hertz on 13 30 39.
Union Shopper members get a great deal with Vodafone
Union Shopper members get a great deal with Vodafone Affiliated union members* can now access a fantastic deal with bigger savings, more choice and exclusive mobile offers from Vodafone.

With unlimited standard voice calls Vodafone to Vodafone all day every day within Australia included in your Cap, members will have plenty of time to chat to family and friends.

Affiliated members* are eligible to save more with 10% off the monthly access fee every month² when they buy online or over the phone by 30 September 2010.

To find out more about this great deal click here or call 1300 650 406

* To check if your Union is affiliated to Union Shopper, inquire with your branch directly or call Union Shopper on 1300 368 117.
Do you need insurance?
Do you need insurance? Whether it is a house, a building, a car, a caravan or a holiday don't wait until it's too late to investigate the best insurance cover for your needs. No matter what you want to insure – there are two union owned insurance brokers that can meet your insurance needs. Labour Union Insurance Brokers and Union Shopper Insurance Brokers have both been servicing the needs of union members for over 20 years. So why not consider getting a quote from them today?

If you want to find out more simply visit our web site.
Union Aid Abroad APHEDA Annual Sydney Dinner
Union Aid Abroad APHEDA Annual Sydney Dinner Don't miss out on your tickets to attend the fabulous Union Aid Abroad APHEDA Annual Sydney Dinner next month.

The dinner has always been a fantastic evening out, and this year we are set for another great night at the Petersham RSL.

Date – Wednesday 29th September 2010
Location – Petersham RSL
Members $65
Non-member $75

Tell your friends and book your tickets now! Call 1800 888 674.

Funds raised by the dinner enable Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA to continue vocational training, health training and HIV/AIDS prevention, and workers rights training around the world.

ME Bank and AustralianSuper are proud major sponsors of Union Aid Abroad APHEDA.
WorkChoices. Never Again Community Campaign
WorkChoices. Never Again Community Campaign During this election The "Your Rights at Work" team are campaigning in a range of communities across Australia. We need to ensure that we keep moving forwards on workers' rights, not backwards to the Liberals latest version of WorkChoices.

We've developed specific campaign pages and groups for the specific electorates we'll be working in. You can follow the campaigns in each of these electorates; volunteer and participate in local campaign groups and activities.

Right now you can help the campaign by signing up to letterbox your neighbourhood.

We're targeting electorates in: Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia

Join the WorkChoices. Never Again Community Campaign today.
Union Member Benefits Update August 2010 © Copyright ACTU Member Connect 2009
for more information visit www.memberconnect.com.au
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