Members asked the new owners to:

• • recognise continuity of service
• • maintain wages and conditions as they were with ABC
  
  

In almost all cases union members have won these rights. Union members are now working to establish good working relationships with the new owners.

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Working mothers win at Defence centres

B4Kids has been awarded the contract to operate childcare centres on Defence bases. Directors of B4Kids had managed the Defence centres contract on behalf of ABC since 2007 as The Cap Fits Pty Ltd. Before then B4Kids directors Leanne Beasant and Patrick Jebb had worked for ABC.

B4Kids decided there were too many workers and that employment conditions should be reduced to cut costs. Ten staff were made redundant, including five women on maternity leave.

Members fought to win back the jobs of staff on maternity leave and for better conditions. Members asked parents to sign letters of support to B4Kids, spoke to the media and met with the Minister for Defence Personnel.

B4Kids could not ignore the message: fix the problem or face more pressure from Government and Defence families. Because of this campaign union members won back all five maternity leave positions.

Well done!

The Government will review how childcare is provided to Defence families. Union members have asked for a seat on this review because childcare professionals are best placed to advise the Government.

Defence childcare workers have their say

Kylie, Williamtown:

“I have worked at this centre for one and a half years and am just about to have my first baby. Seven hours into my maternity leave I was told B4Kids would not employ me. I was upset that a childcare company didn’t want to support working mothers.

“Thanks to union members for all the support you gave to me and to others on maternity leave. Because of your support B4Kids finally agreed to employ all of five of us.”

Susan, Williamtown:

“It’s a privilege to support parents who are defending our country. Members asked Defence families to show their support for staff.

“I was made redundant while on maternity leave. It was really upsetting. I know that when we work together we can get results. B4Kids told me they decided to employ me because of all the support we got from parents. If we can win job security for some staff, imagine what else we can do when we work together.”

Di, Holsworthy:

“I have worked at this centre for thirteen years. I love working with the children. I want to do my job in the best and most supportive environment.

“It’s been difficult with the transition to a new operator. Each time a new operator takes over, they try to change things - in some cases for the worse.

“Union members need to decide if we accept this. We need to think about whether we want to negotiate with the company together. That’s the best chance we have of maintaining and improving conditions in the centres.”

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