Glass Industry Update

No: 55 - 8th May 2009

Contents

1.   CONSTRUCTION REPORT
2.   IR BRIEFING THURSDAY 14 MAY 09
3.   AS1288 TRAINING THURSDAY 11 JUNE 2009
4.   IAN KOOCHEW DEPARTURE

1.   Construction Report - Melbourne AGE 7 may 2009

The following article was published in the Melbourne AGE on 7 May 2009.  The points made in this article highlight how out of touch the CFMEU FFTS Division are with a claim for 15% increase over 3 years when members will be struggling to keep staff employed during the current Downturn

Construction down for 14 straight months

May 7, 2009 - 10:39AM

Activity in the construction industry contracted for the 14th straight month in April as the deteriorating economy forced firms to shelve projects, but the pace of decline continued to moderate, a survey says.

The Australian Industry Group-Housing Industry Association performance of construction index (PCI) rose 6.2 index points in April to 36.5 points.

The index has remained below the key 50 level which separates expansion from contraction since March 2008, but has risen for the past two months, suggesting the pace of decline is easing.

"The continued weakness in industry conditions was linked by most firms to the deteriorating economy and shortages of working capital which had resulted in clients delaying tenders, and in some cases cancelling planned project developments," the report said.  

"The continued fall in activity was reflected in further reductions in new orders, employment and supplier deliveries, although at lower rates than the previous month."  

Falls in activity were broad based, but engineering and commercial construction sectors registered a "greater degree of resilience".

While housing activity contracted at a slightly faster rate in April compared with the previous month, the pace of decline was "considerably less marked than the low point of November 2008", the report said.  

Housing Industry Association chief economist Harley Dale said it was encouraging to see "signs that a bottom may be near for the residential sector"

"This situation is almost certainly attributable to the considerable policy stimulus we have seen emerge over the past nine months," Mr Dale said in a statement.  "There is a requirement to provide further stimulus to new residential construction as this will provide positive outcomes for construction, employment, and the demand for manufactured product."

The federal government's boosted the first home owners grant to $14,000 for established homes and $21,000 for those who build their own home or purchase a new home in October last year. 

The temporary boost was due to expire on June 30.  

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has delivered 425 basis points worth of interest rate cuts since September 2008, with most of the reduction passed on to mortgage lending rates.

© 2009 AAP.

2.   IR Briefing Thursday 14th May 2009

Places are still available if you wish to attend the briefing on the current and impending changes to Industrial Relations Legislation and the Fair Work Act in the Conference Centre at Holmesglen TAFE commencing at 3.00 pm on Thursday 14th May 2009.

Major changes will affect businesses from 1 July 2009, and 1 January 2010.  Please attend and be updated on changes to the Industrial Relations scene, Unfair dismissal changes and many more important issues.

Email GGAV at info@ggav.org.au to register.

3.   AS1288 Training Course Thursday 11 June  2009

Another AS1288 Training Course is planned for The morning of 11 June 2009.  A separate flyer will be issued.

4.   Ian Koochew Departure
It is with regret that we announce that Ian Koochew has resigned as Executive Director of the AGGA.  Ian has taken this decision to consider new directions in the future and wishes all AGGA members well.

This decision has been accepted, with great regret, by the AGGA President and Management Committee and they are pleased to note that a very amicable settlement has been reached.

Ian has been the focal point and a stalwart contributor in the growth, development and success of the AGGA over the last 13 years and he will be greatly missed.

We are pleased to note that Ian looks forward to keeping in touch and participating in future Industry events, an invitation to attend the AGGA Conference has already been extended.

The President, Management Committee and staff of the AGGA wish Ian and Glenda every success in their future endeavours

REMINDER GGAV AWARDS NIGHT SATURDAY 23 MAY 2009 - BOOK EARLY

LINK TO AWARDS DINNER INVITATION              LINK TO BOOKING FORM

If you have any queries contact Don Blanksby on info@ggav.org.au