Greater Union cinemas improved their pay offer during recent negotiations from 8 per cent over 3 years (3%, 2%, 2.5%) to 9 per cent (3.5%, 2.5%,3%). The company is seeking a number of changes to the current collective agreement including; public holiday rates for working on Dec 25, Jan 1 and Jan 26 instead of a day off in lieu, amended Gold Class position descriptions, and a requirement for prompt claims for the payment of double time for meals breaks after 5 hours work. Read the full bulletin here.

A new agreement for Birch Carroll and Coyle cinema workers is nearly finalised with pay increases of 4% this year, 3% in 2009 and 3% in 2010. Birch Carroll and Coyle, owned by the Rydge's group, has cinemas throughout Queensland, Northern NSW and the Northern Territory. The agreement will be used as a template for an agreement covering Rydge's Greater Union cinemas.

The Alliance is seeking to finalise our log of claims for the next MRC Agreement. The following are the items that the Alliance is considering including in the log. If there are other items that members wish to have included, please contact your Delegate or Organiser, Andrew Lester.