SERVICES | OVERVIEW
CORE BUSINESS

Industry Representation

We work proactively and co-operatively with employer groups to ensure you have a seat at the table when it comes to deciding your future, whether it be wage increases, improved safety conditions, tool allowances or other benefits.

Education & Training

Our role in the industry is to ensure a secure and productive workforce for the future. We aim to be the source of best industry practice and deliver this information and training directly to our members, providing them with a distinct advantage over non-Union members in the marketplace.

Occupational Health and Safety

We will fight to safeguard workers' rights to attend work in a safe, non-evasive manner that provides a balance between their working and family life.



ADDITIONAL BUSINESS

Discounted Banking

As a member of Plumbers Union Qld, you have access to a range of simple, transparent banking products from ME Bank. ME Bank is a licensed Australian bank, owned by some of Australia’s leading Industry Super Funds and was formed to provide great value in financial services to their members.
 
Your Plumbers Union Qld membership gives you access to a discounted home loan with the Super Members Standard Variable Rate Home Loan. You’ll benefit from a discounted variable interest rate and won’t pay an application fee, any ongoing account keeping fees or fees to fix, split or top up the loan. The discounted rate and low fees can really make a difference to how much you’ll pay over the life of the loan.
 
Other products available from ME Bank include the Online Savings Account, the InterestME Savings Account (a two-in-one transaction and savings account), Term Deposits, the First Home Saver Account, a low rate Personal Loan and the low rate MasterCard.
 
For more information about ME Bank, or to arrange an appointment with a Mobile Banking Manager call 13 15 63 today or visit mebank.com.au.
 
Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. Applications for credit are subject to approval. This information does not take into account your situation and you should consider if these products are appropriate for you. Before you make any decisions about the First Home Saver Account you should review the Product Disclosure Statement and Terms and Conditions available from Members Equity Bank Pty Ltd ABN 56 070 887 679.


Redundancy

The Building Employees Redundancy Trust (BERT) provides redundancy benefits and training grants to members working in the building industry. Members can access their redundancy funds upon being made redundant or permanently leaving the building and construction industry.


Child Care Subsidy

In the event of the death of a members’ spouse, financial members can access assistance with child care payments for up to 2 years.


Portable Long Service

QLeave is a scheme designed to allow members to access Portable Long Service Leave. The scheme allows workers to accrue long service leave benefits for eligible work performed in the building and construction industry, regardless of the number of employers they have.


Counselling

We can all fall on hard times, whether they be financial woes, relationship breakdowns, work stresses, depression, bullying, substance abuse or gambling addiction. Our counselling partners are the best in the business, established by people in the trade for people in the trade, so there is no-one better to understand the unique stresses this industry places upon you. All matters are handled discreetly and anonymously. Call Ozhelp 1300 694 357

$7000 Funeral Benefit

The $7000 Funeral Benefit was established by the Union to ease the financial burden on families that have lost a loved one.

Who is covered?
The Funeral Benefit covers financial members of Plumbers Union Qld up to 70 years of age and his / her immediate family.  The family being:

- The members wife / husband
- The members defacto partner (living with the member for
   more than 3 months)
- The members children who are financially dependent on
   the member (not necessarily living with the member) up
   to the age of 16 or full time students up to the age of 25.
- The members wife / husband or defacto's children from a
   previous marriage who are living with the member up to
   the age of 16 or full time students up to the age of 25.

How do you claim?
Contact the Union office and a claim form will be forwarded to you to complete and return to the union office with supporting documentation.

Upon the event of a death, we recommend members and their families contact Integrity Funerals who's care and service is second to none.   Integrity Funeral's Directors understand what is needed, when it is needed, right across South East Queensland.  Integrity Funerals will also take care of the paperwork for claiming the Plumbers Union's Funeral Benefit.  Phone 1800 995 352 twenty-four hours a day.

Union Shopper

The Union can save you money on the following items.

1. Electrical products
• whitegoods
• computers
• TVs and DVD players/recorders
• digital cameras (still and video)
• home theatre systems
• air conditioners vacuum cleaners & sewing machines

2. Theme Park tickets, entertainment & attractions

3. Travel services

• domestic & international flights & airfares
• package holidays & accommodation
• day tours & cruises
• travel insurance & advice

4. Garden products
• Mowers
• trimmers
• blowers

5. Telecommunications
• Mobiles
• home phones
• internet plans
• web hosting

6. Household furniture
• dining & bedding suites
• beds & innerspring ensembles
• lounge suites
• outdoor settings

JUST FOLLOW THESE 3 EASY STEPS.

Step 1 - Shop around to determine which product/service you would like to purchase.

Step 2
- Call the Union Shopper on 1300 368 117

You will need to have your Union membership number AND details of the product you wish to purchase including:
• brand
• model number and description of the item
• your best price including delivery and extended warranty details, if required

Step 3
- Your consultant will advise a time to call you back to let you know the best available price for that product. (usually requires 4 hours)

Discounted Cars - New and Used

Why spend hours trawling through car yards when the Union can do it for you. Our network includes a specialist that can source the best price for your next new or used car. Email us with your desired make, model and year and let us not only take the worry out of finding you that car but also ensure we get you the best possible price on the deal.

Tool Insurance

Coming Soon


Dental Cover

If you or your family suffers accidental damage to your teeth outside working hours we can provide $2250 to assist the cost of repairs.

Who is eligible?
Financial members and their families, where family is defined as one of the following:
• the member’s wife/husband
• the member’s defacto partner (living with member for more
  than 3 months)
• the member’s children who are financially dependent on
  the member (not necessarily living with the member) up to
  the age of 16 or fulltime students up to the age of 25
• the member’s wife/husband or defacto’s children from a
  previous marriage who are living with the member up to
  the age of 16 or full time students up to the age of 25.

What do we cover?
• damage which has occurred as a result of an accident
  and was incurred outside working hours
• damage to sound and healthy teeth only

How much is the cover for?
Maximum amount payable for any one accident:
• Single $2000
• Family $2250

How many claims can be made?
Maximum number of claims per year:
• Single 2
• Family 4
Notes: Claims must be lodged within 6 months from the date the accident occurred. No cover is available for milk teeth or first teeth Contact us to find to find out more.

Legal Representation

Our solicitors are available to provide legal advice on issues pertaining to Workcover claims, family law, contract law, criminal law, car accidents and estate matters.In addition, all Union members are entitled to a free Will to ensure the security of their loved ones in the event of death.
Please contact the Union for further information.

Superannuation

The Union's preferred superannuation service provider is BUSSQ whose sole focus is to provide superior retirement lifestyles for our members. BUSSQ is a profit for member super fund which means fees are kept to bare minimum. With over 20 years experience in delivering security of investment with optimum results across its superannuation products BUSSQ has to be your first choice for your future. Enquire now for further information.

Financial Planning

You may have heard that your Union offers free financial planning, but you may have wondered “what do I need to see a Financial Planner for?” Often people aren’t sure why they would need to see a financial planner, or even what a financial planner does.

A good financial planner is someone who is qualified to advise people on their finances, including superannuation, insurance and investments, through to debt reduction and wealth creation. Different planners have different skills and experience which is why it is important to see a planner who has the right skills to advise you. Financial planners will work with you to manage your money, plan your finances and develop strategies to increase your wealth and give you the lifestyle you desire.

At PFG Financial Services our fully qualified planners have been working with the Plumbers Union Qld and QLD construction industry union members for over 5 years and have a solid understanding of the industry and its’ workers needs. PFG Financial Services can help you to:
  • Achieve your financial and lifestyle goals
  • Plan for your future – make your money work harder for you so you can achieve that early retirement
  • Save for your children's education
  • Manage your debts
  • Minimise your tax
  • Review your super arrangements
  • Protect your income and assets
  • Rebalance your investment strategies
  • Repay your mortgage quicker
  • Plan a budget
  • Wealth Creation
Whether you’re just starting out in your career, mid-way through, or you’re already retired, having a well structured financial plan could make all the difference when it comes to living the lifestyle you want. PFG Financial Services will assist and guide you through any financial confusion by providing you with a personalised plan. Having a financial plan not only ensures you are in control of your finances but it also provides a piece of mind for the outcome of your future.

“At PFG we make things EASY”. When you are dealing with PFG; you will find us
  • Easy to Understand
  • Easy to Deal with
  • Easy to Access
  • Easy to Learn from
  • Easy to get a solution for all your Financial Needs
So in what situations would I need to see a financial planner:
  • Age 55 and considering retirement
  • Recently unemployed, retrenched or unsure of your work situation
  • Recently bought a house or gotten married
  • Planning to have children
  • Worried about investing money
  • Want to make sure you can pay all your bills if you are unable to work due to illness/injury
  • Retiring and wanting to know about pensions
Remember, this consultation is paid for via your Union for all financial Plumbers Union members, so is no cost to members. If you are one of the many Plumbers Union Qld members that have taken advantage of this service over the last 5 years, now is a perfect time to review your situation, to ensure that you are still on the right track.

Contact *PFG Financial Services on 1800 767 657 to arrange a meeting with a qualified AMP Accredited financial planner who will provide you with a personalised financial plan addressing any concerns you may have.

This document contains general information only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the appropriateness of the information in light of your personal circumstances

*PFG Financial Services is an Authorised Representative of AMP Financial Planning Pty Limited, ABN 89 051 208 327, AFS Licence No. 232706.


Income Protection

CIPQ provides income protection for up to $830.00 per week for up to two years and also allows the transfer of unused sick leave to a central fund if your employment is terminated.