20th March 2009

   HWT/VANA Discussions

Dear Member,

In our Bulletin on 13th March 2009 we explained we were continuing meetings with HWT on a number of issues.

We are pleased to advise that HWT have agreed to three changes and will be sending you details on Monday.

They have agreed:

• Not to publish the Herald Sun on Christmas Day 2009 and therefore will not require newsagents to open.  HWT will review this decision (as does The Age) each year.

• Effective immediately HWT will no longer require newsagents to sacrifice either part or all of their home delivery fee on introductory and follow up offers. You will receive full commission and delivery fee entitlements on all home deliveries.

• The distribution rebate on paid promotional items that are required to be distributed to the sub-agent network has been increased from 5 cents per item to 15 cents per item.  The 10% commission on these items remains the same.

We are continuing to discuss other aspects of newsagents remuneration with HWT and News Limited both at a state level through VANA and at a national level through ANF with VANA being involved as well.

   NDD Changes to supply

NDD have recently reviewed their magazine supply costs nationally and have closed accounts for a large number of newsagents across Australia.  Some will still have specific Friday publications delivered where the publishers have agreed to fund the deliveries.

These are Best Bets, Winning Post, Big League, Australian Football Week.

We are contacting the members affected and are helping to make alternative arrangements.

   BILL EXPRESS UPDATE

We have been advised that the second scheduling conference in the matter of ACCC v Bill Express and Ors was held on 12th March 2009 before Justice Finkelstein.

The ACCC successfully sought a preliminary trial to determine the issue of liability for the third line forcing and misleading and deceptive conduct elements of the case, with the issue of Bank Of New York's involvement to be determined at a later date.

The preliminary trial will commence on 13th July 2009.

Newsagents do not need to take any action at this  point.

We will keep you advised on any further progress.

   Easter Newspaper Publishing

Easter is only a few weeks away and we have been advised - or estimated on past performance - the following following newspaper charges:

 

Herald Sun	Will publish all days - Confirmed
Australian	News Ltd advised highly unlikely they will publish Good Friday but a decision to be made closer to the day
Financial Review	Will publish Thursday and then again Tuesday.  This is an assumption based on past performance - Not confirmed by Fairfax as yet.
The Age	Confirmed bumper edition on Friday and Saturday

   Transport Workers Award

A reminder to those members who are paying drivers under the Transport Worker Award: Please ensure the Hours of Employment Agreement is signed by each employee, agreeing to their commencement and finish times and that there is no minimum hours of employment.

The form is available on the VANA Extranet - www.vana.com.au - members login - Documents - Awards and rates - Transport Rates. - or click here to download the document.

   Easter Public Holidays

   VANA Golf day - 26 March 2009

Don't forget to fax back your registration form - Click here to download.

If you have any queries, please ring 03 9482 2911

 P please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to.