Dear PFGA Member,

COVID

2020 has been a very challenging year for the whole of the Picture Framing Industry including picture framers, suppliers and service providers. The impact of COVID-19, especially in Victoria has been profound. For the Picture Framing Industry, there have been mixed results. During the first period of restrictions in each state, Suppliers indicated that Picture Framers in general survived with some businesses were quite busy as a result of their customers tidying up their homes, cupboards and staring at four walls. However, for Picture Framers who rely and frame for the commercial market, there have been extreme tough times. It is hoped as the second wave slowly reaches its conclusion, business will improve and that 2021 will see better results. The PFGA sends it best wishes to all members, Picture Framers, Suppliers and service providers and trust their families, staff and customers remain safe and well.

The PFGA has received a number of enquiries from its Victorian members enquiring as to whether they can resume their business. There has been conflicting advice. To avoid potential significant fines, members are advised to contact Business Victoria.

COVID WORKPLACE TRAINING

On 8 September 2020, Members were forwarded a comprehensive newsletter, which detailed COVID Training which is available to the Picture Framing Industry.
In preparation for a safe return to business operations, for your attention it is strongly recommended to Members to undertake the Deakin University/AIG Training program.
It is educational, comprehensive and interactive!!!

The Training Program is for employers and employees at the workplace.  It is suitable for all workplaces.
The program developed by Deakin University together with the Australian Industry Group is comprehensive, extremely well developed and has been well received by many employers from all industries.
The advantages of the Program include, (amongst many others):

• A safer workplace for your company, clients, customers, etc.
• A reduction and prevention of COVID-19 in your workplace.
• A thorough education of your employees; and
• A reduction in potential Personal Leave at your workplace, and
• Enhanced training mitigating potential workcover and other litigation claims.

It is a comprehensive and thorough interactive online program consisting of 9 modules and takes approximately 50 minutes.

Upon completion and participating in this Training program, businesses will be able to market that their employees are trained, and the business observes safe COVID practices.

Further businesses are able to display at their premises and on website a certificate to that effect.

The PFGA is delighted to offer a 10% discount to its Members who undertake the Training Program, reducing the cost from $29.95 to $26.95, (inclusive of GST) per participant.

A copy of the explanatory newsletter and also an introduction prepared by Deakin University are available at www.pfga.org.au

The COVID-19 Training Program is recommended to all PFGA Members and ask Members to share with their clients.

WORKPLACE RELATIONS AND HUMAN RESOURCES

INCREASE IN AWARD RATES OF PAY

PFGA Members are advised that Award rates of pay for manufacturing employees will increase by 1.7% from the beginning of the first pay period to commence on or after 1 November 2020.

PFGA Members are advised that Award rates of pay for retail employees will increase by 1.7% from the beginning of the first pay period to commence on or after 1 February 2020.

Members will be forward a copy of the new rates prior to the increases to the Award rates.

WEBSITE

The PFGA website has been revised, amended and updated during the past two weeks. All Members are encouraged to visit the site. Recommendations for further enhancements are encouraged.

See www.pfga.org.au
MEMBERSHP BENFITS

In particular, there are new additional Member benefits including Workplace Relations and Human Resources, Machinery, IT and Vehicle Finance, Insurance, Website development, Financial Planning and Communications services. Each of these services provide real benefits to PFGA Members with many providing a discount to Members.

FRAMING EXAMPLES FOR WEBSITE

Further Members are encouraged to forward by email, admin@pfga.org.au examples of excellent and creative framed items. The Picture Framer of each item will be acknowledged on the website.

In particular, examples of “before” and “after” will be appreciated. The purpose of displaying framing examples is to educate and inform the public of the variety of items that are framed and the skills utilised.

BROCHURES AND LABELS

Included in the Membership Benefits page in the PFGA website are examples of the various counter brochures available to Members. The brochures are free to Members. The Framing labels are available at $150 per thousand.

Please contact admin@pfga.org.au to request supplies.

INFORMATION MEETINGS

Due to the current restrictions, it is not possible to conduct the usual quarterly Member Information meetings. However, it is proposed to conduct Member meetings via Zoom. The first one will be held in late October and Members will advised of the details accordingly. The advantage of a Zoom meeting that all Members around Australia will be able to attend and participate.

Members are encouraged to forward details of topics, presentations, etc for the Member Information meetings.

FACEBOOK PAGE

All Members are encouraged to “like” the PFGA facebook page.