Strike over redundancy packages

By Chris Spindler

ADELAIDE -- Workers in the Engineering & Water Supply department have struck over the state government's refusal to extend conditions provided to other government workers in separation packages.

One thousand five hundred workers from several unions started an indefinite strike on July 27. Workers at E&WS depots and sewerage treatment plants have rostered on 24-hour pickets at all depots. Country E&WS workers have also joined the action. Only emergency work is being completed.

The dispute is primarily over the separation packages, however, workers are also concerned about privatisation, job security and employment.

Workers on the picket line at Thebarton depot told Green Left, “There are workers who want to go, but management won't let them until they have lowered the separation package pay out. We also want to know, for those of us who are staying, how long will we keep our jobs. Right now the government is telling us nothing”.

The Public Service Association and E&WS workers reject the idea that private contractors are more efficient. They point out that where they are being used, prices have increased; delays are also common compared to the 24-hour service of E&WS workers.

Dave Cridland of the Automotive, Food, Metals and Engineering Union said that the “result of contracting out will be less service to the public coupled with price increases in the cost of water. The population should brace itself for the British experience. There, water costs trebled and water rationing was introduced after the private sector took over the provision of water services”.

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