Transport unions unite

Transport unions unite

By Bill Mason

BRISBANE — Transport unions in Queensland have formed an alliance to launch an industrial campaign to fight anticipated tougher workplace laws in the state.

Transport Workers Union state secretary Hughie Williams said on May 23 that he expected the new alliance — between the TWU, the Public Transport Union and the Maritime Union of Australia — would give added impetus to the fight against the Borbidge government's second wave of anti-union industrial laws.

Williams said he expected industrial relations minister Santo Santoro would start making the laws "even more unfriendly to the workers" within three months — "and when he does, we can assure him he will have the same if not greater problems on his hands as WA has experienced in the last month".

The TWU also warned it would do "whatever it takes" to achieve a 10% pay claim, after an 11% claim was refused by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission the previous week, despite having support from major transport employer groups.

The TWU's federal council has abandoned its approach to the commission and will press for a 10% rise from employers who have not yet given workers a rise. Williams said on May 23 that companies that have dug in their heels over wage increases would have the union "blowing down their necks until they do. But we're not going to sell off conditions."

From GLW issue 276