Attack on Tas public service

Attack on Tas public service

By Dave Wright

HOBART — In a submission to the State Industrial Commission on public service restructuring, the Tasmanian Liberal government has called for scrapping of paid maternity leave, increasing the working week from 35 to 38 hours and reducing sick leave, penalty rates and leave loading.

Greg Vines, general secretary of the state Public Service Association, said the union was willing to negotiate only on "matters which were in the original award restructuring proposals", not the new claims.

However, the full bench of the commission ordered unions to submit their own document so that negotiations could begin.

It is likely that the government will put through legislation if it does not get what it wants from the commission.

From GLW issue 74