= NSW postal workers strike to defend jobs

NSW postal workers strike to defend jobs

Jenny Long, Sydney

On February 12, Australia Post parcel workers struck for 24 hours over proposed network and technology changes that will undermine jobs, wages and conditions. The Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) has promised further industrial action.

The strike was the second by Australia Post workers in as many months. On December 10, workers walked off the job for 24 hours and set up picket lines. They were undeterred by management's dumping of chicken manure at the entrances to Sydney parcel post centres, which followed an unsuccessful attempt by Australia Post to get a Federal Court injunction to prevent the strike.

Currently the workers are legally allowed to engage in protected industrial action over the terms of the next industrial agreement. According to ABC Online on February 12, state secretary of the CEPU's postal division, Jim Metcher, said: "The workers have come to the conclusion that the only way that they are going to be able to advance and support their claims against Australia Post is by taking industrial action, in an effort to reach an agreement".

Parcel post workers in other states face similar attacks, and industrial action has occurred in Victoria.

From Green Left Weekly, February 18, 2004.

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From GLW issue 571