CEPU opposes IRC intervention

SYDNEY — The NSW branch of the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) is challenging an attempt of one of its officials to seek compensation in the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC).

CEPU NSW branch vice-president Peter Jones claims he was unfairly dismissed in 2003 from employment as industrial officer by the CEPU, over allegations that he interfered with a union membership list during a union election.

The CEPU is arguing that the IRC cannot legally interfere with its internal union matter because Jones was an official under its rules.

The April 4 Australian reported that Jones was "formerly the long-time chief political operative and numbers man for the secretary of the CEPU's postal workers' branch in NSW, Jim Metcher. The two men fell out in 2003, when Metcher accused Jones of working against him during union elections.

Over the last few months Jones has accused Metcher of rigging union elections and has called for an inquiry into the state branch's financial status. The NSW branch is currently in debt to the tune of $1 million.

The CEPU will vote for a new executive in May and both men are expected to stand.

Charmaine Enright

From Green Left Weekly, April 13, 2005.

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From GLW issue 622