Stanhope sells out on new workers

Wednesday, November 17, 1993 - 11:00

CANBERRA — On May 25, the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) held a lunchtime protest outside the ACT Legislative Assembly to oppose a planned cut to superannuation contributions for all future ACT government employees.

Labor Chief Minister Jon Stanhope plans to cut the government's contribution from 15.4% to 9% of workers' wages. The changes are expected to be finalised in the June 6 ACT budget.

In an open letter to Stanhope published in the May 30 Canberra Times, CPSU assistant national secretary Margaret Gillespie wrote: "It's no use being critical of the Howard government's harsh new industrial laws if, at the first opportunity, you fail to respect your own staff's right to negotiate changes to their pay and conditions ... We urge you to reconsider."

The CPSU argues on its website that industry experts recommend a 15% super contribution as the minimum needed for an adequate retirement income.

Pat O'Connell

From Green Left Weekly, June 7, 2006.

Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

From GLW issue 670