ACT unions escalate industrial action

By Tim Gooden CANBERRA — Frustration and anger at the Carnell minority government's approach to industrial relations has led to thousands of union members walking off the job throughout the public sector. Hundreds of students and white collar and blue collar workers converged on the Bruce Stadium in solidarity with 2000 teachers who were holding a half-day stop-work meeting on February 6. This was followed, on February 8, by a 24-hour stop-work of nurses at the Woden Valley Hospital to protest against triple eight roster arrangements. Treasury and personnel staff in the Chief Minister's Department walked out on the same day. The government has responded with the usual threats that any pay increases without productivity savings will result in massive increases to home owners' rates. It has also announced that from March 7 payroll deductions for union dues will cease unless employees complete annual approval forms (which are not even available). On February 9, the government proclaimed its intention to outsource all information technology services. This will result in a major loss of jobs. Sue Bull, the Democratic Socialists' national industrial spokesperson and candidate for Canberra, told Green Left Weekly, "It is clear that the government intends to forge ahead with its 'reform' agenda. This is despite the fact that government workers' wages are as much as 15% behind the cost of living. Clearly, the combined unions' pay claim of a 9% increase over 18 months is a moderate one." The rank and file-initiated actions have spurred the Trades and Labour Council to plan a day of action involving all unions for February 14. The dispute appears set to create national attention, as the TLC has now moved to involve the ACTU.