Public servants vote
By Barry Healy
SYDNEY — In early voting in a Public Sector Union ballot, it appears a nationwide revolt is developing against a motion submitted to the members by the union's national executive. With the crucial Canberra vote still to come, the ballot must be completed by August 28.
This grassroots sentiment will prove a political handicap for PSU national secretary Peter Robson in driving home the ALP/ACTU agenda on enterprise bargaining. A recent membership survey revealed 58% against the concept.
Union activist Bronwyn Taylor, who initiated the revolt by circulating a supplementary motion that would bind the leadership not to negotiate on enterprise bargaining, told Green Left that reports from meetings around the country showed overwhelming support for the supplementary motion. However, as the motion has not been circulated by the officials, some areas have not been fully informed.
Members are also demanding that the national secretary report to mass meetings on the claim rather than holding workplace meetings, as is the current practice.