- The six unions in metal manufacturing have launched a wage claim for pay rises totalling 6% over the next two years. Stronger union shops will also pursue enterprise deals. The claim will affect about 7000 companies. The rises would be in four 1.5% parts every six months and would apply to all the 200,000-odd workers covered by the metal industry award.
CANBERRA — Construction workers have been on strike for a month and picketing a site in Barrier Street over the sacking of two workers at a Fyshwick building site. Prominent Master Builders Association member Canberra Cranes has rejected Industrial Relations Commission jurisdiction, and is trying to pursue the case in the civil courts. A Federal Court ruling on this could take up to 18 months. After a month on strike, 16 strikers agreed to return to work, but resumed their strike after the company refused to comply with an IRC recommendation that it pay redundancy entitlements and compensation and establish consultative procedures. Messages and donations to the workers' fighting fund may be sent c/- FEDFA, PO Box 174, Dickson 2602.
PERTH — About 60 members of the WA branch of the Musicians Union attended a mass meeting on September 1 to discuss legislation secured by the union through its Justice for Musicians Campaign, which makes contracts enforceable and guarantees performing artists the right to take claims against employers to the industrial courts. Some promoters are fighting these changes, trying to undercut agreements to increase pay for support acts and require international performers to join the union. The union is also in the midst of an election campaign, with amalgamation a major issue. A conservative grouping supports amalgamation with the Liquor Trades Union, while the WA branch is pushing for amalgamation with other performing artists in the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance.
SYDNEY — The metalworkers' union (MEWU) has accused the right-wing ironworkers union (FIMEE) of collaborating with the Liberal-National NSW government's attempts to privatise two important workshops at State Rail's Chullora complex. The two unions are locked in a bitter struggle for influence as both pursue amalgamations designed to make them general manufacturing unions.