MELBOURNE — A meeting of 400 public sector union delegates on June 23 called for a public campaign to oppose privatisation, corporatisation, the use of contractors and public sector cuts. The delegates called for a series of meetings and rallies, including a stop-work and public rally on Tuesday, July 7 at 11 a.m. outside Trades Hall. Relevant unions were called on to ban work associated with privatisation, corporatisation, contracting out or cuts in public services and jobs.
SYDNEY — The Building Workers Industrial Union has renewed its call on the NSW to grant it legal aid for the recently completed building industry royal commission. The call follows the government's decision to grant aid to premier Nick Greiner in the Metherell corruption inquiry. The union points out that it has been denied aid although it was acquitted of improper conduct or corruption, while Greiner was granted aid even though he was found to have acted corruptly.
- The Fairfax publishing group is to retrench 70 workers from its Sydney operations under a deal which includes a 4.5% wage rise, with a 3% productivity component. The several-week dispute prevented the publication of the Australian Financial Review on June 26.
WOLLONGONG — The South Coast Labour Council is to discuss the position of its president, Paul Matters, this week after his reported involvement in police action against maritime workers. Some affiliated unions are likely to move for his dismissal.