IRC decision to uphold appeal welcomed

12/12/95

Labour Relations Minister Graham Kierath today welcomed the decision by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission to uphold an appeal against a finding that Westrail, MetroBus and others were in dispute with the Australian Services Union.

The full bench of the AIRC found on Friday the ASU had failed to follow its own rules in pursing the claim against Westrail and MetroBus.

Mr Kierath said the decision effectively overturned a recent Federal interim award for salaried officers at Westrail and returned them to State jurisdiction.

"The dispute finding and related issues have been subject to a number of hearings, conferences and appeals, both in the Eastern States and WA," he said.

"Unions would be providing a far better service for their members if they got on with the job of working co-operatively with employers to improve conditions within the State system.

"The ASU is simply wasting time and its members' money trying to go Federal, rather than concentrating on the real issues of workplace bargaining.

"The State Government will continue to oppose union attempts to move into the Federal arena."

Media contact: Caroline Lacy 481 2133 or 222 9595