Steps to ensure TWU strike with not recur

29/11/93

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said today he would be working to ensure there was no repeat of last week's crippling TWU strike.

"I note that while the truck drivers have accepted the offer of a seven-and-a-half per cent rate increase, they have also served notice of their intention to gain a further seven-and-a-half per cent by January," Mr Charlton said.

"That is all very well, but the issue should be resolved by negotiation and not through the use of picket lines that stop the movement of freight.

"I will make sure the TWU and Road Transport Association are aware of the inconvenience and cost of losses incurred by the latest five-day stoppage and picket line."

Mr Charlton said he would be seeking detailed information on the full effects of the industrial action for public release.

While he was pleased the truck drivers decided yesterday to lift their pickets and return to work, he was concerned about the effect on the State's export reputation.

"Because Western Australia is an export-oriented State, we cannot afford industrial campaigns of this nature," he said.

"They affect primary producers, manufacturers and exporters economically and reflect badly on our image as a reliable supplier.

"The factor that is lost in this type of industrial campaign is the financial impact on individual producers who receive less payment for goods that are damaged or lost because of transport delays.

"At the height of the strike, Westrail was sending empty trains back to the Eastern States and exporters were literally missing the boat at Fremantle where export containers were leaving the port empty.

"There is also the cost of mopping up, with stevedoring companies and Westrail allocating extra resources to clear the backlog."

Media contact:  Dean Roberts 321 7333