TWU decision to continue strike disappointing

26/11/93

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said today he was disappointed that the Transport Workers' Union had decided to continue its strike.

Yesterday, Mr Charlton urged the union to at least exempt perishable items from the strike action.

"While I understand from the TWU that perishables have now been exempted from the strike, and that is pleasing, I am disappointed the union will not lift its picket totally," he said.

"It must be understood that the effects of this strike action will be felt by primary producers, exporters and retailers well after it is resolved.

"The longer the strike lasts, the greater the aftershock."

Mr Charlton said the strike had stopped the movement of all freight at the port of Fremantle and Westrail's Kewdale freight terminal.

At Kewdale, some 700 containers of freight had been immobilised.

Mr Charlton said this would grow to 1,200 by Sunday and Westrail would be sending whole trains back to the Eastern States empty.

He said he was particularly concerned about the impact the strike would have on Western Australia's trade image overseas.

Media contact:  Dean Roberts 321 7333