Union demonstration causes traffic hazard at hospital

25/8/95

Health Minister Graham Kierath has accused union demonstrators of creating a traffic hazard at Osborne Park Hospital today.

The unionists staged a snap strike and protest when the Minister arrived there to attend a function.

"I welcome legitimate protests, but there was a danger to pedestrians and traffic out there today," Mr Kierath said.

"The demonstrators quite stupidly strung a banner across the windscreen of my car when it was moving.

"It totally obscured the driver's vision and there was the potential for serious injury."

The Minister said that the protest was a result of the unions' scare campaign.

These tactics would not deter him from his objective of providing patients with the best possible treatment and care.

"It must be realised that the union leaders do not care about patient care," the Minister said.

"Their fundamental problem is falling membership.

"Only 38 per cent of all Western Australian workers are now members of unions and there is an annual decline.

"It surely tells us that workplace agreements and enterprise bargaining are better.

"It is also undisputed that the use of the private sector in the health system has been a major success in this State for many years.

"There is nothing new about it.

"And if it means better patient care then that is the direction we are headed."

Media contact:  Caroline Lacy 481 2133 / 322 1214