Unions slammed over misinformation on labour relations reforms (A/Min)

23/4/97

The current campaign of misinformation by the union movement characterised its ongoing propaganda war against the State's Government's planned labour relations reforms, Acting Labour Relations Minister Mike Board said.

"Now the Community and Public Sector Union is claiming it is being denied the chance to talk to its membership by three departments under the responsibility of the Minister for Labour Relations," Mr Board said.

"The fact is that unions are not being stopped from talking to their membership.

"Government department heads have been informed that it is at their discretion as to whether they allow unions to hold workplace meetings on site.

"The Government has no objection to unions talking to their membership about workplace agreements, working condition grievances or similar interests but holding political campaigns against the Government in department premises is inappropriate.

"The CPSU has been told there is no objection to talking to workers about amendments to the Labour Relations Act 1979 before the Parliament but it should be done in lunch hours or outside the department premises."

Mr Board rejected allegations that taxpayers funds had been misused in television advertisements.

He said misinformation spread by the union had forced the Government to begin a campaign to inform the public about the benefits and rights which the legislation would bring.

Mr Board said the Government welcomed calls by CPSU branch secretary David Robinson for 'some rationale debate' on the eve of a State-wide shutdown, given that he and his executive had refused a seat in the debate process from the start.

"The Government has continually offered, and that offer still stands, to negotiate with unions over the blockade and details of the legislation," the Minister said.

Media contact: Peter Harris 222 9211