Reverse Jackbooted Action, Restore Bursars Pay

Wayne Berry - Opposition Spokesperson on Industrial Relations

Media Statement - 19 October 1999

Shadow Industrial Relations Minister, Wayne Berry has moved to over-ride the Carnell Government's cuts to the pay of ACT school bursars. School bursars have been involved in a long running dispute with the Carnell Government in relation to their classification following from increased duties and workload with the implementation of school based management.

Mr Berry will move in the Assembly that the Government repay all monies deducted from the bursars' pay as a result of their long running dispute with the Government.

"School bursars were unfairly singled out for a savage attack by Bill Stefaniak because they dared to stand up for themselves and make a case. But, most of all, they were subjected to this spineless attack because they were perceived to be an easy target by a Minister keen to implement the harshest aspects of the Howard/Reith industrial laws.

"Isolated workers, all part-time, female, low paid employees spread around ACT schools were seen as easy targets to experiment with Reith's unjust labour laws.

"Other Government Ministers have adopted a more conciliatory approach on industrial unrest in their respective portfolios. Firefighters and nurses have been involved in disputes but the Government has seen the good sense of avoiding confrontation.

"Let's not forget that the MUA recovered every dollar lost by wharfies in their confrontation with Peter Reith and John Howard. But Bill Stefaniak saw bursars as an easy target and they were stood down without pay.

"The bursars' pay claim has been proven to be justified as significant gains have been offered to these union members. All we have to do now is to get Reith's jackboots off Bill Stefaniak," Mr Berry concluded.