Workplace Tension To Ease Under Labor

Wayne Berry - Opposition Spokesperson on Industrial Relations

Media Statement - 28 July 2001

Government relations with workers will improve under a joint plan released by Labor Shadow Industrial Relations Minister Wayne Berry today.

Speaking at Labor's weekend conference Mr Berry said that one of the legacies of the Liberals was an uneasy and unfair relationship with the Government which was not conducive to good service delivery to the community.

"Good examples of how not to do business with the workforce has been the festering disputes which disrupted the ACT school system and the ongoing fights between the Government and nurses at the Canberra Hospital," Mr Berry said.

"There is no upside in drawn out industrial disputes with one side beating the other into submission.

"As we've seen in health, Michael Moore is moving on and the ACT is left with the seething industrial mess he has left behind.

"In ACT Forests and Totalcare the ACT Government's attacks on its workforce have left a demoralised and angry remnant workforce after what can only be described as an ideological obsession with privatisation.

"Labor has reached agreement with the Trades and Labour Council on a package of initiatives to secure better outcomes for all.

"Agreement has been reached on 11 key issues including excessive hours, AWA's, negotiations, superannuation, occupational health and safety, consultants and privatisation which will form the basis for restoring a mature and productive relationship between a Labor Government and the public and private sector workforces.

"This will mean a new era for private and public sector workplaces where safety and job satisfaction will receive a new emphasis," Mr Berry concluded.